Oct 23, 2009  |  By: Staff & Wire Reports  | COMMENTS     

For local gay actor Ashley Ivey, being an actor gives him a chance to explore different facets of humanity. “I’ve always been fascinated by humans,” he says. “Where else could I be able to explore what being a human means in all its facets? I could be a mass murderer one day, a gay man the next, or a bisexual doctor in a farce, which is the case now.”

He’s referring to “A Flea in Her Ear,” the Constellation Theatre Co. production he’s in now at Source Theater on 14th Street, which runs through Nov. 8. Ivey’s partner of three years, Matty Griffiths, is also an actor. Ivey says it works well for their relationship.

“I love being with him because he’s the most critical of my work,” Ivey says. “We can tell each other what’s really working and what’s crap. That level of candor and honesty, I find lovely.”

Ivey, a Morganton, N.C., native stayed in the D.C. area to finish high school, though his mother had died and his father opted to move back to North Carolina. Another family took Ivey under its wing, allowing him to stay and he considers them family as well. By day he works as an engraver at a shop his boyfriend’s parents own in Clarendon. He enjoys learning Japanese calligraphy, yoga and watercolors when he’s not on stage.

For more information on “Flea,” visit www.sourcedc.org.

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell? I have been out for 11 years, and the hardest person to tell was my father. He rejected me and we didn’t speak for almost five years, but we now have a great relationship.

Who’s your gay hero? My gay heroes would have to be the folks who work at SMYAL, as a teenager I went to their meetings and developed a community, support system, and a place to be myself within their walls and for that I am grateful.

What is Washington’s best nightspot, past or present? For kickin’ up my heels, Town. For drinks, Bar Pilar on 14th Street.

If gay marriage were legal, would you tie the knot? I don’t know.

What non-gay issue are you most passionate about? Both of my parents are deaf and I grew up within the deaf community, so any and all things related to deaf culture I am very passionate about.

What historical outcome would you change? The inevitability of war.

What has been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime? The inception of the first reality show, the first “Real World” on MTV.

On what reality TV show would you fare best? “Amazing Race”

What item of clothing has been in your closet since high school? Multi-colored sweater vest — it’s gonna come back I can feel it.

If your life were a book, what would the title be? “A Little Left of Reality”

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do? Fight for legislation to prohibit its use, ever.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world? I believe in the possibility of all things seen and unseen.

What would you order for your last meal? Steak, mac and cheese, really good beer.

What would you walk across hot coals for? Are you kidding?

What gay stereotype annoys you most? All of them.

What is the best gay film ever made? “Beautiful Thing”

What is the most overrated social custom? The whole white-after-Labor Day thing. Wear what you want I say.

What trophy or prize do you most covet? If I told you I wouldn’t get it.

What’s your advice for gay teens? Be true to yourself in all things and be fabulous in everything you do.

Why Washington? As an actor the theater in D.C. is vibrant, alive and growing. For me right now it’s the best place to live.