Spikey Van Dykey: The Documentary from steph segler on Vimeo.

This is the finished documentary directed by Steph Segler. The film centers on Spikey Van Dykey, a drag king from Orlando, FL.

We're Back!

After a short absence, Confessions is BACK. I hope everyones summer has been fantastic so far. I look forward to talking to Spikey soon to talk about some interviews and get some filming done soon!

On another note, I have been working on another project called "The Lies We Tell." My good friend Erika Rydell wrote it and will be directing it next summer. The film is about a mother and daughter both struggling with their identity and sexuality. Check out the website at www.thelieswetellmovie.com

Peace,

Steph

Mr. USofA

To all who didn't know, Spikey was away this weekend performing for the Mr. USofA Nationals Pageant competition. Unfortunately, he didn't win the crown, but he did a fantastic job and got 2nd alternate win. Top twelve is still pretty awesome!

Congrats Spikey!

More to come..

Transgeneration

Dear Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender, straight folks and their friends:

The other day I was hijacking my friend's netflix online account and stumbled upon the "gay and lesbian" genre. Of course there were your typical GLB films and TV shows; The L word, Itty Bitty Titty Committee, DEBS, A Single Man, etc. I don't get cable, so netflix is now my way of catching up with trending TV shows - or watching them a year after they start trending and be completely behind.. but hey, who's complaining! :)

So back to the story; I was looking at the gay and lesbian movies, and I saw a TV series that caught my eye. The show is called Transgeneration. I'm only on the second episode, but it's giving me much more insight on transgendered people in general. I suggest watching it if you're interested. Thanks LOGO.

SPIKEY: Spikey will be competing in NATIONALS this coming week for Mr. Drag King (not exactly sure about the title of the competition, if anyone has info, let me know asap and I'll update the post). So everyone go visit the link on the right (spikey's facebook) and wish him/her good luck!

- which brings up another issue about transgender etiquette. Boy, I can't wait to do a segment on that!

I would also like to extend my thoughts and prayers out to Japan. If you'd like to donate $10 to disaster relief, text REDCROSS to 90999.

Steph

Audience questions: (What is Transgender?)

Two posts in one day!

The links to the facebook group as well as my personal website are on the right side of the screen. With my website, go to 'current projects' then hit 'next' to see the Spikey Doc page.

Feel free to comment on the blog still or send me a message via my website or through the facebook group. I'm thinking about put a parental block on the blog for adult content. Thoughts? I would like to leave it open for everyone, just in case anyone out there is curious.

Here are some things that a few fans wanted to know more about:

- Why did she choose 'Spikey Van Dykey' as her stage name?

- Several people would like to know if Spikey has had top or bottom surgery or if she is or has any thoughts on becoming transgendered [previously, I had described Spikey as transgendered, but have since changed it to "gender bender" due to my lack of knowledge on the situation]

- The topic of Spikey's sex life has come up several times. People are very curious as to how things are done in the bedroom - which relates back to the previous question.

- Also, an elaboration of exactly what transgendered means, whether a person is only considered transgendered with the surgery, or whether people who are 'queer-gendered' should/could also be considered transgendered.

That's what I have so far in addition to my original thoughts. I think one of the main topics that I'll definitely cover now is the topic of Transgender in general as opposed to gay, lesbian, queer, etc.

Kepp the comments coming!

Steph

Questions, Topics, and Facebook

Thanks to all of you who have been reading the blog!

The purpose of this documentary will be to shine a light on gay, lesbian, and transgendered culture in today's society. Several topics/questions I would love to cover with Jamie (Spikey) are listed below.

1. When did you first realize you were gay?

2. Does your family know? How did they react?

3. What do you struggle with most being a gender bender/gay person?

4. How do people typically react when they find out you're a transgendered (for lack of a better word entertainer?

4.5 As far as your sexuality, what do you prefer to be recognized as (G, L, B, T?)

5. Tell me what your typical day consists of.

6. Did you ever think you would have over 2,000 fans just on facebook?

7. Is there anything in particular that you would want your fans to know?

8. Is there anything you'd like to know from your fans?

9. Childhood

10. Social Life

11. Have you ever been harassed or bullied because of your sexuality?

12. Is anyone else in your family GLBT?

13. What advice would you give anyone struggling with their sexuality?

Any other questions/topics would be greatly appreciated! Also, Let me know which ones 1-13 that you want to hear most!

I will be creating a facebook group soon with more info on the film. I would also like to have a section of that group for people to post their own stories about being bullied or coming out. Then hopefully after this semester is over I'll start a kickstarter account to help raise money for the film.

I am still in need of a Title. Suggestions are welcome. :) Also, if you have any questions for me personally, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Steph

The Project

About me:

I am currently a junior in the UCF BFA film class. I recently completed my second film in the program and am now working on my third (of four). For more info about me, go to my website: www.stephsegler.com

About the Project:

I decided to make a documentary instead of a narrative film for my capstone (senior project). That came about after I went to a local show at Pulse night club in Orlando, FL to support one of my friends who needed jaw surgery. Among the performers that night were several transgendered entertainers. One in particular stood out to me: Spikey Van Dykey, also known as Jamie Kalman. Spikey is a male impersonator/gender bender with some pretty killer dance moves. After her show, I got in contact with her and asked her if she'd be willing to be a part of this project. Lucky for me, she said that she'd love to be a part of it!

I want to focus the Doc on getting to know Spikey more outside the entertainment realm, really getting to know her as a person. However, after talking to several of my classmates, I have decided to open up the documentary to the people who are most important: the fans.

That being said, if anyone has any particular questions or topics you would like to see covered in this film, please leave a comment or send me an email (you can contact me via my website).

I'll try to keep the blog pretty up to date. keep checking back for more info!

Steph Segler

www.stephsegler.com