What inspired you to become a SuicideGirl?
“My friend Tiamat wanted to apply, and we made a pact to do it together. I shot her first couple of sets, it was so much fun!”
How did you hear about SuicideGirls?
“I first heard about the site through an early social media site called MakeOutClub.com, and then through an article about it in Punk Planet.”
What's your favorite part of being a SuicideGirl?
“My favourite part of being a SuicideGirl is getting to meet phenomenal models and members from all over the world. It's like knowing a secret handshake, letting me know that we probably have a ton in common right away. Some of my closest friends are people I've met through the site. “
What's your confidence boosting secret weapon?
“Red lipstick. It works every time.”
What did you study in college?
“In college I got my degree in Political Science, though I originally started off studying Chemistry and Environmental Science. Eventually I realized I was reading Poli Sci texts in my free time and that was my real interest, so I switched over and loved it. It's given me such useful knowledge even if it's not the field I ended up working in. “
Share an experience from your past that helped shape you into the person you are today.
“I think the most life-changing experience I had was my journey immigrating to the United States from Canada. It took many years, starting with an American friend and I forming a US company to sponsor me, finally getting my first work visa and permission to live in the USA after a couple years of effort. Then after a year and a half of being in a touring show down here (I've now performed in every US state including Hawaii and Alaska) and two consecutive O-1 visas, I left the show and started the onerous task of getting a green card without a sponsor. My original sponsor tried to have me deported after I left the show, and trying to find a new lawyer to help with my application left me broke in New York City. It took three years to get my green card, during which I couldn't travel home to Canada, which was very difficult, but I finally got it, setting a legal precedent, being the first burlesque performer to get one as an "alien of extraordinary ability." I learned so much about myself during that whole process, most importantly that if I want something enough, I'll find a way to make it happen. Most recently, I took the final step to become an American citizen, just a couple years ago now. "
If you could meet anyone from the past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?
“I would love to meet my great grandparents, and talk to them about their journeys as immigrants and people who survived a pandemic of their own.”
Tell us about your photography work!
“In addition to Tiamat, I also shot a couple sets for Lulumae, who was also my earliest burlesque partner. Right now I use a Canon 5D Mark IV, I love it. I have been a Canon girl forever, and finally upgraded to the latest model this year. I post my new work on instagram @bettinamaystudios and on my website Bettina.ca/photoportfolio. I also have a magazine that I publish called An Occasional Man, where I share the photos I take of everyone I find handsome.”
Tell us about something you wrote that you are super proud of.
My first collection of erotic short stories is called Bohemia: Illustrated Tales of Passion which also includes nude self portraits, and it's also out in paperback without the photos, and that version is called Bohemia Pulp, and both are available through my website, Bettina.ca/shop
What's the most memorable show or concert you've played?
“I was playing drums with my old exotica band at a pool party as the sun was setting in Las Vegas, when a hunky shirtless man walked in carrying a mermaid, set her in the pool, and she swam around while we played, and then popped herself out in front of us and looked spectacularly picturesque while we finished our set. It checked off a lot of unexpected boxes for me.”
Do you have any upcoming travel plans?
“I'm heading to the Poconos to take photos in one of those epic love hotels, in a room with a two story jacuzzi shaped like a champagne glass. I'm so excited! “
"Thank you to all of you who have supported me since I first started modeling for SG back in 2003, it's been such an epic adventure meeting you all over the world!" - @bettina
