Lexi Hudson - Miss May
Lexi Hudson is a vibrant member of the LGBTQ+ community and an organizer of the wildly popular Wildside event. Lexi shares her journey of self-discovery, from her childhood in Texas to her exploration of gender identity and dressing. She discusses the importance of community support, her experiences coming out, and her role in organizing events that foster connection and acceptance. Lexi also delves into her passion for fashion and makeup, emphasizing the joy and empowerment they bring to her life. The conversation culminates in a fun game of 'Two Truths and a Lie,' showcasing Lexi's playful spirit and connection to her friends.
Lexi
This was my first photo shoot, at my 2nd event I'd ever been to, TGR 2019. They offered a "lingerie photo session". I'd gained a dash of confidence by then, and this seemed like a lot of fun. I'd never had by pictures taken before, and certainly never posed in any way. I was quite nervous. I quickly came to learn how encouraging and supportive our photographers, and other friends who were in the room, can be. They quickly calmed my nerves. Being relaxed is key when shooting. This inspired me to shoot more....
Studio Photo Shoot
A friend of ours, who lives in Los Angeles, had rented a studio space for her birthday and invited others to come along. This was such a fun opportunity! We both had 3 outfit changes and captured tons of photos during the day. I'd shared images from this set on my social media, and a Pinup model that I follow actually reached out, telling me I should send some of these in to her Pinup magazine, "The Social Pin". After a long and wonderful chat with her (I needed her to understand who I was, and wasn't LOL), she remained supportive and insisted I send them in. A couple months later they were published in that magazine, along with real Pinups! I'd just become a Pinup! Following her and the magazines social medias, and MY photos being shared in those spaces, I watched countless support and encouragement from other Pins and Pinup enthusiasts alike. That's been quite validating...
Pinup Girl
By now...I like being in front of the lens! LOL I got to go to L.A. again, in the Fall of 2020. I wanted to shoot with an vintage car. I was able to rent this '65 Mustang for a day, and our friend Benjamin suggested we shoot in a beautiful Beverly Hills neighborhood. It was a perfect back drop for our shoot. This time it was just he and I shooting, and we captured lots of wonderful shots, which once again landed a few pages in The Social Pin magazine.
Halloween
Several friends and I wanted to do Halloween in West Hollywood. With all the history and nostalgia in that town, I wanted to stay at the Roosevelt Hotel...where Marilyn always stayed, and even lived for a short time. Realizing I likely only had 1 shot of doing it, I chatted with Benjamin about shooting at the hotel. I wanted this to be a tribute of sorts to Marilyn. I wanted to "BE" Her for the day... For weeks, I searched to find the exact style bathing suits she wore, found a place that custom made her infamous "glass slippers", I had M.M. style hair made for that day, and I studied her photos so I could properly pose in Her likeness on that special day. I had a makeover session that morning, then Ben came to the hotel just in time to capture the perfect lighting over the pool area. After a quick outfit change, we then walked around the hotel, taking photos in several notable spaces around the Roosevelt. This was such an incredible experience, as I was able to capture so many images in the exact same space she once did, while attempting to emulate one of the most beautiful women in history, and honoring her memory and legacy. I'm NO Norma Jean...but I sure felt pretty that day.
