Robin Byrd

How did you come up with the idea of the format for “The Robin Byrd Show”?
Safer sex. Sex positive from a female’s point of view. I was thinking that people needed to be turned on and tucked in before they go to bed. I also felt that because of AIDS and HIV, people were losing their loved ones, so I wanted to be there for everyone and give them love. That’s where the expression, “Lie back and get comfortable, snuggle up next to your loved one, and if you don’t have a loved one, you always have me, Robin Byrd,” comes from.

When did you first realize that you had a huge gay folllowing?
I usually don’t put people in folders. I have a huge following because I’m there for them, because the show is so campy and we don’t get serious.

Did you face any adversity from networks when you initially began the “Men 4 Men” segment?
I didn’t have any adversity from the networks when I had “Men 4 Men” on. However, I had a crew that just quit when I started having men on the show, and that’s when I had to start doing all of the technical stuff by myself, such as editing, camera work, directing, producing, etc.

You have a new single “Touch Me” featuring Lovari. How was that process for you?
What a great experience! I came to him and asked him to write a song for me. He is one of the most talented, creative and easiest people to work with. He is also one of the best at promoting his work, which made it easily one of  the best experiences.

Tell me about your t- shirt line.
I have t-shirts signed in some clothing stores in Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove.

I know there are tons of them, but can you give me a few of your favorite highlights from your shows?
I can’t give you just one or two or three or four highlights, because they all were highlights for me! For example, the first time I had a transgender on. She was so beautiful! I had my crew completely fooled. She pulled her pants down and we saw her round buttocks perfectly formed, and then I instructed her to turn around…to expose her 12-inch cock! They were just as surprised as the viewers!

Growing up, who were your influences in the entertainment industry?
Lucille Ball, Pudgy, Joan Rivers, Totie Fields, Phyllis Diller and Mae West.

You were one of the first female business entrepreneurs in the industry. What is your advice to other females looking
to do the same?
Stand up for what you believe in. Honesty, love, compassion and most of all, strength.

Can you tell me some things that the public doesn’t know about you that you’d like to share?
I had the East Coast’s only female bodybuilding show from 1985-1990, which aired live right before my “Robin Byrd Show,” which was also live, on the same night! We would break “The Modern Woman Show” down and come back live two minutes later with “The Robin Byrd Show.”

How does it feel to be receiving the Icon Award this year?
I’m honored. I feel hopeful for the future genders.
RobinByrd.com

Twitter:@RobinByrdNYC