Wendy Stuart will be hosting TriVersity Talk! this Wednesday at 7 PM ET with featured guest Stella D’oro.
TriVersity Talk! is a weekly web series with featured guests discussing their lives, activism and pressing issues in the LGBTQ Community. With TriVersity Talk!, the goal is to laugh and learn.
TriVersity Talk! Is part of TriVersity’s ICARE Initiative. ICARE stands for Increasing Community Awareness through Relevant Education. ICARE Programs are generously funded by The Greater Pike Community.
STELLA D’ORO/JOHN SEFAKIS BIO
Stella D’oro started her drag career at 55, twenty years ago, but her alter ego John Sefakis was an activist and artist throughout his diverse career from the 70’s on in NYC.
Born in Worcester, MA, Sefakis developed a passion for the performing arts from an early age. He received his formal training in theater direction, writing his master’s thesis on the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse and his visual design for the theater at the University of Maryland. He also directed and choreographed one of the first-ever live productions of Jesus Christ Superstar at Trinity Theater in Georgetown in 1971 (before the Broadway production), while attending his first semester in graduate school.
Sefakis had the opportunity to interview the iconic Gwen Verdon, Fosse’s wife, muse and collaborator in 1974 when she performed her iconic role of Lola in Damn Yankees at Maryland’s Olney Theater. This encounter would later prove instrumental in shaping his career and his dedication to preserving Fosse’s legacy.
After moving to New York City in 1975, Sefakis quickly immersed himself in the dance world, teaching tap and jazz at Phil Black’s dance studio for over a decade. Simultaneously, he directed and choreographed numerous regional and stock productions. Along the way he also assumed the roles of Juvenile Publicity Director at Walker and Company Publishing, Manager of Corporate Promotions and Licensing at The American Lung Association, and positions at HBO and Thirteen/WNET.
In 1998, Sefakis became a member of Dancers over 40 (DO40), an organization dedicated to supporting dancers, choreographers, and related artists. His involvement with DO40 took a significant turn in 2006 when he assumed the role of president, a position he continues to hold today.
Under Sefakis’ leadership, DO40 experienced remarkable growth, quadrupling in size. He expanded the organization’s mission to include panels, socials, casting opportunities, and performances, while also opening its doors to younger members and non-dancers. This inclusive approach has fostered a vibrant and diverse community within the dance world. He is currently producing the 50th Anniversary of the original CHICAGO, set for two performances at 54 Below on June 18th, 7 & 9:30pm.
Sefakis’ deep admiration for Bob Fosse’s work has been a driving force throughout his career. During his tenure as Associate Producer at MetroArts/Thirteen, he arranged for Dancers Over 40 to be featured in a week-long tribute hosted by renowned theater and dance critic Clive Barnes. Sefakis has collaborated with Fosse’s daughter, Nicole, producing four DO40 events that celebrated the life and work of both Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. Notably, in 2017, he organized the 40th anniversary and reunion of Bob Fosse’s acclaimed production, “Bob Fosse’s Dancin’,” further solidifying his commitment to preserving Fosse’s legacy.
Beyond his contributions to the performing arts, Sefakis has been an active advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He has been a member of the Community Advisory Board of the New York Blood Center for over 20 years and has participated in various HIV vaccine and prevention trials, including Project Explore, VAXGEN’s first-ever HIV vaccine trial in 1998.
Sefakis has also been involved with organizations such as ACT-UP, Project Achieve/Columbia University’s HIV Vaccine Trials Unit, GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), AIDS Prevention Action League (APAL), and SEXPANIC!, working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for those affected by the AIDS epidemic.
In addition to his activism, Sefakis is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his alter ego, Stella D’oro, the “Queen of Vaccine” (and currently the “Queen Mum of Vaccine”) and her show “Vaccine-o-licious,” this year May 12st 6 – 9pm at RedEye. Through her social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, Stella has attracted a significant following within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among younger generations. By posting and tagging pictures of community members at events and performing at venues like Barracuda, Therapy (now Hush) and Industry Bar, Stella reinforces the importance of staying safe and healthy while providing information and opportunities for the community to volunteer and contribute to the search for an HIV cure.
Sefakis’ and Stella D’oro’s dedication to their respective fields has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, they were honored by Miss Hell’s Kitchen, the fundraising arm of Cycle for the Cause NY/Boston AIDS Ride, with their inaugural Legendary Community Activist Award. This recognition celebrates their remarkable contributions to the LGBTQ community and their tireless efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Throughout his multifaceted career, Sefakis has left his personal mark on the worlds of drag, dance, theater, and LGBTQIA+ activism. His passion for preserving artistic legacies, fostering inclusive communities, and advocating for marginalized groups has inspired countless individuals and paved the way for a more diverse and compassionate society.
Watch TriVersity Talk! Live on Wednesday at 7 PM ET on Youtube here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TriVersityCenter
The official website for the TriVersity Center may be found at https://www.triversitycenter.org