Interview with a Superstar!
– Miss Gina Lance
VR Who is Gina Lance?
GL Gina Lance is your average crossdresser with an entertainment background in Rock n’ Roll and acting. I’m a little more out there than most. I knew growing up (like all of us) that I had a feminine side that I didn’t understand. When I was very young I experimented with my mom’s clothing and wondered as I watched TV shows why I admired what the girls were wearing. Crossdressing appeared occasionally as I grew older (ala Halloween) but mostly I hid my other half in the closet. In the music business I did have some very glam outfits, wore some female clothing and makeup. Pretty much a unisex look (think David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust). In the early ’90’s I decided I REALLY had to explore my feminine self and that’s when Gina was born. Originally I called myself Laurie. But makeup artist extraordinaire Jim Bridges (note: poor memory) who helped me come out kept calling me Gina every time I saw him. So I figured it was easier to change my name, than keep reminding him who I was. The last name Lance came from a character, Rita Lance, in the old USA Network series, Silk Stalkings. Not too original but it seems to have worked. I was always a fan of ’60’s B Movie actresses with names like Gia Scala or Fay Spain. Gina Lance seemed to fit right in. Short and sweet.
VR Where are you living right now?
GL The San Fernando Valley in California. I recently went through a divorce with my wife, Carol, of four years. Nothing to do with being transgendered; we just grew apart. She’s a great lady.
VR Can you tell us about your feelings? Did you know you were different from the person in the mirror as you were growing up…or were you?
GL I would always look in my mother’s lingerie drawer and admire the clothing she got to wear. The touch, the feel… just knowing it was what I wanted to enjoy. I grew wanting to wear lingerie, dresses, scarves… in general, softer more flowing fabrics. I always saw myself as having both a masculine and feminine side and wondered why.
VR Who was your inspiration?
GL Fifties bombshell actresses. Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Mamie Van Doren – the whole lot! They have style and attitude. I really believe that your inspirations as a transgendered person are those you grew up with via television and film. I identify with women of the fifties and sixties because those are my earliest memories. Although I don’t have the hips for it until I’m corseted!
VR Who do you admire?
GL My brother – Dr. Richard Schulze, Eddie Izzard, Bijoux Deluxe and everyone that works on GIRL TALK Magazine. They all have foresight and guts. Looks and attitude wise… Stars of the Past – Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Olivia DeHavilland, Myrna Loy, Ginger Rodgers, Jane Russell Modern Stars – Sharon Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Chloe Savigny, Jennifer Tilly Modern Anybody Who has Guts (and here’s where I’ll get hate mail) – FOX TV’s Bill O’Reilly, Syndicated Radio host Phil Hendrie, LA Radio Talk Show Hosts Al Rantel (KABC) and John Kobel and Ken Champeau (KFI). I’ve done several of their shows. It takes a lot of guts to say what you think and do what you do if you believe it’s right and they do. I’m an independent politically. Go with your gut feeling and expose hypocrites for what they are.
VR How did you get involved in the magazine GIRL TALK; was it a spur of the moment type thing that you and a few friends thought up over dinner or has it been in the back of your mind for a while?
GL I tell people I began GIRL TALK during a lapse of sanity. No one in their right mind would really start a magazine from scratch. Myself, and my business partner, Bijoux Deluxe generally put in 12-hour days. And that’s six days a week, week in, week out. In 1998 I published two calendars; Hollywood TV’s and Hollywood TV’s In Bondage. People thought I was nuts. Certifiable! I came out of nowhere with this product that was crazy. They were 12″ by 12″ calendars done ala 1930’s pinups. We still have a few left if you’d like one. Go to www.girltalkmag.com . I think at last count I lost about $35,000 on that project! But the one thing that came out of it was GIRL TALK Magazine. Distributors from coast to coast called me and asked why I didn’t publish a magazine. They stated that if I could produce calendars of that quality, I could probably come up with one hell of a TG magazine. First I sat back and thought about it for several weeks. Did I really want to publish a magazine? I had done a lot of things in my life but this seemed really crazy. But I’ve always been up for a challenge so I went for it. I called everyone I knew with a personality and told them if they could write an article, even if they were not proficient, we could fix it. Their enthusiasm made it work!
VR Tell us a little about your magazine GIRL TALK,
GL The truth. I wrote comedy for FOX television back in the ’80’s so I had some writing experience. When I met Jim Bridges in the ’90’s I was his ghostwriter for 24 articles for a little known SO CAL TV newspaper. Then I wrote a few articles for another national TV magazine. But what I noticed is that no other TG Publication at the time (or even now) really showed us in a positive, upbeat light. In their pages we all looked like “poor Sally Anne”… alone, bewildered and depressed. Or cheesy sex objects! How is that supposed to enlighten anybody? And these magazines had the production quality of a Jr. High School newsletter. They were embarrassing and the more I showed them to people not transgendered, the more foolish I looked. I thought that “We” should have a magazine with global production values. I know… what a weird idea! A TG mag that’s looks good and is produced professionally! It’s an expensive proposition. It’s taken five years to get where Bijoux and I think the magazine is just beginning to look like we envisioned and that’s due a lot to our Art Director’s De and Rochelle. We always seek to make it better. And just so everyone knows – we are a California corporation and actively seeking stockholders (hint).
VR I personally think GIRL TALK is a classy magazine, but I would like you to tell me why it stands out the way it does?
GL I think that GIRL TALK is honest. Our staff is straight, bi and gay and we admit it. Sexual preference has nothing to do with being transgendered. We celebrate our differences, not hide from the fact we are different. And we know our readers span the sexual gamut also. We admit we don’t pass; we have FUN. But we do try to explore some serious issues, too. Our covergirls are not only beautiful, they’re intelligent. I tell people all the time then if I’m booked for a TV show and they want several of the covergirls on also, I can virtually ask any of them and I know they will probably sound smarter than I do. Because we are based in Los Angeles, I’ve always believed we should be shown out and about mixing with others who are non-transgendered. It shows that we fit in – which we should! And Los Angeles is the perfect backdrop for locations. We’ve shot on Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Blvd., Malibu – you name it. I grew up in Upstate New York with five-month winters so I think our photo shoots are fun for the readers. Not one person who works on GIRL TALK sees us as anything but proud and out. If we couldn’t be considered classy, or were told we had to degrade the magazine just for sales with sex or sex ads, we’d all walk away. We could all make a lot more money doing something/anything else. WE want to be the best! Who wants to be in second place?
VR Where do you see GIRL TALK in the future?
GL What we’re all really EXCITED about is that as of November this year we will be offering GIRL TALK Magazine both in print and online. The exact same issue completely on the net on a subscription basis. And it will look equally as great as the print version. Our Art Director De and her staff are amazing. We think it will be the perfect solution for those transgendered not ready to have a print version sitting on their coffee table. Our new CFO Rachel White also sees us as a monthly in two years shipping ten times what we do now. Can we all say together… “Gina needs a Zanax prescription soon!”
VR Do you have any other adventures planned for the future, a new magazine, and/or new business ventures? If so can you share them with us?
GL In the next twelve months I’ll be attempting to be at virtually all of the TG Conventions nationwide to meet people and get their feedback. We’re also beginning to endorse a few products that we’ve been using for years ourselves. And I’m just beginning to talk to several publishers about a book deal. Not that I find my life all that interesting, but the fact that people feel that I’m a positive force is good.
VR What has been your biggest accomplishment besides the magazine GIRL TALK?
GL Helping people. I never really thought when we began GIRL TALK that our efforts would genuinely touch others. But they have. And that’s really fulfilling. So many readers have written us saying we were the instrumental force in getting them out of the TG closet!
VR What do you think you have to offer the transgender community, besides the magazine?
GL The GIRL TALK staff, our columnists, and myself try to tell the truth. And that’s important. No one in the closet wants to hear lies like “Read this or do this and we’ll guarantee you’ll pass.” That’s bullshit. There’s a short list of all the TG’s that I’ve met that I think truly pass. And that’s the truth. Most of us are too big or too tall! We at GIRL TALK could care less about passing and more about having a GREAT time! Showing us out and about, mingling with others not transgendered, gives those not out yet a goal they can strive for; feeling positive about themselves and believing that in their near future they will be accepted like we are.
VR Do you think you have made a difference in the transgender community as a person?
GL I guess I have although I never planned to. When we began GIRL TALK it was basically just a creative project. But then, because it was positive, we began receiving mail from people telling us how much we’ve helped them. It’s a very awesome responsibility knowing you’ve helped someone, and it’s not one I take lightly at all. I’ve become much more sincere and I’ve learned to accept the responsibility as a public figure, who most people think, knows more than they do! I really don’t though.
VR Do you think you still have more work to do for the transgender community?
GL Recently I’ve been approached by three people about starting a national group that is all-inclusive, Straight, Bi, Gay, because crossdressers and TG’s span the sexual boundaries put on them by certain groups. I’m speaking in front of the LA Tri Ess Chapter in September and it will be interesting to see how I’m accepted.
VR What do you think makes you stand out above others? Is it leadership, knowing what you want or something else?
GL I believe that because I was in entertainment, on stage, for years that I’m just more naturally out there! I never planned on being a leader – just telling the truth and making us feel good about ourselves!
VR Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
GL I’m much better at interviews (radio and TV) than public speaking, believe it or not. I’ve done radio shows worldwide. I’m pretty good at answering questions. Public speaking? My first speech as Gina occurred in Phoenix at the Puttin’On The Glitz convention in 2002. I’m sure people who heard me still think I’m insane or at least verbally challenged. But I’ve gotten better. I spoke at the Eureka En Femme Getaway last April and no one threw tomatoes. I’m speaking at a conference in San Diego this week and a LA Tri Ess meeting in September and the Eureka Convention has asked me back for October so I must be getting better. Or else the availability list of speakers is VERY, VERY short.
VR Would you ever get SRS (reassignment surgery) or when did you have your surgery?
GL I call myself a textbook crossdresser. No surgery, just a low, low voice. “Never say never” but I’m happy with who I am. Although I continuously work on my makeup and clothes!
VR What really makes Gina Lance, the person, happy?
GL When someone transgendered comes up to me and thanks me for helping them out with their life. It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. Seriously!
VR What really makes Gina Lance, the person, upset?
GL Self-Serving TG activists who protest in West Hollywood because it’s a safe haven. I’ve told them many times, “If you want to protest where it counts, go to Bakersfield, CA.” Candlelight vigils only hold so much water. They make the person protesting feel they’ve accomplished something. I know that sounds cruel to many but basically I believe they are self serving.
VR Have you ever had a true love in life?
GL Too many.
VR Are you in love now?
GL I’m in “like.”
VR As a transgendered person do you think you have received the proper respect you deserve in life?
GL I don’t think being transgendered allows you to receive any more, or any less, respect than any other human being.
VR Do you feel that we as transgendered people are getting what we deserve as human beings from our government?
GL What the does the government have to do with TG rights? Respect can’t be legislated. It’s earned. It all depends upon the individual to be respected for who they are and what rights they deserve. Housing is one thing – I believe everyone deserves an equal chance at that. But as far as employment goes- you should be the best qualified for the job. Period.
VR Do you think you are nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
GL I’ve learned from many years in the entertainment industry working with egomaniacs, and let’s put this bluntly… assholes, to be as congenial at all times as possible. Personally, I love talking to people who read GIRL TALK. It’s great! Business wise – if you fuck with me, politely, I’ll bury you. One way or the other.
VR Do you have any pet peeves?
GL Again, self-serving TG activists. Nothing makes these people feel better about themselves than feeling that they’ve done the right thing. I’ve met some people who will complain about everything, no matter how well we are becoming accepted.
VR Where do you see yourself in the future?
GL On vacation on a secluded beach in Barbados. With no cell phone and a certain woman I know.
VR Do you have a favorite movie and why?
GL Galaxy Quest with Sigourney Weaver and Tim Allen. I love comedies! Who wants to see Meryl Streep crying after 12 hours of phone calls with distributors?
VR Who is your favorite fiction character(s), in literature or in the movies, and why?
GL Any role played by Ginger Rogers in a 30’s dance musical. Who wouldn’t have wanted to wear those gowns and move like her?
VR Can you recommend a motivating or inspirational book? One that has changed your perception about the world.
GL I remember reading an old copy of Second Serve by Renee Richards and realizing I wasn’t interested in changing my sex. I realized I was a crossdresser, period, and I liked that. It stopped there. I realized I had two sides/personalities and didn’t want my male genitalia removed.
VR What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
GL Feel good about yourself! Be proud of who you are. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re just you. And that’s great! If you’re a crossdresser – you’re born with a female side. If you’re a transsexual – you’re born in the wrong body and need to change. Go for broke and get on with your life!
VR Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
GL Don’t take yourself too seriously and have a GREAT TIME! Life is too short not to be yourself! And subscribe to GIRL TALK. I know it’s a shameless plug but everyone involved wants to show us in a positive light and proud of ourselves. You can visit our site at www.girltalkmag.com And Vicki, thanks for asking me to do this interview! Get Dressed, Get Out, Be Safe and Have Fun,
Gina Lance
If you would like to know more about this lovely lady and her fantastic magazine “Girl Talk” please visit her at Gina’s Site
Note from Vicki Rene: I have never personally met Gina face to face, I think a couple of years ago I talked to her on the phone and I know we have written each other many time in the past by way of email. I also think I have seen her once or twice at the Queen Mary Night Club or some other event a few years ago when I lived in Southern California.
I have been told by a few that she is kind of a bitch(what ever that means) but then again I have been told by a lot of people that Gina is a great gal and a lot of fun to hang around with. I am sure there are a few out there that think I am a bitch and I hope there a lot of people that like me, this is all human nature. Not every one likes everyone and I am sure business might have a lot to do with peoples feelings one way or another. Remember the old saying from the 60’s “war sucks” and business is war you have to realize that.
My feelings about Gina? Is she one of my bestest buddies, no! Do I like her, yes, very much! Do I respect this lady, 110%! Now I also think this person is a very classy lady, the way she presents herself with me. I am very happy to say, I consider Gina a friend
Now lets talk about the magazine “Girl Talk” a little. Are there better ones? There is one or two that are as good I think. Are there ones that are worse? Hundreds! I have read this magazine many times and it is a very well done classy publication. I do advise you all to take a look at it, I feel you would be happy with it.
