Monika: What is your general view on the present situation of transgender women in American society?
Calpernia: Society reflects Hollywood and vice versa. Trans women have always been erotically alluring as a "secret sin" for heterosexual males but were only discussed as loathsome aberrations publicly if discussed at all.
Nowadays, we are on that timeline progressing from alluring monsters to tragic figures to tolerable clowns. Many heterosexual, cisgender young women are happy to have "tranny club friends" (as they might call them) but internally these non-trans women judge their trans friends harshly and do not consider them as equals to be included in other aspects of their own "normal" lives. Heterosexual, cisgender males still find trans women intensely erotic and will spend copious amounts of time guiltily searching out pornography featuring trans women online, but publicly they have only laughter and "repulsion" for trans women.
The best route for trans women to have a normal life on a mundane daily basis still seems to be simply living a quiet, stealthy life and blending in, so as to avoid the question altogether.
As for me, I am used to the slings and arrows of an unkind world, so I live openly about my history without making it the central focus of my life. In my daily, personal life it almost never comes up and I am simply a girl-next-door going about my life shopping, eating, and enjoying the day.
As for me, I am used to the slings and arrows of an unkind world, so I live openly about my history without making it the central focus of my life. In my daily, personal life it almost never comes up and I am simply a girl-next-door going about my life shopping, eating, and enjoying the day.
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| Calpernia Addams Presents: UNREAL at Hamburger Mary's by Jeffery Bowman. |
Monika: Is there anyone in the US transgender society whose actions could be compared to what Harvey Milk was doing in the 60s and 70s for gay activism?
Calpernia: We tend to make heroes of media celebrities these days, but the true activist heroes like Harvey Milk would be found in work by people like my friend Andrea James, whose tireless work on the website TSroamap.com has provided good information to millions upon millions of trans visitors over many years.
People like Professor Lynn Conway not only did far-reaching work with her co-invention of the technology behind the microchip, but she maintains an excellent compendium of some of the finest examples of trans successes in the world.
I've personally found a small few of the people mentioned in her large collection to be "idols with feet of clay", so I suggest anyone do their own research on a particular person before idolizing them too much, but the majority of people listed there are true heroes.
Monika: Are you active in politics? Do you participate in any lobbying campaigns? Do you think transgender women can make a difference in politics?
Calpernia: I did most of my social activism work surrounding the fight for justice after my boyfriend was murdered in 1999. That story is told in the movie "Soldier's Girl", and I write about it more on my website. Andrea and I produced and acted in the first all-trans cast of Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues", which raises money and awareness to fight violence against women and girls. I have continued to do work with Eve on that front, performing at the New Orleans Superdome to raise money for women affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Nowadays, I favor more personal work. I raise money every month for causes from Leukemia to animal shelters to children's schools through hosting Charity Bingo. I have visited many trans youth groups and I speak at major colleges and universities on various trans topics as well.
I also hope that simply being visible might help change someone's opinions or inspire a trans person looking to see someone out there who is living a useful, happy life.
Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime we could live until the day when a transgender lady could become the US President?
Calpernia: Eventually, yes, but in my lifetime probably not. There are many trans people in lower-level politics already, and President Obama has brought some trans people like Amanda Simpson into his cabinet. But so far we haven't even had a female President or an out gay President, so I imagine it will be another few generations before we will see a serious trans candidate.
Monika: Could you tell me about the importance of love in your life?
Calpernia: Finding relationships is a challenge for everyone, and especially so in appearance- and prestige-obsessed Hollywood. Being trans further complicates the search, almost impossibly so, it can seem sometimes. I am very fortunate right now to be in a committed, loving relationship with a wonderful, intelligent man. We've been together for almost two years now. He works in the corporate business world, so I am keeping him out of the spotlight. As I have seen with all-to-tragic results, society can be terribly unkind to those who love us.
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| Flying Calpernia. |
Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?
Calpernia: I was raised in a harsh fundamentalist Christian home, and taught to believe that vanity was a terrible sin. The women in my life wore no makeup, did not dye their hair and flashy fashion was discouraged. It was only after I began performing on stage that I discovered a lifetime of pent-up love for glamorous vintage fashion, especially from the '40s and 1950s.
On stage, I wear mostly custom-made designs by my friends in Beverly Hills or other costume makers, as well as some clothes I sewed myself. I prefer Chanel and Dior accessories, reproductions of vintage gowns worn by Marilyn, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, and other Golden Age stars, and I exclusively wear imported L'Heure Bleue Eau d'Parfum by Guerlain on stage.
In real life, as I go about my day, I favor no makeup, peasant blouses, tights, cowgirl clothing (my Southern roots), country clothing, and a dab of L'Heure Bleue Extrait d'Parfum on my wrists and neck.
If one were to review my red carpet photos beginning upon my arrival in Hollywood over a decade ago, there are many, many terrible outfits and bad hairstyles, haha. It has been a long process for this simple country girl to shed the religious guilt surrounding fashion and learn what looks good on me. It's only now, a little older and wiser, that I have begun to understand how to maximize my gifts and downplay my flaws to the best effect.
Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?
Calpernia: I wrote a book called "Mark 947", about growing up in a religious fundamentalist cult and then joining the military. The book ends with my tragic relationship with PFC Barry Winchell. I have learned much since I wrote that book, so someday I would like to edit and re-release it. I'm due for another book, about my Hollywood adventures!
Monika: What would you recommend to aspiring transgender actresses, dreaming about such a career as yours?
Calpernia: I've actually written a long essay about this, which can be found here: how-to-become-an-
Monika: Calpernia, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!
Calpernia: Thank you!
All the photos: courtesy of Calpernia Addams.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska
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