Exit Interview: Stephen Workman
Stephen Workman burst onto the go-go scene just a few months ago, shakin’ his chiseled bod at RockBar and Boots and Saddle, stripping down to at Daniel Nardicio’s Speakeasy parties, and working a fierce freakin’ look at this year’s Black Party. Then one fateful night, love found Mr. Workman—at The Cock, of all places—and pretty soon he was hanging up his thong for good. So as his go-go career draws to a close, we caught up with Stephen for his official AntiTwink.com Exit Interview!
ANTITWINK.COM: What is your primary reason for leaving?
STEPHEN WORKMAN: Love was the eye opener, but I was sick of being so damned tired all the time!
Did anything trigger your decision to leave?
After Black Party weekend, I realized that I could get deeper into it, and get into the promoting side of things, creating parties, and such. But I realized that in order for me to do that I was going to have to start drinking a lot more, and that weekend just took it all out of me.
What was most satisfying about your job?
Being able to do pretty much whatever I wanted. I'm an exhibitionist at heart and I love dancing. I developed what I call the dick twirl.
What was least satisfying about your job?
The late hours and having to be groped by disgusting people. I don't mind a grope so much, but it's always the ugly, nasty ones that linger, and while they may tip you, $5 just ain’t worth it anymore.
What would you change about your job?
I'd probably just get into the decorating part of things. I don't love being in the mass group so much and having to be turned on all the time. I’m much more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person. I know how to be sociable, but I'm a recluse at heart, and I like being able to create something that people can enjoy and not necessarily need to be praised for it.
What would you improve to make our workplace better?
I would hand out free gym memberships and tell people to take a breath mint.
Based on your experience with us, what do you think it takes to succeed at this company?
I think it takes a colder sensibility. I think in the long run I'm just too sensitive to survive in nightlife. I'm too in tune with myself, and I was finding that I had to detach from myself too much in order to get through the night, and that coldness doesn't come naturally to me.
Did anyone in this company discriminate against you, harass you or cause hostile working conditions?
Every night at least! But wearing a thong, what could I really expect. Do you want names? That would be a long list!
Can this company do anything to encourage you to stay?
I guess if my talents as a creative visual artist were used more I would be more enticed to stay. Generally it's all too one dimensional, and I like creating too much to be stuck in a job that is all about face. I do have fun putting together a theme and seeing it through to completion in transforming a space into another world.
Would you consider working again for this company in the future?
I would, but I definitely would approach it differently. I would wear more clothes, and be more in the "off camera" roll. I don't need fame or attention, I just have to be able to create.
Any other comments?
My short career as a go-go dancer was amazing. I learned so much about myself that I couldn't have in other ways. It gave me a chance to open my mind about sexuality and people in general. The negative experiences were very few, I mostly just got sick of being tired all the time and not being able to do my own artwork. I imagine I'll be back in another facet. I have made so many friends that I know I'll have for a long time. And I met my boyfriend through it all—can't beat that! I'm so in love now, and when you are in love it's hard to not be with that person, so for now I'm taking a hiatus.
