The Road to Vegas
"It is something that has always been inside of him"
West Virginia native Steven Wayne draws crowds as a Las Vegas
'Showgirl'
The entertainer known to most of us as Stephanie St. Claire, Steven Wayne was born and raised in Meadow Bridge, WV.
Wayne is a graduate of Marshall University. He lived and performed in Huntington as Stephanie St Claire, where most of us in the local LGBT community first saw him, however his roots in the entertainment business go much further back.
This week Jim Lawson takes you down the road to Las Vegas where we find our local celebrity, and once again, he owns the spotlight and stage.
At age 'fabulous 40' Steven resides in Vegas with his partner of six years, Greg. "He is a wonderful man." is how Steven describes Greg to WVQN.
Jim: At what age did you realize you were gay?
Steven: Probably 7 or 8 when I lusted after the Bay City Rollers.
Jim: What is your first memory of cross dressing?
Steven: I would pretend to be Wonder Woman at an early age! But I don't label myself as a cross dresser. I'm ok with the term "drag queen" or "female impersonator." Being a cross dresser is a different ball game that don't play.
Jim: Do you associate the two or are they completely separate issues?
Steven: I think they are somewhat separate. I don't believe that all gay men are the stereotypical flamboyant queens who want to do drag. I wish television would quit depicting us as flaming sissies. I relate the desire to dress as a woman to being female in a past life. I know that's a little deep for some people to grasp, but I didn't learn it from anyone. My mother gave the best answer to someone who asked her why her son is in this type of show business. Her answer was "It's something that's always been inside of him."
Jim: When and where was your first performance in the illusion of a female?
Steven: At the Shamrock in Bluefield, WV was where Stephanie St. Clair was born. Later at the Driftwood Lounge in Huntington is where I received most of my experience. I also reigned at the Stonewall in Huntington, and the CC in Raleigh, NC.
Jim: Describe your early days as a performer compared to now. How have you changed?
Steven: I've been a work in progress and continue to improve. I'm never satisfied with my current state of being. I can always be better at something. When I stop improving, I will stop performing.
Jim: What is your goal as a performing artist?
Steven: As a Cher impersonator, my ultimate dream is to perform onstage with Cher. She is taking the stage here in Las Vegas in May of this year. Keep your fingers crossed that she will have me in her show!
Jim: How did you end up in Vegas and what is going on for you now?
Steven: 2008 is a big year for me. I recently celebrated my 40th birthday, and 2008 is the 20th anniversary of my career as a female impersonator and as an educator. I also work during the day as an assistant principal of a private school here in Vegas. I have a full plate, but I love what I do. Vegas is the place for me.
Jim: Any plans to return to West Virginia in the near future?
Steven: I would love to, but my schedule doesn't allow time for travel.
Jim: Where can we see you perform?
Steven: I perform six nights a week at the Riviera Hotel and Casino on the famous Las Vegas Strip. "An Evening at La Cage" is celebrating its 23rd year!
Jim: What political issues do you consider priority on the battle for equality agenda for the LGBT community?
Steven: Well, I would love to have the same legal rights with my partner that married couples are allowed - but I don't desire to be married. I'm fine with just signing a piece of paper to make my relationship legal. I think the whole problem that many conservatives and republicans have with the issue of gay marriage is simply the word "marriage." If they see that as a union between a man and a woman, then let it be. I don't necessarily want to march down the aisle as in a traditional marriage anyway, so why conform to anything traditional. I'm much more creative than that!
Jim: Are you voting and who are you voting for if so?
Steven: I believe that every vote counts. I'm for Hillary!
Jim: What advice would you give someone starting out in the biz?
Steven: You can learn from each and every performer that you meet. If you don't learn what to do, you learn what not to do! And never believe that you are as good as a bunch of drunk queers tell you that you are. Keep a good head on your shoulders and always know that karma will kick you in the ass sooner or later. Be a good person and good things will happen to you. Each performance that you do prepares you for the next one. There were many nights that I would perform for free or for a bar tab, and those nights provided me with the experience that I needed to do what I do today!
Jim: What have been the personal rewards for yourself in the biz?
Steven: Drag has taken me all over the country and allowed me to meet wonderful people and I'm now fulfilling my dream of being a Las Vegas Showgirl! I am truly blessed and very thankful for the life that I've been given.
Jim: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Steven: Well, that's a good question. I plan to hang up the high heels before anyone can say "You know, that Stephanie St. Clair... She used to be really good..." I hope God gives me the common sense to realize when it's time to retire from the stage. But I have a career in education that can last as long as I'm alive. Who knows? I take it day by day.
Jim: Steven thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to speak to us. You are an amazing performer and multi-faceted person of interest. West Virginia loves you!
Steven: Thanks so much for this opportunity!
Interviewed by Jim Lawson
Check out Steven's myspace at: www.stevenwayne.net www.myspace.com/tattooedbum
and fans and friends can email him at: tattooedbum@aol.com or www.stevenwayne.net
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