-- Every year the lesbian film production company Power Up names its Top 10 Amazing Gay Women in Showbiz, and you received the honor in 2005. I’ve attended the awards event several times but there was one particularly moving moment that stands out to me. It was during your speech, where you said, “Now it's time for us to introduce ourselves to the American people!” and the feeling was very powerful. Could you explain this sentiment a bit for TW readers?

Sure. First of all, the Bush administration had given anti-gay evangelical Christians a much stronger voice than they really deserved. Many gays and lesbians, and queer people in general, began to hide; we were afraid to show ourselves. But towards the end of Bush's second term, things started to fall apart for them. They're losing power and what we’ve learned is that one should NEVER hide, no matter how loud the voice of the opposition is. Now that the tide is turning it's a little safer for us to do that.

It's really hard when an administration like his is in power. Bush and all those around him would have really liked to see us wiped off the face of the earth. So, now that the power that these people hold is dwindling, I think it's time for us to say "Hey, this is who we are!"

Another thing is, the anti-marriage crusade that has been taking place for a while now is basically centered on a bunch of right-wing, very conservative people who run expensive campaigns and basically throw themselves into making sure that marriage is between a man and a woman. But now they're losing steam. They're getting tired. Once disasters like Katrina and the tsunami come into public consciousness, it almost seemed as if people were saying, "I don't care if gay people get married. I'm going to give money and time where they count. That's more important than trying to stop gay marriage.” (Note: Though Proposition 8, the ballot measure eliminating same-sex couples’ right to marry, was passed in California in November 2008, surveys showed that the number of people supporting such a measure had in fact decreased by 15% compared to eight years earlier.)

-- I can see how that would be true. Incidentally, do you think it's difficult to come out in the States?

Not anymore, I don't think it is anymore. It gets easier every year. It did towards the end of the Bush administration--even under their culture of righteousness and conservatism. I still think it gets better and better all the time.

-- That’s great. I personally hope to see same-sex marriage legalized. I know there’s different ways of looking at it but, generally speaking, do you think that gay men or gay women have it easier?

Well, I think, in the entertainment business it's harder to be a gay man, because more people have a problem with the idea of two men together--especially straight men. On the other hand, people love the idea of two women making love (laughs). A lot of guys find it hot, and a lot of straight women are intrigued by it. It's seen as more gentle and so, in that way, I think it's easier for women.

-- That’s true. Now that I think about it, The L Word is being broadcast around the world, yet Queer as Folk, which was also aired by Showtime, isn’t. That just may be part of the reason why. (Japan is one country that has opted to release only The L Word.)