Lauren Foster

Brianna - If someone asked, how would you say you identify, as a woman or a transsexual woman? What do you think -- if anything -- is the difference?
Lauren -- I don't know if there is a difference. Being born with the incorrect genitalia has definitely influenced my "Life Experience" but I believe I was born female. I think the "Journey" is the only difference.

At what age did you transition and was your family supportive?
I was 18 years old. Yes, my family was extremely supportive. They paid for my surgery and welcomed my friends and lovers into their home. My Mother and grandmother always encouraged me to be myself and I am the person I am today because of my family.

How did you end up modeling in Paris?
I went to Johannesburg at 15, was discovered at 16 and signed to a top agency that had sister agencies in Europe.

What was your Best Job?
It is difficult to say. I have been very fortunate. I modeled internationally for 11 years; I've worked as Tour Manager for Grace Jones and Boy George. I had a 12-year stint with one of the biggest party promoters in the world and now have an amazing career managing a top age management institute in Miami.

How did you get into the party promotion business?
I was living with a infamous promoter, Jeffrey Sanker – in the former home of Marilyn Monroe. My modeling career was winding down when his assistant broke his arm – he locked himself out and was trying to get into his apartment through the second story window and fell. Jeffrey asked if I could help him out and a few days later he fired his assistant and it was the start of a 12-year career. 

Was promoting something you ever considered before you did it?
No, not really. Although,, throwing parties has always been in my blood. At 10 years old I would wait until my parents left for a dinner party and invite all my friends over. I would clear the living room furniture, open the doors to the patio and put speakers by our pool. I would blast all my Bowie albums and drink all the sherry"

Did you have a favorite party?
I always loved the White Party in Palm Springs. The gorgeous gay boys took over the city and for a week made it their own. But I think the best party I ever attended was a house party in the Pines (Fire Island.) Calvin Klein and super model Linda Evangalista were there, among others, and it was the fist party that introduced DJ Victor Calderone who went on to become one of the greats.

Did your closeness with the gay community evolve from the party scene?

Yes, it was a by-product of being Queen of The Circuit World for so long. The Gay community has been very supportive of me and I appreciate that"

 I have always had gay friends, and some very close ones, but they never seemed to “get it” about what being transgender meant. Did you encounter that?
Yes, we have an ongoing debate over why transgender people want to be someone else.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
You would think I would say it was my VOGUE spread, but in retrospect I believe my greatest accomplishment is teaching others, through example, that women like myself are no different.

Who is your Idol, the person that most impacted your life?
I looked up to my mother all my life. She was classy, classic, loving and smart. She passed away 6 years ago and I miss her every day.

Was there a defining moment in your life?
Waking up and being true to myself, and the family I had was my defining moment. I think that being TS shouldn’t be one’s defining statement, it should just be part of our life’s journey, our experience” 

What advise would you give to other TS women pursuing success? Attain your success through your talents rather than the fact that you're a TS women. Be known for what you do, not what you are

Do you have an opinion about those that live their lives stealth Vs those that are “out”?
No. I think everyone has to do what works best for them. Paper Magazine wrote that I lived in stealth and that I “gracefully slipped into society.” I resent that because I worked hard and was the mistress of my fate . We should be portrayed as normal loving people, recognized for the work we do and who we are rather than what we are."

Did you come out or were you outed?
I never denied my past, but I never flaunted it either. My life was thrust into the spotlight however after I was disqualified from the Miss South Africa Pageant. I was modeling then so I figured I would just go quietly. Wrong. Another model sold my story to a tabloid. So I thought, if my story is going to be out there, then it might as well be in my own words. I got in touch with a writer from Reuters and well, everyone knew after that.

Any regrets about it?
No, I don't have any regrets. It affected my career though. I lost all campaign opportunities but it didn't affect my runway work.

Any great loves you want to talk about?
I have been very fortunate and had quite a few great loves. My first boyfriend and I are still very close and I see him when I'm in London. The greatest love of all was while I lived in LA. He was an artist and taught me so much about love, pain and life. He passed away a few years back.I had a fun romance with Arturo Durazo, The Chief of Police of Mexico. He was a very generous man. My husband is a sweetheart. All in all, I have had fun with love"

Lauren, it has been an absolute delight and I thank you so much for your time and canter. You are such a great role model and I think the readers can learn so much by your example.

Thank you Brie. You’ve been an absolute darling. I hope your readers enjoy my comments. I will let you know when my book comes out. I have so much more to say but don’t want to give it all away but be prepared for names, names and more gossip!

Brie: Fabulous! I LOVE good gossip!

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