Sofia Vergara in The Advocate: “I look like a transvestite! I love it.”

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Who doesn’t like Sofia Vergara? She’s gorgeous, funny, and altogether humble. While I still don’t understand why she appeared in The Smurfs, I can overlook such trivial mistakes if she stays fabulous. If her interview with The Advocate is any indication, Sofia demonstrates absolutely no problems in the fabulosity department. Unfortunately, there is no accompanying photoshoot, so you’ll have to make do with some candid shots from the last month or so of paparazzi rounds. Meanwhile, Sofia discusses some all-important matters such as gay rights, her gay following, and the semi-controversial matter of hoping that she doesn’t have any gay children. As to that last declaration, it’s better than it sounds, really:

On Her Gay Following: I’ve always had plenty of gay fans, even back in Colombia, probably because I’m voluptuous and a little over the top. Gay men always tell me how fabulous I am. I think they want to be Gloria. It’s great. But it’s a reality that more and more people are coming out, so I think it’s important to return their support. Oh, there aren’t that many [lesbian admirers], are there? That’s flattering. All my fans must be very respectful, because I’ve never had a guy or a girl come up and grab my ass.

On Why She Shot Her GLADD PSA In Spanish: Well, imagine how hard it is for Latin guys and Latin kids to be gay. Most of us are raised very Catholic, and the macho figure is very strong in our culture, so it’s still more taboo and a million times more dramatic to come out. Many gay friends have told me how hard it was for them to be open in the Latin community. Nothing’s going to change from one day to the other, so it’s a matter of doing things little by little. That’s why I love the gay couple in “Modern Family.” People always tell me, “We’ve never seen a normal, loving gay couple before!” They think gay people are just running around naked, partying in nightclubs. So it’s good for older people, especially those who aren’t exposed to a lot of gays like we are in the big cities, to see gay people portrayed in a beautiful way.

On Growing Up Catholic: I had the opportunity to be educated and to travel around the world with my family, and those things help. The more that you’re exposed to different things, you stop seeing them as weird. Besides, my family never had a bad experience with gays, because the gay people we knew were amazing, hardworking, and professional. The only thing is that, when I was younger, I remember thinking, I hope my son or daughter isn’t gay. Not because it’s a bad thing but because I knew how hard it is in the Latin culture to be gay. Life is already difficult, and it’s hard enough to find someone and be happy, so I thought that being gay would just triplicate the trouble.

On Her Gay Role: I did a movie called Grilled with Ray Romano and Kevin James that went straight to video. I played a transsexual, a guy who had gone all the way with the operation to become a woman. I had a great time playing that character. I look like a transsexual anyway. I’m a woman, but I’m super-exaggerated with my boobs, my ass, my makeup, and my accent. When I get ready for an event, I always look at myself in the mirror and say, “I look like a transvestite!” I love it.

On Friendship With Jane Lynch: It’s great. When we see each other, we kiss and hug each other. I really admire her. Her role on “Glee” is amazing, and you know what? She deserved to win. I love her. But yes, the media does seem to want us to have this funny rivalry, and I don’t mind.

On Her Girl Crush: I have many, but I love Halle Berry. She’s perfection. Every time I see her, I want to give her a standing ovation because she’s so flawless.

[From The Advocate]

While some reactionists will take offense to Sofia saying that she grew up not wanting a gay child, I see what Sofia is saying in this interview. Of course, any sound bite would make it sound awful, but let’s just not go there, shall we? She meant no offense, but some people might still take it that way. As for Sofia’s quasi-lesbian tantasy, it’s interesting to see that she goes for the crazy ladies, which is the only natural conclusion to draw if she truly thinks Halle Berry is “perfection.” Physically yes, Halle is pretty close to perfect. Inside, not so much. However, let’s not get entirely hung up on that throwaway question and, instead, just take a peek at Sofia’s GLAAD public service announcement, which is uttered in that sumptuous accent:

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Photos courtesy of Fame

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16 Responses to “Sofia Vergara in The Advocate: “I look like a transvestite! I love it.””

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  1. gee says:

    I don’t think what she said is offensive. Also, she didn’t say she still believes that, she said she used to. I think it’s just part of the Latin and Catholic culture, both of which are slowly changing and becoming more accepting. At least around where I live.

  2. Eve says:

    All my fans must be very respectful, because I’ve never had a guy or a girl come up and grab my ass.

    It’s not the ass we want to grab, Sofia!

    Side note: I, too, understand what she says about not wanting her daughter or son to be gay — and she even clarifies that it happened when she was young. I’m Brazilian and I know how hard it is for gays here. Brazilian culture is f*cked up: gays and transvestites are loved during the Carnaval, and hated the rest of the year. I’m really sad to say that it’s not unusual seing gay men being victims of brutal violence (many are beaten, sometimes to death). So I think she was just fearful of the challenges of having/raising a gay son/daughter in a dangerous environment.

  3. Pseudoangie says:

    She seems really nice, but she knows that transvestite is an insulting term right?

    To be fair I guess she was using transsexual more often

  4. knitter says:

    @Pseudoangie: I didn’t know that “transvestite” is an insulting term. Can you please tell us what the preferred, non-insulting term is? And can you please point us toward the evidence for your assertion? This is the first I’m hearing of it, and I’d like to know more.

    Also, why did you bring up “transsexual” in connection with “transvestite”, since they refer to different things?

  5. Pseudoangie says:

    Straight from Glaad:
    http://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender

    I shouldn’t have brought up transsexual and transvestite together though. My bad.

  6. knitter says:

    @Pseudoangie: Thanks for the Glaad reference. Also from Gladd: “Use the descriptive term (transgender, transsexual, cross-dresser, FTM or MTF) preferred by the individual.”

    I get the impression that it’s not at all clear in everyone’s mind that “transvestite” is offensive. For example, Eddie Izzard uses the term: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/arts/television/16jame.html

    And relevant forums seem to be debating it: http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?148362-Transvestite-vs.-Crossdresser

  7. Pseudoangie says:

    Thanks for the info Knitter. You brought up a good point, it does depend on how an individual’s preference to a certain extent.

    Personally, I feel that when someone is not speaking directly with a person/group who may be okay with the term ‘transvestite’, it’s best not to use what can be taken as an offensive term. Than again, I’m not a cross-dresser, but I have tried to stay aware of their preferences.

  8. knitter says:

    @Pseudoangie: I agree. Thanks for making me aware of this issue.

  9. Tiffany says:

    The term ‘transvestite’ I did not know was an offensive term and honestly did not know what the definition. From reading the interview she was not offensive. Also, it was for The Advocate, if this was an issue I would think the interviewer would have told her as much or wrote an unflattering piece on her so there is no issue. Also, I will be respectful and not touch her ass, I’ll just motorboat her instead.

  10. gee says:

    @Knitter and Pseudoangie

    I cannot get over how civil your discussion was! There was no fighting and you both were completely polite.. Is this even the internet?

  11. Danziger says:

    *sigh* this is offensive, that’s offensive.. you really gotta walk on eggshells these days, don’t you?

    Love this woman.

  12. xxodettexx says:

    i agree with, gee; loving the civil arguments! anyway, love vergara, love… that is all

    🙂

  13. Stubbylove says:

    I continue to appreciate her more and more – she doesn’t take herself too seriously and is fabulous. What a lovely woman!

  14. JaneWonderfalls says:

    She’s becoming a bit annoying now. I hope she continues to focus on her career and stop these interviews. She does not seem funny or witty, just lame.

  15. Joanna says:

    Not to be mean, but she’s overrated. I see better-looking Hispanic women every day at work. I don’t like the show she’s on either. I tried to watch it once, but didn’t care for it.

  16. Str8Shooter says:

    Um, sorry, but HOW can the term ‘transvestite’ be offensive to anyone???

    I am a (proudly) gay man, and I just don’t see how that could be a knock to anyone in our community. It simply means a person who has not undergone any procedures to change their sex. Period.