Interview with a Superstar!
Lisa Jackson
VR: Who is Lisa Jackson?
LJ: Where do I start on that one?! Well first of all I am a musician above all else that is what I love and what I do best. I am also a trans woman and I am very happy about that as well. Last I would say that I am simply a fun loving person that likes to enjoy the good things that life has put in my path.
VR: Where are you living these days?
LJ: I have lived in NYC for the past 11 years but am slowly getting out of the big city to enjoy a little slower paced life.
VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about?
LJ: Well in a nut shell I would say that my life has mostly been about being an artist and trying to use my talent as an actor or a musician to make people laugh or to open their minds to social issues that I feel are important.
VR: When you were growing up and each morning you would look in the mirror did you feel that was the wrong person looking back at you?
LJ: No I just felt that the person in the mirror looking back at me was incomplete
VR: Tell me Lisa, how did you and the band “Girl Friday” come about?
LJ: Well I had finally found my way out of the closet with all my trans issues and the guys in my band had been playing with me as Steve Friday for awhile and to tell you the truth I was just a little board with the whole thing. I asked them to do a show with me as Lisa and we put together a set of covers from girl bands of the 80’s andpeople loved it. In no way was it a drag act ether, at this point I was still to sheltered to even really know what a real drag queen was. I think people just liked watching me have a good time and they kept coming back to see the shows. After about 9 months of doing cover tunes we started writing or own songs, got a few booking a CBGB and it all just seemed to work.
VR: What kind of music do you play, and who do you cater to?
LJ: We are very much a good old fashion rock group. Are shows are loud and very high energy. Our audience is very mixed, we always have a few trannies at the show but for the most part it a very mixed scene.
VR: Is your dressing something you do for the band or is this an everyday event?
LJ: In the beginning it was kind that way but I knew that the transition was coming I just didn’t really put it out their, I am now 24/7 as Lisa and I am very happy about that decision.
VR: Do you see yourself (with the band) going on tour or are you content with just playing in New York City for now?
LJ: We have Toured somewhat in the past two years, We’ve had a lot of success in Minneapolis thanks to are Friends all The Pretty Horses and we have open for Pat Benatar, The Motels, Sandra Burnhart and The Psycodelic Phurs.
VR: Can you tell us a little about the other guys in the group?
LJ: They are all really great guys. They have been my friends for years and have been very supportive though out my Transition. I have a lot of respect for them not only as musician but as friends as well.
VR: Who was your inspiration growing up?
LJ: Musically, I would have to say that bands like the Cars and Tom Petty weresome of my Favorites and just as a role model I would have to say that my oldest brother was my hero.
VR: Who do you admire these days?
LJ: Hillary Clinton and Elvis Costello
VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
LJ: I would have to say that transitioning would have to be my biggest accomplishment thus far. The strength that it has taken to except my true self and move forward has made me realize that I truly can do and be whatever I want.
VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
LJ: Yes <smile>
VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
LJ: I guess that maybe I’m not afraid to go for my dreams, that’s a hard question to answer.
VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
LJ: Performing is what I love to do and I don’t really get that nervous anymore and if I do I think I have learned how to focus and not let it hinder my performance. Speaking in front of people is a whole other game and if you ask me to read something in front of a group I would get sick to my stomach and pass out!
VR: Would you ever get SRS(reassignment surgery) or when did you have your surgery?
LJ: I haven’t had SRS and I haven’t made any decisions on that.
VR: Are you in love now and do you care to tell us with who?
LJ: No not right now <sadly>
VR: Where do you see yourself in the future?
LJ: I see myself with the band and a big fat record contact!! (if I keep saying it I think it will come true)
VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender community, anything at all?
LJ: Well I never set out to be a role model but if that becomes the case I just hope that I can be a positive figure that other trans people could look up to.
VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
LJ: Be kind to yourself, Trans issues are very real and most people do nderstand what it means to be trans. Look around you and trust your friends, there will always be one or two of them that will stick by you.
VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
LJ: Be strong and enjoy what life has given you.
