--Other than Bette & Tina, who is your favorite couple?

I think Dana and Alice. They were a real sweet couple. And I always wanted Bette to have an affair with Ivan, but Ilene said it was insane. I do think it's insane, but I had a crush on Ivan! She looks like Johnny Depp, she's so cute (laughs).

-- True! Has your image of gays and lesbians changed since you joined the show?

Hmm, not really. I've always had gay or lesbian friends, so it wasn't as if I felt prejudiced in any way. But I have to say that, by doing the show, I've become much more aware of issues that I wasn't aware of before. For example, I didn't know that homosexuals were not covered under hate crime laws. To me, that's just unconstitutional. I'm more aware of the inequalities in my society, and they are unacceptable. But I think they'll change, and I think The L Word will help bring that change. I would be very proud to see that happen.

-- Do you have a message for lesbians in Japan?

"Rock on with your bad selves!" That's what I would say, because Japan is not like the United States, as far as I can tell. It's incredibly courageous to be out in Japan, I think. All of you out lesbians are the pioneers - It's fantastic, you're all fabulous! I'm really happy that you asked me to give a message to lesbians in Japan, because nobody has asked me that.

For all the gay gals in Tokyo. Rock on with your baaaad selves!