The sexy star of New York’s gogo and burlesque scenes, Ed Charm is also a first time Glam nominee this year! [Cover photo: @kvngslay]
Thotyssey: Ed, hello! Happy Holidays! I see you just had a full weekend of gigs at The Rosemont, Hardware and Balcon. How did it all go?
Ed Charm: Hey Thotyssey! Happy HOElidays! The weekend gigs were cute! I’m a resident dancer for Balcon and Hardware, but it was a first for me gogo’ing at the Rosemont! We love a gig-filled weekend… but needless to say I’m hibernating this Sunday. A day of rest!
Well deserved! Will you be / have you been incorporating some Christmas aesthetics into you gogo looks: Santa hats, reindeer antlers, perhaps a carefully positioned candy cane?
I let my natural candy cane throb during the holidays, lol. But I do love adding a Santa hat, anything red or sparkly. And I’ve been telling my regulars to come tip me under the mistletoe… strategically placed, of course.
Gay New York has no shortage of gogo gorgeousness, but for a great many you are a standout! What do you think it is that makes you shine in that world?
Thank you! I think (no , I know) what sets me apart are my aura / energy and presence. I create an experience when I’m working. I interact, ask for names, flirt and remember folks. That’s what keeps them coming back. And I can’t stress this enough: be professional! Show up on time, say hello to and respect the staff, and drink responsibly!
Where are you from?
Okay, so a little fact about me: I’m originally from Philadelphia, and I still live there. I come to New York almost every weekend just to work. Every time I mention that, I get the “😲” face, lol. There aren’t much options as far as gogo dancing in Philly, so I travel.
Oh wow, we’ve spoken to a bunch of folks on here recently that turned out to be Philadelphians! Do you wanna move to New York someday?
I would, if the universe found me a better setup than what I already have in Philly, lol. I have my own place with my three babies (cats) and no roommates!
Fair! Were dance and performance always things for you?
Yes, it’s been an integral part of my life! I carry the skills I’ve learned from being a performer in me every day, and it’s been working beautifully.
What was the beginning of your gogo life like? Did you have to overcome shyness or hang-ups, and was / is it difficult to deal with folks who get too handsy?
The beginning was addictive! Still is! I love attention, and am beyond comfortable being nude and sexy — and being celebrated for it! I’ve been in gay publications fully nude, so it’s nothing scary for me. It’s funny because I’m more shy having one on one convos with people versus being on stage in front of hundreds.
And I’m very good at handling handsy humans. If you tip, you can touch. But I control the situation: what you can touch how you can touch, and for how long. Every dancer is different, so please use consent before ever attempting! Don’t be rude.
I gotta ask about dating and relationships in your line of work. It can be very hard to maintain that in nightlife due to the hours and overall crazy things happening… but jealousy must also factor in majorly when you’re dating a gogo boy! Is that a challenge to navigate?
It’s about communication. Let’s talk! Let’s chat! Even if it’s hard… especially if it’s hard. You also need to be very secure when dating a gogo. My job is to flirt and dance for money. It’s business. It’s fun AF, but there’s a mutual understanding and exchange that’s happening. When I date, I let the walls down and really put an effort. And that’s special. Feel that. Respect that. And trust it.
Absolutely! I know that balance can be challenging for drag performers as well. You musty work with a lot of them, right?
I love drag! Honestly, the reason I love working in queer nightlife is because of drag. I don’t desire to be a drag queen, but I respect the craft so much! From local to international, from ones who’ve been on and off TV. I’ve gotten to work with some great gowns! Beautiful gowns! Lol. Some that have grown to be my very best friends! And there’s something so safe about seeing a queen command the room and make everyone feel good! Like, take me to a drag show over a concert any day.
You’re also a burlesque performer! Is that an entirely different animal from gogo-ing?
If gogo dancing is a raunchy teenager, than burlesque is its more refined, classy slut mother, lol. I love doing burlesque! I get to incorporate all of my gogo skills into a show-stopping performance filled with glitz, glam and girth (at least for me). I’m performing in Connecticut next weekend for JMV’s “It’s Burlesque” show! I’m so excited!
What else is coming up for you?
I have some fun stuff coming up! A gogo gig next week for Christmas Eve, some backup dancing gigs in Delaware for New Year’s Eve, some fun stuff I’m working on in Philly… Oh, and my nomination for the upcoming Glam Awards!
Yes, Best Gogo Boy, congratulations! Do you know what you’re gonna wear to the ceremony?
I don’t know yet, but I need it to be custom — and of course, slutty! This is my first nomination… so I gotta go big, ya know! I attended last year and told myself ima make it in that list… and here we are.
Have your worked with all the other folks in your category?
I’ve worked with all the other nominees, expect for one I believe. I get around, apparently!
Good luck! Let’s end with: what do you want for Christmas?
All I want for Christmas is world peace and a fat ass!
Thanks, Ed!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Ed Charm’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
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