Nov 7, 2004

VR: Who is Britney Valentine?
BV: Britney 'Barbie' Valentine is my alter ego and a pure form of expression. She is a side of me that is perfect and glamourous and magical - a for mof escape from my wacky reality.

VR: Where are you living these days?
BV: Fort Worth, Texas baby! (lol really not that excited about it - would love to be in LA)

VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about?
BV: Wow, my life has been about so many things. The pursuit of happiness first and foremost. Fulfilling life goals and destinies, trying everything God has given us, and the seemingly never ending quest for true love.

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?
BV: Well, when I was growing up - in junior high - I was like 5'6 198 pounds, had big square framed glasses and brown hair parted down the middle - I was a chubby little nerd who got picked on everyday.. I remember looking in the mirror and getting so mad.. I remember praying to God to please make me beautiful one day. I still look into the mirror and when I see Kody (my boy name) I wish things had been different, wish I had been born a girl - but I also realize that I am this way ffor a reason and I am attractive both ways... how could I give that up?

VR: Who was your inspiration growing up?
BV: I think it was my mother. She had an amazing drive and love for her work. She was a hospice nurse and took care of the dying. She had to face death on a weekly basis and she still had a vivacity for life that was a true inspiration! And she loved to have fun! She and her girlfriends would go out on the weekends and tear it up! She was a great mother and I miss her dearly.

VR: We all know you are one of the greatest Britney Spears look alike in the business right now, but do you do anyone one else?
BV: I get asked this question a lot. Yes, I love doing "Britney Spears" but to me I am who I am - Britney Valentine, Sarah Summers, whatever name I choose I feel like I would still look the same. If I had been born a genetic female I would have dyed my hair blonde and looked like I do when I am dressed up. So yes, I perform to lots of other female artists - but Britney Valentine's look rarely changes - but if it comes down to it all I would need is some time to learn a character and I think I could get it.. I did Cher once in NYC if that counts!

VR: Do you only dress when you are doing a show or can we see you on occasion clicking your heels through out the streets of Dallas and Fort Worth?
BV: Actually it's funny you should ask that! I haven't done a show in quit some time, the venues here in Fort Worth have not been doing any shows and I wish they would! So just about once or twice a week I will get dressed up and just have a great time downtown at all the bars - confusing the straight boys and showing the world my other side.

VR: Are you into the pageant scene or is this strictly a business for you?
BV: I haven't ever done a real pageant I guess - and I wouldn't technically consider it a business either - it's more of just a freedom of expression for me. A wonderful way to be another side of me and share it with the world... if I make some money off of it, HEY! I won't complain! ;)

VR: I know you lived in New York City for a while, what was that like and would tell others to try it out…I guess what I am trying to say is did you enjoy your stay in the "big apple" or do you think you might have been a little too young at the time you went there?
BV: I was a little young...18 to be exact, but I was going to all the bars and working with some of the biggest names up there - Amanda Lapore, Richie Rich, Cashetta, aand my favorite - the woman who took me under her wing and made me a gay bar staple immediately - Shequida! The Julliard trained diva! I would differently recommend that others girls give it a try! It's a great scene and a great learning experience.

VR: Who do you admire these days?
BV: My goodness... well I am still Britney's biggest fan of course! I love the fact that she is being herself so much and not giving a damn about what anybody thinks. She inspires me to be more like that and she def makes me want to get married! I am so jealous. hehe not only is Kevin a freaking hottie he also seems to be making her completely happy. I can only pray that my Kevin is just around the corner. Besides her I really admire Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson.

VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment?
BV: Wow. tough question. For awhile it was meeting Britney and working at her restaurant and going to all the parties. Then it was Winning the Ricki Lake episode I was on, and I guess currently - just having the guts to go to LA and audition and get a part in Miss Congeniality 2 was pretty much the biggest accomplishment to date - I figure there will be many more so I can't pick one yet ;)

VR: What really makes you happy?
BV: Being in love. It is the purest most raw emotion that drives me. It's also such a hindrance because I let that need for love hold me back from doing a lot of things I should and could be doing. I know when I find the man I am going to marry that my quest for love will be complete and I can focus on my career again.

VR: What really makes you upset?
BV: THe fact that it seems like Life is taking it's time with me. I feel like I have so much to offer the world and so much to share and I want to be doing it now! I want to be an ambassador for equality and I want to show the world my gifts... I get upset when I feel like no one in the 'real world' gives me the chance. and I really get upset when Love is not returned.

VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
BV: well I guess it's just the fact that all these boys see me in the clubs or online and they are like blah blah you are so pretty and then the second they find out I am a boy - they either ignore me or get angry at themselves for thinking I was pretty. It blows my mind how closed minded some people still are.

VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
BV: Well I think the Woman in all of us has that duality. For the most part I am the sweetest little southern girl ever - but when push comes to shove the Queen Bee comes out and attacks. I can be a little dirty and basically ya just don't want to piss Britney off.. lol ;)

VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
BV: What a funny question, good thing I am not full of myself or anything! I guess I have just been really driven and self motivated. I have always strived for what some believe are unattainable goals - world fame, true love with the perfect guy, things like that. But I ask those people - if you have felt something your whole life, heard a voice telling you to keep going, keep striving - how can it not be possible? IF you can dream it, you can make it a reality.

VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
BV: No, not really. I mean there is always those butterflies but when I get out there I transform into the stage diva - the girl who is afraid of nothing and try my best to knock their socks off.

VR: Would you ever get surgery to help you out with the business of being a female impersonator?
BV: If I had the money I might get the whole super teeth whittening and maybe a better smile - I would love to get laser hair removal and maybe a tiny nose job, but other than that no. Unless something changes in my head I am pretty satisfied being both a boy and a girl.

VR: Are you in love now?
BV: Goodness. Am I in LOVE? yes and No. There is so many forms of love in my life. I am crushing over this one boy at the moment. We had this sort of whirlwind past week, he made me happier than any guy has in awhile - really motivated me to do things, but he's one of those boys who is determined he's straight but cuddles with me, kisses me every once in a while and I dunno.. I feel it with him, and I think he feels it too. But it's also his first time sort of dating a boy... we haven't said we are dating or anything and I think maybe he's nervous right now. Part of me is nervous too.. I feel like I might give too much of my emotions too soon and end up getting hurt. But I have faith that it could work out... and be great. Also there is that love.. the love that you and your first love have and keep having. We are pretty great friends now and he is also a staple in motivating me and helping to keep my head up. But I don't really have anyone returning the kind of love I want yet. True love. When you crave that person as much as they crave you!

VR: Where do you see yourself in the future?
BV: Well if I get back into the game like I plan too I want to continue to strive to be the next RuPual! I want to have my own variety show on MTV or Bravo or something... do a couple of movies, maybe a world tour and move out to Santa Monica with my husband and get followed around by paparazzi~

VR: Do you consider yourself transgender?
BV: Totally. in the truest form. I can be both male and female and am equally comfortable as both.

VR: As a female impersonator do you think you have received proper respect you deserve from others in show business?
BV: Properly not. I think with any career there will always be those people who try to drag you down because of their own insecurities and their own wishes. I get jealous all the time of girls who have done more things than me - but instead of not respecting them, I use them as inspiration - if more girls did that I think our business would be so much more fun for everyone. If we all just helped each other out a bit more, we would do much better.

VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender community, anything at all?
BV: I believe I could really help show the world that we as a group are not the stereotypes they make us out to be. Most of us are just doing what we feel and there is nothing wrong with that at all. Once the world sees that - it will be a more comfortable place for everyone to live freely. If I can help make that happen in my lifetime I would do anything necessary.

VR: Do you have a favorite movie and why?
BV: well currently it is MEAN GIRLS! I connect so well with the main character. I was that dorky nobody who became sort of cool and still wants to be friends with everybody. I also connect a lot with the Regina character because she embodies a lot of who I am too. It's a great movie and I recommend everybody check it out - and watch it a few 100 times! :)

VR: Can you recommend us a motivating or inspirational book. that has changed your perception about the world?
BV: Yes. The Kabbalah. It has really made me think. At first I got interested in it because of Madonna (Esther) and Britney but when I really dived into it I started to get why it is so addicting. It opens your eyes to things you never thought - it also helps you realize the things that are important in the world and how God talks to you on a daily basis. It's an unbiased practice and has helped me realize that just because you call Him Jesus, and this guy calls him Allah - it's all the same Guy!! Instead of fighting over him - we should all respect each others beliefs and remember that no matter what you call Him - it's still Him.

VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
BV: People come to me for advice all the time and I try to do my best. But in the end you really have to trust your gut and do what you think is right because most of the time it properly is the right thing - for you. Also finding a great friend and someone to help motivate you, someone who loves you, all of you, no matter what is so important in sustaining a healthy, happy life.

VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
BV: Most of all it is about being yourself. Being openly happy with who you are - fuck those other people because they think they are better than you. Before I comment further I must say I have met SO MANY wonderful straight open minded people - girls especially - that I wonder who are these few last people who actually give a damn what we do in our bedrooms? Or in our daily lives. If someone wants to walk around town in a wig and fake breasts because it makes them feel happy with themselves who are YOU - with all your ridiculous insecurities to JUDGE them - you are not GOD .. let them be.. let them be happy with themselves ...

NOTE FROM VICKI RENE: I have know this young lady for a long time now, I have seen her grow and grow into what I feel is a superstar in training. Not only is she a very talented person, she is also a very nice person.
I wish her nothing but the best now and in her future. She is hoping to be the next "RuPaul" all I can say is look out Ru, there is a train a coming<smile> .