Meet Emerson Silva GoGo Dancer

Emerson Silva is quickly becoming the face of San Francisco’s nightlife scene, with original costumes, and a passion for dance.

With the gay nightlife scene now back to its eclectic and thriving self, Emerson has residencies and regular performances at some of our favorites venues including Beaux, Lookout, and Badlands Sacramento.

We asked him:

When did you come out as gay?

One does not discover oneself to be gay, one is born gay. In the course of life you learn more about yourself and your desires, and that doesn’t make you different from anyone else. In my case, I never assume to be gay, I just don’t carry a flag on my head to say that I am. That is a matter of respect for people’s choices.

Did you have support from family/friends?

My family has always been kind to me and understood that I am no different than anyone else because I am gay. I received a lot of love and care and never any different treatment.

How do you encourage others to be themselves?

When I’m on stage the only thing I think about is delivering a little happiness and joy to the public present. Being there gives me the responsibility of being part of the party, makes me feel that people are there to have a good time. To have such positive energy on stage means for me to work with my heart. What I do on stage is Art, to transform the songs and melodies into a body language, is something so beautiful and so radiant. I feel fortunate to do this work. You’ve caused quite a positive stir on the stage.

How does that make you feel? When did you start dancing?

Lol, many years. I started when I was 5 years old dancing at family parties. I remember a song that was a success in the 90’s called “Boquinha da Garrafa”, by a successful group in Brazil. The song is still a hit during Carnaval, and that’s when I started dancing. And what motivated me the most to dance was my family, and I always heard “This boy is going to be successful”. And here I am, showing more and more this passion for the Art and conquering my space.

Do you have another profession?


I studied accounting for two years. I have plans to continue my career for the next semester.

What is your favorite nightclub, and why?

All the clubs have their differences, their characteristics and specific public. I don’t have a favorite club, but there are some that stand out because of the way they treat me. I feel that everyone who works in these clubs are my family, brothers, sisters. They are so amazing that I feel their support in everything, from meeting with the management, to helping to clean and organize the club.

How do you separate yourself or outdo the other go-go boys?

There is no surpassing others, whether Gogo Dancer or not. I have always believed that in the midst of any profession, you need to know how to respect the capacity of the other and never seek to be better. Even though people may say, or see the difference in each one being good or bad. The important thing is to keep the focus on your work, developing different ideas and always renewing.

What kind of propositions are you guys presented with while working?

Particularly I don’t get any offers when I am working. Maybe because of my body expression and people understand that I am there to work and entertain them. But generally, I don’t get any offers.

How do you feel about being objectified when you dance?

It is part of the party since I am there in my underwear, or a costume, showing most of my body. Everyone has the vision they want to have, however, what you need to be clear about at this moment is who you are and what you want to communicate to people. I’m always happy on stage, dancing upbeat and happy. The vision that everyone will have is going to be very personal. I don’t mind people seeing me as an object, the difference is to be an object. I just dance.

What tips and tricks do you and the other guys use to get through the night? Cock rings? Alcohol? Adderall?

I drink a lot of water to hydrate, and also take red bull. And for the body they always use it as a high to add color to the skin. Being confident with your body is a big confidence booster. You’re in awesome shape.

Can you share your fitness secrets?

The secret to having a good body is to take care of your mental health first. When you are well with yourself, you look for motivation where you least expect it. Playing sports is essential and the secret is to be happy and smile at your problems.

What are the main staples of your diet and what splurge foods do you sneak in every now and then?

I am not on a diet and one of my favorite foods is pizza. The diet to maintain a healthy body is to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and salads. Consume low fat proteins, include olive oil, nuts and seeds in your meals. And drink lots of water to hydrate the body.

How people can find you on social media?

You can see me on social networks as Gogo Emerson. On Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and SnapChat.