BK: When did your love for Lady Gaga start?
I’ve loved her since she released her first single “Just Dance” in 2008. But I didn’t truly become devoted to her until I saw her Paparazzi show on the MTV Music Awards 2009: the most epic stage performance ever, in my opinion. Before, Cher and Madonna were the only ones who could pull this off but now Lady Gaga brings us these stunning shows. I also feel that she’s clever. And I admire that she always fights for gay rights. I’m a transgender, so things that she says totally touch my heart: Be proud of what you are; we are different but we are all beautiful. Her album, Born This Way conveyed this message the best.

BK: When did you start to dress like her as Shade of Gaga?
I love her so much and I want to express to others that you can be whoever you want. I first dressed like her in a cheerleader competition a couple years ago. The audience really loved the show I put on with friends from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, so I started dressing like her and haven’t stopped ever since. I wear dramatic Lady Gaga style dress in my daily life, like when I go hang out with friends at places like Siam Paragon.

BK: What’s your day job?
I quit my job as an online salesperson at the Nation Group six months ago because I got lots of jobs working as a Lady Gaga impersonator.

BK: How much do you earn?
I charge about B18,000 for a half-day performance, but it always depends on the expectations of the host. To be honest, sometimes I don’t end up with that much money since I have to pay my team members who all take care of the various details of the show like hair, make-up, fashion styling and choreography. That’s a total of five members. The most expensive dress that we’ve made cost about B20,000.

BK: Does it feel like leeching off her success?
I don’t mind. I will always love to dress like her. I also have a rule that I will not sell my costumes like other impersonators who are just trying to make a buck. It’s really insane to sell a pair of B8,000 shoes to students who love to dress like Gaga, but have to spend their parents money.

BK: Did you have any surgery to look more like her?
I upgraded my boobs to D70 and have already had a sex change. But for my face, I’ve only done Botox to make my cheeks smaller. Other than that, it’s all real.

BK: Do you have boyfriend?
Not yet, I’ve had some interest. I always tell them that I’m not a real woman and they are fine with it.

BK: As a little monster, what will you wear for her big concert next month?
I already have the dress I’m wearing planned out, but let’s leave it as a surprise. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan.
Shade of Gaga’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/shadeofgaga