Welcome to “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” GO Magazine’s brand new interview series that profiles a different queer lady each day, by asking her seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
There are so many amazing women in our community who are deeply committed to the work they do in order to create change in the world. Shaunna Spivey-Spinner is one of those women. She uses her own personal struggles and life experiences to help teach others how they can preserve themselves.
Spivey-Spinner does it all; from motivational YouTube videos to creative projects to teaching young people. You can always find her pouring her heart into what she truly believes in. Without further ado, we’re so excited to introduce Spivey-Spinner for our “Seven Minutes in Heaven” column.
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Shaunna Spivey-Spinner: I am Shaunna Spivey-Spinner also known as “Holliwood,” lesbian from Upstate, New York. I am an author of two self-published books. I am a substitute teacher and also an androgynous tattoo model. I can write, teach you, and make you appreciate art. I also do a lot of motivational speaking on my YouTube (The Real Holliwood) and through my nonviolence campaign “Project X.” I am a new foster parent as well, and I have a 7-year old boy I’ve had for about 7 months now.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
SS: I lost my mother in 2014 and I just think of how strong she was even on her last days, to try and comfort the family. I look to her for motivation because she knew she was dying and still was able to make us laugh and keep fighting.
GO: Who are your queer role models?
SS: Ellen is by far who and what I would hope to be and accomplish. She reaches out to those changing the world, allowing them to be pushed a little further.
GO: Describe yourself in three words.
SS: Motivational, challenging, and sensitive.
GO: What are you listening to right now?
SS: Right now I’m really into PNB Rock and Ella Mae.
GO: What is the driving force behind your career/activism/work?
SS: I work with kids from all walks of life; I see the good, bad and the ugly. I understand what it’s like not to have a father figure or deal with deaths. I want to be someone these kids, including my foster son, can look up to and strive to be. My mother taught me how to be strong even when I wasn’t. She taught me how being a good person will allow you to become a better person. I just see through my motivational videos how people actually relate and look up to me and it inspires me even more.
GO: Where can people find you?
SS: Www.therealholliwood.com
YouTube: TheRealHolliwood Instagram: TheReal_Holliwood
Instagram: TheReal_Holliwood
Twitter: Real_Holliwood
Facebook: S L Spivey-Spinner
What Do You Think?