Season 3 of Showtime's "The Real L Word" is in full swing. Kiyomi McCloskey, the Hunter Valentine front woman who represents the East, stopped by to talk about the series, her band's music, and how the LGBT community responded to the show.
Thank you, Kiyomi. How are you doing?
I am great! Very busy, but I like to keep busy.
You currently front the band, Hunter Valentine. You're also featured in the new season of Showtime's "The Real L Word." How did you get involved with this show?
Hunter Valentine was gearing up to make a new record and our agents got a call from the show's casting directors. Originally we thought that they just wanted to shoot a scene at one of our shows, but it turned out they wanted us to audition for the show as official cast members.
Although the series is labeled as a "reality show," how much reality actually deals with you, your relationships and your life?There are no scripted parts whatsoever. The camera is with you most of the time. The busier your life is, the more they are interested in following you. Once you sign up for the show there really aren't any restrictions. You can always tell producers if you feel uncomfortable and take a minute, but ultimately they want to capture everything that you are going through.
The season's first episode aired July 13, 2012. How has the reaction been thus far?
It has been an interesting ride so far. There has been a lot of positive and some negative. You have to learn how to focus on the positive and not take everything so personally. It's not like when it was just our music in the public eye; these are our personalities being exposed. So when people make statements like, "I hate Kiyomi," they are attacking you as a person. It can be tough, but it's television, and you need to remember that you did this for a reason (music) and hope that you keep yourself grounded.
The show chronicles the lives of lesbians. With gay marriage, Chick-fil-A, and the upcoming presidential election in the news, have you experienced any criticism (good or bad) from appearing on this show?
The show has been criticized by the LGBT community in the past for not accurately representing lesbians. They complained of too much drama, sex, and not enough career women and family life. I think that Showtime did an excellent job of showing career-driven and family-oriented people this season, but at the end of the day, it is just one reality show. We aren't going to be able to change the world with it; all we can do is stand up for what we believe in, whether it's gay marriage, youth bullying, etc., and hope that the world hears us through our outlet. For me it is important to utilize that platform that I have been given (the show and the band) to stand up for what's right and what I believe in.
Season 3 is in midstream. What can fans expect from the rest of the season?
I think they can expect a lot more dramatics. There is some conflict between the East and West, whether it gets resolved, I cannot say. There are hookups, love affairs, career changes, and some monumental "Real L Word" moments. I am excited to see how the rest of the season plays out.
Is there anything you wanted to add?
Our new album "Collide and Conquer" will be out this fall with a national U.S. tour to follow. Keep your ears and eyes open for a city near you!
