Let’s face facts: Jenny Shimizu is an icon among the queer community. But what you may not already know is that she a multifaceted, dynamic, tour de force. She’s more than a champion of the LGBT community, more than the gorgeous and androgynous Asian-American model who challenged archaic interpretations of sexuality and beauty on billboards across the country. She’s more than a motorcycle mechanic and enthusiast, more than an actress, more than a designer, and more than a poster child.
And those are just the parts we got to talk about.
Cherry Grrl (CG): Jenny, you’re an actress, a model, a media personality, a mechanic, and so highly regarded by everyone who has had the pleasure of working with you. With so many accomplishments and essentially your own brand, how picky are you about what you get involved in?
Jenny Shimizu (JS): I only get involved in things that I feel will challenge me. If the first thought I have is, “I’m scared, how will I do that?” it’s a sure sign that I will definitely do it. I’m a “yes” person, and I often find this makes my life bigger in many ways. Saying “no” to things is easy; I know the outcome. Saying “yes” opens up the doors to way more possibilities.
CG: Your life and career are so full of moments that have established the identity for brands like Calvin Klein and Banana Republic. Is there a definitive moment that you consider a favorite or most important in shaping your career?
JS: One of the most quiet and simple moments was when my friend woke me up at 4am to go to Times Square. I was still in my pajamas and no one was around. When I got out of the cab, I saw a billboard of me on top of Times Square and underneath my picture it said “American Beauty.” I never felt like I was beautiful or that I fit in, especially because my images of beauty were Caucasian models with blonde hair and blue eyes. At the time I didn’t really feel anything except “Whoa!”
But in hindsight it was a very big deal to put an image of an Asian-American, lesbian model on the top of Times Square. I always am grateful for that moment.
CG: You were seen on America’s Next Top Model, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Make Me a Supermodel and a few other reality television shows. How and why did you decide to get involved with reality television?
JS: I got involved with reality television because I thought I have a wealth of information about modeling, especially for girls who are trying to break into the business. I also have a different perspective on this world because my story is so different than the typical girl who wants to model. I also had never done this sort of thing and it seemed very interesting to me. Visibility is key. I knew I wasn’t going to be portrayed negatively on any of those shows. (continued on next page)
