July 23, 2003

VR Who is Hedda Lettuce?
HL If I do say so myself, Hedda Lettuce is one great comedienne and glamorous gal.

VR Where are you living right now?
HL I live in NYC in the heart of Chelsea. In fact I live in the historic Chelsea Hotel where many great celebrities have killed themselves. But no need to worry, I am not planning on jumping off my large balcony onto the street below anytime soon.

VR How did you get into the drag scene in New York City?
HL Through my involvement with activism in the early 90's. I was a member of Act Up and also Queer Nation. I was much more involved with Queer Nation, which was an activist group that dealt with gay issues outside of HIV. One day a friend , Miss Understood, asked me to get dolled up and head off to Sheridan Square with him to do some fundraising for the group. With a boom box, a sheet to change behind and a couple of sloppy wigs we lip-sanch our hearts out on the street and raised about $300 a night. We did it for 3 nights until the cops put a stop to it. That's how it all began.

VR Can you tell how you are different now compared to the person in the mirror as you were growing up?
HL The only thing different about the person in the mirror and the person now is that the person from years ago could have used a little lip-gloss.

VR Who was your inspiration?
HL The women I grew up with.

VR Who do you admire?
HL I admire anyone who has there shit together.

VR What do you think you have to offer the transgendered community, anything at all?
HL I can offer the transgendered community beauty tips. There are lots of girls out there with so much potential but unfortunately do not know how to put it together.

VR Do you think you have made a difference in the transgendered community?
HL Perhaps. I suppose you will have to ask the transgendered community that question.

VR Do you think you still have more work to do for the transgendered community?
HL Hmmm? I think the transgendered community has more work to do on me.

VR What do you think makes you stand out above others?
HL My bone structure. My curvaceous figure. My wit and charm. Oh, and of course, my big boobs.

VR Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
HL Never.

VR Would you ever get SRS (reassignment surgery) or when did you have your surgery?
HL Ask me that question again when I have had a few cocktails.

VR What has been your biggest accomplishment?
HL I still have not achieved it yet.

VR What really makes you happy?
HL A really good moisturizer.

VR What really makes you upset?
HL A really bad moisturizer.

VR Have you ever had a true love in life?
HL Define "true" and maybe I will be able to answer the question better. But I would have to say, yes, several times.

VR Are you in love now?
HL No, I am not. So if any of your readers would like to propose their undying love to me I am up for grabs.

VR As a transgendered person do you think you have received the proper respect you deserve in life?
HL Respect? Hmmm. You get as much respect as you give.

VR Do you feel that we as transgendered people are getting what we deserve as human beings from our government?
HL Any person will get from their government as much as they demand. The more we yell and make a scene the more we will get.

VR Do you think you are nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
HL We are all many different things at many different times. I am much more of an observer and at times people may mistake that for being bitchy.

VR Do you have any pet peeves?
HL My biggest pet peeve is not knowing how to answer questions in an interview.

VR Where do you see yourself in the future?
HL I see a big off-Broadway show of my standup comedy routine. I am planning on doing it in the spring of 2004. Also more television work and to travel more. I would like to take more chances and let go of some of the fear that has been holding me back a bit. Once I begin to do that I think anything I would want to achieve will be possible.

VR Do you have a favorite movie and why?
HL My favorite Movie is "The Goonies." Why? Because it is funny and it has a wonderful sound track.

VR Who is your favorite fiction character(s), in literature or in the movies, and why?
HL She is not fiction but I do love Kathleen Turner in the movie "Body heat" and in the movie "Serial Mom." When Kathleen Turner was a younger actress her beauty and her strong presence mesmerized me. She could just stand there and say nothing and keep me riveted. And than when she opened her mouth and that sexy, deep voice came out of her I was in awe. She was one of the sexiest women alive and one of the funniest. Watch "The Man With Two Brains" with Steve Martin. Kathleen shows us in that film that comedy and beauty can go hand in hand. She was one of the last actresses that had the old Hollywood feel and even though, today, she is not holding up as well as I would have hoped for she still has the ability to keep me glued to my seat.

VR Can you recommend us a motivating or inspirational book that has changed your perception about the world?
HD Read the book, "Blindness." I am not sure of the name of the author but if you can get through it, it will make you look at things differently.

VR What words of wisdom would you give a to someone who is reaching out for help?
HD Here's my therapists number. Talk to her, she's a professional.

VR Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
HD Don't drink and drag this could happen to you.

Note from Vicki Rene: I was so please to get this lady's email telling me she would love to do the interview. For you people outside the New York City area that may not know her or of her, you are missing out on a real treat.

You can also find more information about Hedda on her WEBSITE