(from the Dec 1st issue of Eye Weekly)
(photos by Matthew Barnes)
The It girl of Toronto transsexuals, Nina Arsenault is an actress, writer, sex worker and star of her autobiographical play, The Silicone Diaries, which runs until December 11 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Though our gift guide’s hot hostess was born “Rodney” in Beamsville, Ontario, Nina was most definitely made in Toronto.
You’re very open about the plastic surgeries you’ve had. Which parts of you were made in Toronto?
Dr. William Middleton did my nose. I love my nose. He’s also doing my skin rejuvenation; he’s just great with skin. I get my face, neck and hands done.
What else about your look was made here?
The dress that I wear in The Silicone Diaries is from Northbound Leather. My false eyelashes are from [made-in-Toronto makeup company] MAC. My hair extensions are from Cosmetic World on Yonge Street. Avec Plaisir in Yorkville is where my underwear is from. My fishnet stockings are from Seduction on Yonge Street.
What kinds of gifts would you like to buy your friends?
I would buy all my friends exercise equipment because working out changed my life; it changed my entire mindset about being a more positive person and setting goals and achieving them. And I think everyone should own sex toys. Probably I would go to Seduction. I’d buy them butt plugs. Small ones, though.
What stores in Toronto would you like to get a gift from?
Holt’s. David’s on Bloor Street. My favourite thing to do is to go by the Fashion Crimes window on Queen Street West and look at how they have a mannequin done and just get everything. I never think that [about most stores] — I’m so particular, but I love their stuff.
Your show The Silicone Diaries is about inner and outer beauty. Who in Toronto embodies that?
Shinan Govani, George Stroumboulopoulos and Belinda Stronach. They have passion, exuberance, intelligence, groundedness.
I’m assuming tickets to The Silicone Diaries would be a great early holiday gift?
I think what you get from my show, you can’t get anywhere else. A big part of the show is that all human beings, no matter what we’re obsessed with, are spiritual beings, no matter how flawed we are or how superficial we might be.