The Interesting Life of Rasa von Werder, Binghamton’s Boundary-Breaking Bodybuilder

If you’ve never heard of Rasa von Werder, you’re missing a wild and inspiring story. She’s considered the very first official female bodybuilder, competing alongside legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger back in the 1970s. But her life is way more than just muscles, she was also a stripper, a minister, a feminist icon, and even started a religious movement. And surprisingly, she has a strong connection to Binghamton.

From Lithuania to America

Rasa was born Rasa Sofija Jakstaite in 1945 in Germany to Lithuanian parents fleeing Stalin’s Soviet Union. After some time in a displaced persons camp, her family made it to the United States, settling first in Newark, New Jersey, in a tight knit Lithuanian community. Her father was a respected educator, which grounded her in strong roots despite the upheaval. Later, she moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where she finished high school before chasing her dreams in Hollywood.

Hollywood and Muscle: The Birth of Female Bodybuilding

Under the stage name Kellie Everts, Rasa made waves in the bodybuilding world by competing in early “Best Body” and “bathing beauty" contests. She shared stages with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane, making headlines with her striking physique and bold personality. In fact, she was the first female bodybuilder to appear in major magazines like Esquire and Playboy, paving the way for women in a sport that was once male dominated.

A Life of Contrasts: Stripper, Minister, and Feminist Leader

Rasa’s life wasn’t just about bodybuilding. She gained fame as the “Stripper for God,” combining her adult entertainment career with religious ministry in a way few could imagine. She toured clubs preaching and performing, challenging society’s ideas about sexuality and spirituality. Later, she founded a feminist religious convent funded by female domination videos, evolving into a movement celebrating matriarchy and feminine divine power.

Finding Home in Binghamton: Empowerment and Community

After years in California and New York City, Rasa settled in Upstate New York, near Binghamton, where she built a peaceful property and focused on spiritual writing and female empowerment.

Around 2008, Rasa began engaging with the local college community at Binghamton University, becoming a well known figure on campus for her photography projects and advocacy. Her presence was so impactful that she appeared multiple times in the university newspaper, sharing her unique perspective on empowerment.

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An Unconventional Legacy

Rasa von Werder’s life is a fascinating mix of strength, spirituality, controversy, and empowerment. She changed the game for women in bodybuilding, challenged social norms, and carved out a space for female power in unexpected ways.