In a lively and candid conversation with drag queen Katya Zamolodchikova, television personality Lisa Rinna for Grindr’s Am I The A**hole podcast.
The two shared humorous insights into everything from personal relationships to the highs and lows of life in the public eye, with Rinna acknowledging the pivotal role the LGBTQ+ community has played in her career.
Becoming a Gay Icon: Rinna Reflects on Her Journey
During their exchange, Katya asked Rinna when she became aware of her status as one of the top gay icons. “I’m aware now because I’ve been told,” Rinna responded. “The gays, they helped me through my really rough year, my really rough last year on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
Rinna explained how, during difficult moments on the reality show, the LGBTQ+ community was instrumental in supporting her. “They were there for me, and they pushed me through,” she said, a sentiment that resonated with many of her fans. The actress, who is known for her candidness on the show, has cultivated a strong fan base among the LGBTQ+ community, something she doesn’t take for granted.
Katya responded by reflecting on the unique role gay fans often play in reality TV culture. “I don’t watch the show, but I see how people—it’s almost like a… a moral morality courtroom in a way,” she said. Rinna, laughing, agreed, adding that it’s “so bizarre” how the show can evolve into something that feels more like a societal trial than simple entertainment.
“It’s just a show,” Rinna added. “I look at it like sports. It’s gay sports.” Her comparison of reality TV to sports is particularly apt, as both have loyal followings and are often subject to intense scrutiny from fans. While reality TV can sometimes feel overly dramatic, Rinna seemed to suggest that it’s best enjoyed with the same enthusiasm and detachment that people often reserve for sports.
Katya, ever the insightful interviewer, took a moment to reference an often-quoted sentiment from icons like Judy Garland or Liza Minnelli, who have long embraced the LGBTQ+ community. “The gays have taste,” she said, referencing the deep appreciation and connection that the LGBTQ+ community has with art, culture, and pop icons. Rinna wholeheartedly agreed, acknowledging that the LGBTQ+ community is known for its discerning taste. “They sure do,” she said. “It’s true.”
Reality TV: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
The discussion then shifted toward the nature of reality television itself, with both Katya and Rinna sharing their perspectives on the genre. Katya, reflecting on her time competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, recalled how she and her fellow drag queens entered the competition with no formal training or experience in front of cameras.
“It’s amazing what you guys do,” Rinna said, genuinely impressed. “You’ve never been in front of a camera? Just performing?” Katya explained how the drag queens had no expectations going into the show, which made the experience even more challenging. Despite their lack of experience, Katya and the others quickly adapted and became stars in their own right, demonstrating the power of performance and the importance of the LGBTQ+ community in shaping mainstream culture.
Katya, known for her quick wit, noted the odd nature of reality competitions, commenting on how, despite having no formal training, the drag queens were expected to perform under the public’s scrutiny. “It’s so… it’s so cunty,” Katya said, using her signature humor to highlight the tension and high stakes involved in reality TV. Rinna agreed, noting the oddity of shows where individuals are thrust into the spotlight with little preparation.
A Unique Bond with Fans: The Gays’ Unwavering Support
Rinna reflected further on her connection with her LGBTQ+ fans, expressing gratitude for the support they’ve shown her over the years. “The gays supported me and were there for me, and I will never forget that,” she said with sincerity. This bond has helped Rinna navigate the ups and downs of her career, including the challenges of being on a reality show that often pits contestants and cast members against each other in public forums.
For many, Rinna’s authenticity and willingness to embrace her own flaws have endeared her to the LGBTQ+ community. The fans who supported her during tough times on The Real Housewives made it clear that they saw something genuine in Rinna, beyond the drama and the television ratings.
Reality TV: A Love-Hate Relationship with the Public Eye
As Rinna continued to reflect on her career in reality TV, Katya asked her to expand on her thoughts about social media and its role in shaping relationships today. The two discussed the trend of posting personal milestones, such as romantic photos, online. While both agreed that it can be nice to share happy moments occasionally, Rinna was quick to caution against over-sharing.
“It’s like, what are you trying to prove?” Rinna asked, echoing her earlier sentiments about keeping parts of one’s life private. This was a theme that ran through much of their conversation, as both Katya and Rinna agreed that social media can sometimes put undue pressure on relationships, turning them into public spectacles rather than private connections. Rinna also echoed her earlier advice about vow renewals, adding that too many public displays of affection can actually harm relationships.
From her experiences on The Real Housewives to her deep connection with the LGBTQ+ community, Lisa Rinna’s journey has been anything but conventional. Yet, through it all, she remains one of the most beloved figures in reality television, supported by fans who appreciate her openness, humor, and authenticity.
