reality...check

[Lorileah]

Hypothetical question. Closet dressers can answer as if they did go out, but replying "I never go out" isn't an answer. the question is based on being out in public...

Let's say that you are somewhere...anywhere...dressed and there is a film crew for some reality show. They ask if you would interview.

They don't know who you are in daily life
You are dressed already
There is no money but you will have to sign a waiver...but then...you can use your fake name.
It will be on a cable channel. not over the air TV

Would you?

[Laura28]

I don't go yet other then to the coke machine in my hotel. Lol. I would say no right now but being out and dressed and in the fog I would probably do it then regret it .

[ReluctantDebutant]

If I could be in Shadow or face pixeled and have my voice modulated then, yeah sure.

[Katey888]

Yes... :)

I doubt anyone would recognise me...

I am an absolutely starstruck, giggly girl for celebrity... :cheer:

Nobody I know has cable... ;)

Katey x

[sometimes_miss]

Would you?
Nope, not me. Life is hard enough without adding any unnecessary complications, thank you.

[heatherdress]

Lorileah - No. Although it may seem to be exciting to be on TV dressed, there is no reason to subject myself and how I dress to unknown questions and possible ridicule in a reality show? Nothing much good or honest or genuine comes from reality TV. I would be skeptical that the show would treat crossdressing without dignity or understanding.

[anna.h]

Depends on whether my voice can pass. I have no idea if I can pull off a feminine-enough voice. If I could, then... I probably would. :)

[Nadine Spirit]

Possibly. It would depend on the show and where I am and what's going on right then.

Initially I thought no, and then I realized how much of me is currently available via my website. How would TV be all that different? There really isn't anybody anymore that I really care about knowing about me anyways; I've already told those that matter.

[AllieSF]

No, I am not into that type of thing, especially for some reality show.. However, I did do an short interview after a ballet last year performed by a small group led by the transitioned FtM dancer and show leader, Sean Dorsey. I saw them again last Friday night for a pre-Pride performance and the person who filmed my interview with Sean said that they have not yet finished their long term project that would include interviews like mine with no guarantee that mine will not end up on the cutting room floor. We shall see. Normally I would just clam up from stage fright, but I didn't for that interview. Maybe my dressing is giving me some extra strength and courage in that department!

[Kim_Bitzflick]

Funny enough, I've had this experience.....in male mode. If it came to girl mode I might do it. The chances of someone who knows me and seeing the show is very slim.

[Michelle (Oz)]

I have given an interview to a major Australian newspaper and had my photo published. So my answer is 'possibly'. My concern is with the sort of reality show it is and my need to speak with a male voice. I wouldn't want to be set up as the fall 'guy' on a Jerry Springer type of show.

[Kate Simmons]

I would. Nothing ventured, nothing gained you know. :battingeyelashes::)

[alwayshave]

No, I prefer to keep my crossdressing on the QT, so the answer is no. I would keep on walking.

[flatlander_48]

These days I would say Yes. A couple of years ago, more than likely it would have been No. At my age, "I don't give a shit!" gets stronger all the time. This is why I decided to volunteer to be the MC of our Community Event this Fall as DeeAnn. I'm 66 and getting closer to retirement by the minute. Most of the people who knew that I identify as bisexual now know that I identify as transgender also.

In for a Penny; In for a Pound...

In the grand scheme of things, I don't think that I'm really passable (at least not within ~10ft). On the other hand, I don't think I'm scary either.

So yes, I don't think it would be much of a problem.

DeeAnn

[Dianne S]

I would refuse --- not because I have a problem presenting female; I'm 24x7 --- but because I despise reality shows. :)

If it were a news reporter interviewing people for a news segment, I'd do that in a heartbeat.

[AngelaYVR]

Yes of course! Because nothing bad whatsoever could come of that...

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Lorileah, No way , About 58 yrs. ago I ended up on the 5:00PM news clip of a truck accident
when I was cutting class, Playing hooky from Jr. Hi School.:daydreaming:

[kimdl93]

Yes. I think I would. It would be interesting to learn if any of my acquaintances could recognize me. I kinda doubt it.

[Samantha2015]

Nope .... I'm outta there !!!!:outtahere:

[Jilmac]

Absolutely YES!

[Adriana Moretti]

Yes..I have very recently and for MORE than an interview ... ..but you never know with hollywood...I hope it does air though cause reading the haterade here will be awesome....

[lisalove]

Way back many years ago, I can't remember exactly what year it was. I had gone back to California on vacation.
I was dressed and was hitting all my old thrift stores.
In one of them they were filming a commercial. I paid them no mind and went on about my business. At one point I was holding up a beautiful red dress, really studying it for flaws and to see if it would fit.
One of the people from the film crew came over and asked what exactly was I doing, so I told her. She then asked me if I'd care to be in the commercial. Basically just be in the back ground doing what I had done with the dress, and one of the employees would also be in the shot, while a couple actresse played a customer and employee in the foreground.
So I said yes, why not, and I spent the next few hours being an extra in a commercial.
I never got to see the commercial on TV, but I do have a vhs copy somewhere around here.
My sister saw the commercial and said I looked very feminine at the distance it was shot. lol

[Tracii G]

I gave it some thought and yes I probably would.

[Jenniferathome]

sure I would. No one would ever recognize me.

[Leslie Langford]

I am trying to get my head around this question/premise...

Why would a reality show film crew want to interview a random passerby such as myself - crossdresser or otherwise - when they are preoccupied with filming the actual subjects of their shows (Pawn Stars, Duck Dynasty, Storage Wars etc.)? And look at the way their involvement with the Duggars, the Honey Boo Boo gang, and Paula Dean came back to bite them in the @ss.

The closest I can think of are the set-ups orchestrated by the "What Would You Do" show, and I would have no problem talking to host John Quiñones - he seems like a pretty decent chap. I fact, a while back they featured a couple of episodes in which different transgender youth were being harassed for trying to be themselves in a public setting - once involving a young person attempting to come "out" in a restaurant to a less-than-supportive parent while being overheard by other nearby patrons, and the other time where a young M-T-F TG was trying to buy a prom dress in a specialty store surrounded by sympathetic GG's while a hostile parent accompanying her was giving her a hard time over this.

In each case, the TG was overwhelmingly supported by all those who were a party to these set-ups, so what's to lose? If we're talking about this show and it's host, both are decidedly TG-friendly...

[Lorileah]

The perception of "reality" shows seems to be the hinge point.

Let's make this more interesting: You can choose a number or add a show...

1)RuPaul
2)Yes to the Dress type
3)a show about makeovers...in general (Maybe you get a free one...maybe they just ask your opinion)
4)hot spots in cities all over the country...not gay but maybe mainstream
5)Travel show

Assume they promise to be classy. What would be a show you may feel comfortable doing?

[Adriana Moretti]

3 to 5........tell me they got to you too LOL........

[grace7777]

2 thru 5, I would be willing to do. As to a reality show, depending on the show and the circumstances I might do it.

[DanaR]

I wouldn't run, and would listen. But the answer would be no.

[Diane Smith]

I am a behind the scenes person, and don't like to be interviewed no matter how I'm presenting. Plus, it could cause work issues if I were recognized.

(I'm more often the one operating the camera or microphone for these kinds of productions, though!)

- Diane

[Vala]

No I wouldn't. I don't like tv shows with 'real' people and reality shows are the worst. A serie with a good story is nice and cartoons are ok, but besides that I couldn't care less.

[franlee]

No, I don't want the added chance of friends or family having this to deal with.

[Shelly Preston]

Hi Lorileah

A similar thing happened to me.
I was laying flowers at a particularly tragic incident where a young man lost his life. At the time I was there it was fairly quiet with most people at work. There were at least two news crews wanting to interview me. I declined as I have no desire to appear on television especially up close and personal.

[TinaZ]

Heck no! I'm camera shy.

[Marcelle]

Hi Lorileah,

I would have no problem appearing before the camera however I would not just sign on sight unseen. I would not appear on a reality television series as they all tend to be quite cheesy. Now in your list of other options, perhaps a travel show so long as the angle wasn't me as a TG person but actually travelling . . . especially if they were paying for me to travel somewhere :)

Hugs

Isha

[DAVIDA]

I have been interviewed in male mode a couple of times.
While I may not be recognized dressed, my voice is very "noticeable" and anyone who knows me would realize who I was.
That being said, I would do it anyway.:heehee:
Not many people who know me aren't aware of this side of me anyway.:thumbsup:
Anyone else just wouldn't matter to me.:D

[Lily Catherine]

4/5, as long as I'm in shades and speaking Mandarin - my accent when speaking Mandarin is more generic.

[Claire Cook]

Hi Lorileah,

This is certainly a different question you pose. I'm not a fan of reality shows ("cheesy", as Isha puts it). IF it were situation where I could add to people's understanding of heterosexual, monogamous crossdressers, I would certainly consider it, but I'm not sure about your list of five. For me, RuPaul's drag show, Jerry Springer and similar shows that tend to depict us as gay and perhaps on the freakish side have not done much for our image -- or tolerance or acceptance. A "Say yes to the Dress" thing might be fun if it would help us and women with broader shoulders and narrow hips find what works for us.

Since I'm sort of out to a fair number of people, I would not be too concerned about outing myself on TV.

Thanks for starting this one!

Hugs,

Claire

[flatlander_48]

L:

Before I saw your description above, I would have envisioned something like the late night cable program, Real Sex. They ask sex-related questions of people who happen to pass by. It could be couples or groups of friends...

DeeAnn

[Raychel]

No I would not do it, I know a lot of people and now with this Caitlyn Jenner business
going on, I am finding out just how closed minded a lot of those people are.

I do not need to put myself in that line of fire. :daydreaming:

[Jean 103]

It’s possible that I have already been in one but not likely. During Diva Las Vegas I went to meet with a Valery to retrieve a wrap I had left at one of the events. I met her at her hotel The Flamingo. She asked me to accompany her to the pool. At the pool there were signs warning that they were filming kids of Beverly Hill or something. I guess we could be in a background shot.

More to your question, I’m out but I don’t see the up side for me to be any kind of spokesperson.
Love Jean

[Krisi]

Nope.

PS: Let me add to my initial response: "Reality shows" are BS. There's no "reality" about them.

Just yesterday I was watching one where the guy was in a boat and hit a log and punched a hole in it and it was filling with water. He was afraid it would sink and was worried that he and his buddy would drown or be stranded in the swamp. The reality was, of course, that there was another boat with a camera crew right next to his. I suspect he didn't really punch a hole in the boat, they just put water in it with a bucket.

[desertrider]

I'm thinking yes on 2-5. I'm pretty sure I'd look like an idiot on Rupaul though, even though I'm not against it categorically. Our hometown heroine here got kicked off in the first round =(

I think if interviewed it would be an hour long ramble though, just like my posts. I've got to work on my 'elevator speech' definition of my identity I guess.

I find myself strangely 'out', and the tiniest bit in your face anout it. I've gone from being in the closet in my head, to riding in a group ride this weekend with a bunch of people I hadn't met in a skirt, cure t-shirt and sandals. You gotta love bikers though ~ no one once batted an eye, 10 new friends in 24 hours. I'm feeling lately like if you aren't comfortable with my totally mixed up identity, I really don't want to know you anyway....so why hide it? If all of America wants to see me all funky in a skirt when I haven't shaved for a week, more power to them...as long as they don't ask for my real fem name or address of course...

[2B Natasha]

Yes I would. Zero - 5. All of the scenario's. Why not? Yes it probably helps that I am out and about so I am not in a closet. Plus I have come to the conclusion, after many years in the closet trying to find the dang door. If they don't like it or me. Then they can something not allowed here off. As an example of this. I am going to be driving a big yellow bus ( kinda hard to miss ) in the pride parade this weekend in Seattle. It will be live streamed by one of the local TV stations and later they will show shot's from the parade. Will I be shown or interviewed? I doubt it, but there is the chance of course.

[Judith96a]

Not a chance! Firstly, I'm not a fan of these so-called reality shows - yeuch! Secondly, knowing my luck somebody who knows, and will recognise, me is bound to be watching the show. It's just too big a risk.

To those who accuse me of being chicken I say "cluck cluck" (I.e. Guilty as charged!)

[jigna]

I would not take a chance.

[Stephanie47]

I can just see it now. Stephanie is on the old Tonight Show being interviewed by Jay Leno at Disneyland. I value my privacy whether I am in male mode or female mode. I would not be on any reality show PERIOD.

[Byron]

Probably not, I could care less that the viewership of cable TV would see me, 99.99% of viewers would not know who this person is. But just that one person you do know that might watch and possibly recognize you. It could all very likely be down-hill from there.

[STACY B]

Buy Would I ,,lol I would break it down for them right then and there,, Cuz I Fancy myself a Super Star,,,,,

[Bria]

For me the short answer is no!

I think that reality shows deal with anything but reality, I can't stand to watch them and find a different channel or the OFF button!

Hugs, Bria

[Sallee]

Yes with out a doubt and I am for the most part in the closet but I do go out pretty much where ever I want. I hope it happens What fun

[Sandie70]

Everyone needs to understand how reality shows (or any type of show) works. If you are the focus of an interview or scene and you sign a waiver, you usually give away all rights to your image. The producers can use and edit your scene in any way they see fit for any use in the future - even if such an edit or usage portrays you in a way you would find embarrassing or demeaning. And the use of your image can migrate to other media as well. For instance, maybe you agreed to appear on a TV reality show that seriously deals with crossdressing, but a year later you see yourself on an internet broadcast about sexual fetishes.

If you are star struck and want to be on TV or the movies, read your contract and be aware of what you are giving up. You might regret it at some point.

[Badwolf]

I probably wouldn't do it, but mostly because I don't get that excited about being on "stage".

Because of that I wouldn't really do it often in male mode either.

[vallerie lacy]

If I looked as gorgeous as some of you girls, there would be no stopping me. But the fact of the matter is, in my present state, I would definitely not.

[Lorileah]

L:

Before I saw your description above, I would have envisioned something like the late night cable program, Real Sex. They ask sex-related questions of people who happen to pass by. It could be couples or groups of friends...

DeeAnn

OK, that could be one possibility...

Back in 2000, the center where my clinic was had a tragedy following Columbine. I had news people in and out all day asking what I knew about a double homicide that happened at 2 AM. I got tired after a few of those and told a reporter to leave and that it had nothing to do with me and probably some other things. He then stopped and asked if he could come back later and interview me about my job. Turned into the best advertizing and it was free. So anyway, being interviewed can lead to good things.

Isha mentioned getting paid to travel....I had that thought last year, Trans-across America or such. It sounded fun right up the point where a producer friend said "What if you go to Wyoming and they don't like you?" But still I think a travelogue on Transfriendly places would be fun.

To answer my own question, yes to everything NOT RuPaul. I think most people here are cognizant that scenes are not impromptu and restaged on reality shows. But say for fun that 20/20 was following up the Jenner story and so many here have such strong opinions in either direction, I think it would be interesting to see how diverse our community is. I also think it could be a great way to show "we" are really just people. On the other hand, I am trying to get started as an entertainer (not drag) and something like that could be a boon to my career like the newspaper interview

[Sarah Doepner]

I have a hard time saying no to people. I give money to panhandlers, offer directions to folks who seem lost and even help people I know move. If I felt good about how I was presenting that moment and they said 'pretty please', I'd probably say yes and then really regret it all later.

[flatlander_48]

L:

If you remember, one of the most useful things that happened within the gay movement (putting my bisexual Tam on for a moment) was putting a face on it. The theory was that once people knew a gay person, they were much more likely to be, at least, tolerant. It reduces the possibility of untoward gestures as people would no longer be nameless and faceless.

So yes, the transgender community would certainly benefit from such exposure. The problem is that we tend to stand out, one way or the other. People tend to know before we say anything. It's one of the things that keeps people in the closet. Caitlyn Jenner's arrival brings a reason to have the conversation without necessarily outing yourself (for those who consider that to be significant). If done right, a walk-up program might do the same thing.

DeeAnn

[Richelle]

I am comfortable enough now with who I am and where I am in life now to say, absolutely yes.

[Leah Lynn]

Now that I'm out to God and Country, yes, I would.

Leah