Raquel Reyes was just a sexy, innocent girl in the hay when she found herself at the center of T-girl internet stardom. She spoke with us about her life of traveling and modeling as a transsexual goddess.
Eros Zine: You have a strong fan base in Europe and Australia. Do you think those continents are more accepting of transsexuals than the Western hemisphere?
Raquel Reyes: I totally believe that Europe has always been much more accepting of transgendered entertainers, models, etc... I enjoyed immense success in European publications prior to launching my website.
I had a very strong fan base in Australia as well, though I didn't know it until an Australian fan sent me some clippings a few years ago. America is finally coming around, and I think the internet has a lot to do with that.
EZ: You catapulted to internet stardom with your photo series Girl in the Hay. What was the inspiration for that and how did your life change afterwards?
RR: Girl In The Hay changed everything. The funny thing is that I almost stopped the release of the photographs because I didn't think they were up to par.
They are very simple photos, both technically and artistically. They were shot in a barn and are the first photos in which I appeared completely nude. I have been told that the appeal of the photographs is the fact that they are so simple... so innocent. Believe it or not, many people have used that word when describing them: innocent.
The photographs were pirated before I even had a chance to use them on my website, and they were the first photos taken for my site. The world had seen them before my advanced members did and they had been paying members of my fan club for several months!
I was very disappointed, but then my website exploded. Traffic was crazy, and even straight sites were contacting me for photos and offering big bucks. I guess that in the end, it all worked out for the best.
EZ: What's a typical photo shoot like for you?
RR: A typical photo shoot normally takes anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on how many images we want. Some photographers work faster than others, shooting and shooting without a break. Others prefer to check the images every now and again to be sure that we are getting what we want. I can work either way.
I am pretty confident in front of the camera so I tend to get in the mood rather quickly. I have a wonderful chemistry with a lot of the photographers I work with, and I think that comes through in the photos.
EZ: You've resisted acting in porn films, although you've been approached with many offers. Why?
RR: Adult films were never my thing. I don't knock anyone who does it, and I even enjoy watching them occasionally, but I've never wanted to expose myself that way. I have a huge amount of respect for people who choose that as a career and find lasting success. Jenna Jameson is an icon. It takes a lot of courage and very thick skin.
EZ: When did you begin your transformation and how was it accepted by those close to you?
RR: I began hormones when I was 17. I was very lucky that my family and friends were and still are extremely supportive of me.
EZ: How long have you been identifying as a female?
RR: I always knew I was a boy. I was never one of those conflicted transgendereds that believed in their minds that they were indeed a girl. I just knew I would be happier and more beautiful as a woman so I did it.. and I have never regretted my decision.
EZ: What do you think makes you a "TS Goddess?"
RR: I thought the name TS Goddess was cool and provocative. I never really meant to imply that I think of myself as a goddess. Some of the girls in this business have a preconceived notion that I consider myself the end all be all of TS superstars and models just because I called my website TSGODDESS. That's not the case.
EZ: You travel a lot and seem to regularly do photo shoots. You must love what you do. Does it ever wear you out?
RR: I do travel all the time, both in the US and in Europe. I will be visiting Buenos Aries in August and scouting locations for my upcoming bikini calendar, which has already been picked up my a major distributor.
I do get tired, and when I just cant go anymore I normally head down to Key West where I have an amazing hideaway in the middle of paradise. It's my favorite place in the world.
EZ: What other interests and hobbies do you have outside of modeling?
RR: I have a lot of hobbies. I love working out, diving, dancing, writing, reading and classic films. I'm an incredible cook and love entertaining friends and family at home.
Well Raquel, we're glad you're not just entertaining at home! To check out more of this Transsexual Goddess, go to www.tsgoddess.com.
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