How do you think the show has affected lesbian viewers? Do you believe that this show is a step in the right direction, compared with most LGBTQ mainstream portrayals?
Of course—because we are real. No one was real on The L Word: It was a soap opera. And, the style of the show [OITNB] is not just about being LGBTQ or lesbian, it’s about women. When was the last time you saw a show like this, with so many women, talking about their real lives and issues? When was the last time you saw a show with a positive portrayal of a trans, butch, or dyke?
How do you see your character changing that image?
Butches are shown to be truck drivers or drunks who hit on everyone’s girlfriends. That’s the image they’ve always had. Look at who Big Boo is. She’s not just smart; she has a kind and warm heart. Sure, she has her evil dark side, but it’s not physical. When she wants to get at someone, she gets to them.
I noticed that the suit you wore to the Emmy’s was from the lesbian-owned company Saint Harridan. How important is it to support lesbian-owned businesses, brands, and projects?
I think it’s really important to support lesbians, as long as the work is good. You’re not doing anyone any favors if their work is shit. This is a lesbian-owned company dedicated to making men’s clothes for women and transmen. It’s a fantastic thing.
You have a lot of love for our community. In what other ways do you give back? Are there any charitable organizations that mean a great deal to you?
My own personal pet project is “People Lea Like.” I get famous friends together to do a concert night and auction. We raise money to give to one breast cancer patient to do with as she pleases. I also do a lot for The Trevor Project and Tie The Knot for marriage equality. They sell bow ties and have raised a quarter of a million dollars. We designed an Orange Is the New Black line. I designed a tie, and so did three other cast members.
Lea Delaria wearing a Saint Harridan suit (Photo by Denis Largeron)
To what holiday celebrations will you be wearing that bow tie?
If you are what you eat, then I’m a Jew. I do celebrate Hanukkah with my Jewish friends, and I celebrate Christmas with my girlfriend [Chelsea] and her family.
A girlfriend? Tell me more!
We met when I started filming the first season. Emma Myles [Leanne Taylor, on OITNB]—who used to be Pennsatucky’s sidekick on the show—and Chelsea are best friends. They went to school together, and Emma introduced us. We’ve been together for two years.
How do you manage a busy career and make time for loved ones during the holiday season?
I clone myself. You have no idea which one you’re talking to right now.
What’s on the top of your holiday wish list?
Oh, that’s easy: Natalie Portman. And, Emily Watson is second on my list.
Well, I won’t tell Chelsea! What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People are surprised by how much I love to cook and how well I cook. I’ve done cooking shows and cooking segments.
What’s your favorite holiday dish to cook?
Turkey. It’s all about a good turkey, honey.
Indeed, it is. Any other surprises? How do you plan to spend the holidays this year?
I have a holiday jazz album of Christmas songs called Be a Santa, so I do a lot of Christmas shows. I tour a lot, singing Christmas songs, jazz style.
For more information on Lea DeLaria and her epic adventures, follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/OfficialLeaDeLaria, or Twitter, @realleadelaria.
