Where are they?

[jlacerra]

Bob, as an insider, can you say why some great looking T-girls are around in videos for years (Vaniity, Laisa, Andreia), and others, regardless of how great they look or how much demand there is, just seem to fall off the planet (Sapphire, Victoria)? I know there is probably no single answer aptly applied to all girls, but an insider's overview, perhaps?

[Bob]

Well, it's just like fashion models, porn stars, gymnasts and other professions that require youth and good looks or good physique. People age and or move on to other things. It's just that simple.

The top fashion models are generally in the limelight for a few years. Then younger models come on the scene. Cindy Crawford was a rarety in staying at the top as long as she did. The same happens with olympic athletes, and pornstars. I remember some of my old favortes like Ginger Lynn, Celeste, Chasey Lain, Raquel Darian... They were in the limelight for a few years and then they disappeared.

For example Vaniity has been doing porn since the mid 90s. I was the first to photograph Barbie - in 1998. Sometimes we think of our favorite girls as we first saw them and fantasized about them. We forget to stop and think, maybe she got married, maybe she has a new career, or maybe she simply doesn't want to do modeling or porn videos anymore. Sometimes, I decide that a girl doesn't have the looks she once had. As such I don't want to photograph them if I feel it will have a negative effect. It's like a great quarterback playing one season too long. I hate to see that. John Elway went out on top. Brett Favre had a horrible season last year, which may have been his last.

Does this all make sense now?

[jlacerra]

Yes, it does make sense. But I was also thinking of girls who are in their prime, you see them in one or two vids,and then nada. This seems more common to the Brazilians. An example: a dark-skinned, dark-haired lovely named Gisele (?); gorgeous (damn near perfect), about 18, clearly on hormones. I saw her in two scenes and never again. I can only imagine what things are like in Rio or Sao Paolo with the T-girl community. But I would think that vid work is most desirable.

Speaking of Vaniity, I think she just gets better looking with time!

[Ben in LA]

With the porn stars, I agree. I've noticed in the industry, the male talent lasts a lot longer than the female talent. Of course there are exceptions (for example-Nina Hartley, Keisha, Sharon Kane).

With T-girls, there are very few exceptions from what I've seen. You are right; most of the girls do move on to other things without any regrets, leaving behind a legacy that we all reflect on...as with Barbie Woods.

[rick]

One girl i always hope to read or see something new from is Lillianne Lee, i know she was in some party pics gallery recently and that shes a friend of yours. But can you tell us something more? Is it out of the question she will do a new photo/video shoot? How is she doing? Please tell her shes got a big fan here, Bob. Thanks.

[Bob]

I haven't spoken to Lilienne in a few months but she's doing OK. She has a job doing counseling and she's also dabbling in stand up comedy.

[rmoyer]

What kind of work do most of the T-girls move into when they quit the business? Do some get married to men and stay pre-op? What percentage such as Nikki have SRS?

[Bob]

Some enter into relationships that allow them to quit the biz. I know many who are hair stylists and/or makeup artists. I know others who work in retail sales, medical, office jobs and such. Of course mainstream jobs are still difficult to get for various reasons, including immigration status, discrimination, lack of education and language barrier. So many do choose fields such as hair styling because it is more available.

It's difficult to say what the % is but as the technology, availability and pricing has improved, that % is growing. Now many more girls are talking about it and planning it than when I entered the scene. I've also known some who planned to do it then changed their minds.