Tyler Tuccio
Always Remember
Where You Came
from and Never
Give Up
Nora A. Simone
Tyler Tuccio
Always Remember Where You Came from
and Never Give Up
Nora A. Simone
Tyler Tuccio, (stage name – Tee Sparks)
is a performer, fitness-model, an award-winning competitor, and all-around nice guy. Tyler is the current Mr. Trans Rhode Island USA 2020 and Mr. Trans USA Congeniality 2020. He’s earned titles with hard work and a “can do” attitude.
Being impressed with Tyler’s performance, humour, and humility, I wondered how it was possible a baby girl named Christina would come to earn this track record.
Background
For Tyler, life started in an average way. Parents Pauline and Alessio Tuccio loved their new baby girl. Tyler’s first years were filled with pleasant family memories that included beach walks and eating lobster.
But that did not last. Remaining with his mother after a divorce, second grade classmates became the first in line to be cruel.
Feeling different, Tyler did everything possible to discover himself: baseball, basketball, chess team, chorus, band (French horn) and golf. He even started an Early Bird Jazzercize club! Ms. Fitzpatrick, an understanding teacher, mentored him as he pursued anything and everything!
Coming out as lesbian in Middle school Tyler’s life was survivable thanks to another teacher. Besides wisdom, Ms. Lorigan brought much needed stability. Incredibly, Tyler’s mother was deemed ‘unfit’ in allowing him to express his
gender/sex identity. Thus, Tyler entered high school with his mother sharing custody with Social Services. Bullying amplified in sophomore [a second-year university or high-school student] year. “Teammates” pelted him with bats and balls chanting things like “Real men don’t cry.” With no other options, Tyler settled into being every bully’s dream target.
There is more: Even though Tyler was a straight ‘A’ student, he was forced into programs for students with disabilities. Also, as a lesbian, he was barred from junior prom.
By junior year, life seriously fell apart. He now identified as Trans but he also stopped everything he was good at. Worse, he was institutionalised in a girl’s home because his mother allowed Tyler to express himself as male. Because of Trans-related complications, high school graduation was not possible.
Tyler was also fortunate: both parents eventually recognized and appreciated Tyler as their son.
However, being Trans also provided Tyler an opportunity to attend college. The University Dean determined a LGBT perspective was needed and awarded Tyler financial assistance and a counsellor appointment. Today Tyler holds an Associate’s degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. Tyler was also fortunate: both parents eventually recognized and appreciated Tyler as their son.
After all those experiences, Tyler says “I vowed to never again let anyone take away what I love.”
What excites you right now?
The ballooning number of opportunities presented to me. Either I’ve been discovered or I’ve found my groove. Regardless, I’m invited to make keynote presentations, perform for important charity events, and educate mainstream society on trans acceptance. It’s exciting to build new networks and of course to experience a loving relationship. My life’s not perfect, but I focus on positive controllable things. You can too!
What are you looking forward to?
A real summer with my girlfriend! After that I’ll participate in high impact social justice events for the Trans community.
Preparing to compete in the Mr. and Ms. Trans USA pageant and hopefully running as Mr. Trans Massachusetts USA 2022 will require a huge commitment. Not a beauty contest, this is about representing the Trans community and educating others on Trans issues.
The First Event Conference hosted by the Transgender Club of New England will be held January 16-20, 2022 at the Park Plaza, Boston. I hope to again be the Fashion Show opening-act because I love getting the audience of hundreds “fired up.”
And possibly my bottom surgery!
What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2020?
Experiencing the pandemic alone, I grew unexpectedly. The year started with losing friends to death and separation; my cat Bello passed; and my job evaporated. By year-end however, I’ve a relationship with a woman dated fourteen years ago, and an outlook centred on gratitude. Today, I’m better than ever!
What do you do for fun?
Professionally, drag is fun. It’s also a way to advocate Trans acceptance into mainstream society. When in drag, I’m always smiling! As a personal trainer, I enjoy working with Trans-identified individuals. Of course, it’s work, but it’s always a fun experience too. Try it!
In my personal life, fun centres on spending time with people I love: talking, social media, restaurants, and “girl time.” Yeah, I am still part of a girl social group! After all true friends are friends. I love dancing. In fact, I was once a popular dancer and considered a great dance partner!
Who has inspired you?
Who has inspired you?
There are too many to mention here, but these are definitely important:
• Ms. Lorigan and Ms. Fitzpatrick, my school teachers.
• Grace Sterling: Director of BAGLY.
• Mr. Buck Angel: a father figure.
• Younger people and those transitioning. When feeling regret, they inspire me to continue.
Everyone associated with USA Trans Male Body Building. Being among the first to compete (2014) was truly inspirational. Judges Paulo Batista, Aiden Dowling, and Bucky Motter and competitors Justice Poetic Roe, Rubio Bell, Trey Sheilder, Shawn Stenson, Buck Angel and Marquise Vilson are forever linked to my journey. Thanks!
What should the world know about you?
I always finish what’s started. Where others quit, I never give up on a cause or person needing my help – no matter how long it takes!
Don’t you agree that Tyler is destined to inspire others?
To learn more:
Facebook:
• Tyler Tuccio: Personal
• Tee Sparks: Drag
• T-sparkxxx: Professional
Instagram: ttsparks85
SnapChat: ttsparks85
Tic Toc: Tyler Tuccio
Email: ttuccio@gmail.com
Nora A. Simone: Empowering people by dispensing truth | norasimone@yahoo.com