Welcome to “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” GO Magazine’s brand new interview series that profiles a different queer person each day by asking them seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
We all remember Kacy Boccumini from the “The Real L Word” seasons 2 and 3. She was, personally speaking, one of my favorite characters to ever grace the lesbian-laden screen of “The Real L Word.” Boccumini had a raw authenticity about her, a rare “realness” that one does not easily find in reality-TV-land. She didn’t read as self-conscious, nor did she attain that uncomfortable, desperate energy for “screen time.” She was naturally entertaining because she is naturally charismatic, babes. And funny. And strong. And awesomely vulnerable when the moment calls for it.
I decided it was time to reach out to Boccumini to see what she’s up to now—to see what her life looks like outside the glittery realm of reality TV fame.
What I didn’t know before reaching out to Boccumini is that not only is she a fierce babe who can hold our attention span on screen and be collectively liked by notoriously picky lesbians everywhere (no easy feat!), she’s also a boss, a wildly articulate writer, and a dance-floor enthusiast. I didn’t think that it was even possible, but I think I admire this multi-faceted force-of-lesbian-nature even more than I did before. And I have a feeling all of you queers will, too.
I encourage you to stall your work deadlines, take a moment, and enjoy today’s wonderful “Seven Minutes In Heaven” with the writer, boss, executive director, and reality TV star, Kacy Boccumini!
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Kacy Boccumini: My name is Kacy Boccumini. Most lesbians know me from “The Real L Word,” seasons 2 and 3. By day, I’m an Executive Director of Digital Distribution at a movie studio. By night, I’m a writer.
GO: What is the driving force behind your career/activism/work?
KB: As a butch lesbian, I’ve always fought against the rules and boundaries of gender because I never understood why some attributes were exclusively assigned to men. In my work and in my life, I’ve always utilized what I deem the best qualities in a person—a blend of strength, compassion, charisma, drive, confidence, etc.—regardless of whether or not those were traditionally male or female. I’m a leader and a boss, so I’m confident but not aggressive. I’m strong emotionally and physically, but flexible and collaborative. I’ve always tried to be the proof that there are no boundaries to what being a woman, or a butch lesbian, can be. Even more so, that being butch by no means indicates that I have to perform aspects of masculinity that I deem in direct conflict with being a woman. Who I am and how I perform my gender identity calls attention to the fact that everything you see before you is performance, and one that we all participate in. If I can perform my masculinity in a way that is both loving and strong, then others (and I’m looking at you, fellas) can adapt their own performance. Because I can speak “bro” well enough to infiltrate the clubhouse, I try to change minds one respected relationship at a time. Hoping to get around to the entire world by New Years.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
KB: My friends. I have the most incredible friends. They lift me up. Challenge me. Cheer for me. Dance with me. They are family. Blood. I cannot live fully without them.
GO: Who are your biggest queer lady influences and role models?
KB: Visibility is so vital in our culture right now so I’d like to give a shout out to those who could have remained invisible but choose otherwise. Two of my friends, Scout Durwood and Jessica Clark, are lesbian actresses who are out and proud and I think it’s crazy to me that they don’t get more credit for that, particularly because so many actors and actresses are still closeted. They are both parts of this incredible tribe of high-femme, passable women who have all of the power of femininity within a patriarchal society, but when handed the wheel… they crash the car, grab a butch girl, and give her a kiss. They risk a lot by being honest about who they are, but they do it anyway. I love this tribe of women. We all should.
GO: Describe yourself in three words.
KB: I’m always smiling. Phenomenal in bed. Dealer’s choice.
GO: What music are you listening to right now?
KB: I just discovered Perfume Genius. I am loving them. My current happy songs are “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man and “Everything Now” by Arcade Fire.
GO: Where can people find you?
KB: IRL I can be found on most dance floors in Los Angeles. On IG and Twitter, you can find me @kacychristine.
What Do You Think?