Brazilian-born fitness trainer Fernanda Rocha is one of the new cast membersjoining this season's cast of The Real Housewives of Orange Countyand the first lesbian to join the show. She spoke candidly with me on the phone at a cafe next to her gym in Laguna Beach, Calif.
Windy City Times: What made you decide to go on the Real Housewives of Orange County?
Fernanda Rocha: New adventure, new opportunity in life. I am all about going for new things and when the opportunity came in front of me, I just saw a fantastic and fun adventure where I would be making new friends, meeting new people. Hopefully, put a big message out their about myself.
Windy City Times:There is a lot of media buzz about you joining the cast of the Real Housewives of Orange County [ this ] season. How are you dealing with the pressure?
Fernanda Rocha: Not pressure, but basically the same topic. "Oh, you're gaywhat about this?" I know its a whole new concept, and I understand, but for me its just normal and should not have so much emphasis on that; [ however, ] I think it is a natural curiosity.
Windy City Times:You were married once, correct?
Fernanda Rocha: Yes!
Windy City Times:What made you decide to date women after your marriage?
Fernanda Rocha: Something inside me, I knew I had to search my soul. I got divorced [ and ] found someone wonderful. I connected. We spent many years together. It was a second marriage.
Windy City Times:You co-own the Art of Fitness Gym and Day Spa?
Fernanda Rocha: Yes. I co-own it with my ex-partner.
Windy City Times:Fans of the show might not know you have a B.A in kinesiology [ the study of human movement ] . What made you decide to go into that field?
Fernanda Rocha: Since I was little I took dancing and did
lots of sports so I knew I wanted to go into that direction, so I did kinesiology. Then I decided to come here [ and ] have a gym in Laguna, fulfilling my dream. Now I co-own my own studio. I've developed exercise DVDs, and I have a fitness clothing line.
Windy City Times:What does your clothing line consist of? And what do you call it?
Fernanda Rocha: Fitness wear. The name is Jiinga, Jiinga Brasil. It's [ an expression ] of movement, good energy and good attitude, so I have a Jiinga. We all have our own Jiinga. I've had the clothing for about seven years.
Windy City Times:Can anybody buy it?
Fernanda Rocha: Anybody! We have small, medium, large. They're comfortable and make you move. You'll feel a little bit of Brazil, a little bit of energy.
Windy City Times:Some news sources say that you are not a lesbian, but bisexual instead. How do you answer that?
Fernanda Rocha: I know who I am. I do believe in my vision for life: [ to ] have a family, with a woman and a little bambino very soon. This is what I'm putting out there. What people say, I cannot control that.
Windy City Times:In the beginning of the show you are introduced as Tamra Barney's friend. How long have you guys known each other?
Fernanda Rocha: [ Castmates ] Tamra and Gretchen [ Rossi ] were shooting in one bar here in Laguna. I was finishing my shooting with my clothing line and I went there to celebrate. They saw a couple of my friends wearing the line; we made a connection. They start asking about the clothing, the gym. We exchanged cards and eventually Tamra came along, and she knew that I had a Brazilian booty class and said, "I am going to bring the girl. We want to take the class." We became part of our connection there.
Windy City Times:You guys have been friends for a year?
Fernanda Rocha: The first time we met was about a year and a half. We are not best friends who talk to each other all the time, but we keep a good connection. Then I got a phone call from Bravo last year. They'd like to get to know a bit more about myselfand here I am.
Windy City Times:Bravo is quoted in a statement saying "Fernando and Tamra are pals and they love to flirt." Is there something to that?
Fernanda Rocha: I am single I flirt. I love to flirt and Tamra and I have an interesting connection. You have to watch and then you'll understand a little bit more, but [ we are ] flirting in a very healthy way. We all do, right?
Windy City Times:Your topless shoot with Tamra [ against ] Prop 8 is causing a media frenzy. Any comments?
Fernanda Rocha: For me the shooting was not about [ being ] topless. I had an amazing time with Tamra and her friend, but for me the message was what made me go to that shooting. Who I am, this is my message. No matter what your choices [ are regarding ] sexuality, at the end of the day we all here to love and be loved.
Windy City Times:So then, I assume that you have a strong need to represent the LGBT community?
Fernanda Rocha: Absolutely! I'm here to represent what I believe life is about. I don't label. I know that we are talking about being gaylesbian this and that. It's not that easy for lots of people to understand, but for me it's a part of who I am.
Windy City Times:I know Bravo decided not to make you a "housewife." Was that something you guys came together on, or is that something they decided?
Fernanda Rocha: You need to ask the network; that's a good question for them. I don't know, but in my contract I was not hired to be a housewife. It's going to be interesting how they put my lifestyle as part of the show.
Windy City Times:Since you don't have the title, what title do you give yourself?
Fernanda Rocha: I don't have the title in my contract. Thats all I have to say, but I do everything that a housewife does.
Windy City Times:Would you consider yourself a housewife?
Fernanda Rocha: Absolutely! Yeah.
Windy City Times:Do you think it is also because Orange County has a reputation for being some what "conservative"and, clearly, you're notthat you are seen as maybe a threat?
Fernanda Rocha: Not in my mind, but maybe.
Windy City Times:Are you dating anyone right now?
Fernanda Rocha: No, I'm open for love.
Windy City Times:Will we see you express that on the show?
Fernanda Rocha: Yeah, you will.
Windy City Times:How has it been getting along with the other women on the show, especially the other new cast member, Peggy Tanous?
Fernanda Rocha: I like meeting new people. but that's how I perceive them: new friends or the potential to develop a friendship. There were moments of ups and downs, but this is normal. Any interaction you go through things, but I tried my best. There was true drama, but that's part of life.
Windy City Times:Explain a little bit about the taping process?
Fernanda Rocha: The shooting was about three, four months, but it was not too intense. They were very flexible and could work around my schedule. I was able to manage that.
Windy City Times:What should fans of the show expect from you this season?
Fernanda Rocha: They're going to get the chance to get to know me. Just watch; you'll see. I cannot judge myself. I think I'm wonderful. I hope they think the same about me.
Windy City Times:Oh, I'm sure they will! Can you give any juicy details?
Fernanda Rocha: There are a lot of great, great moments: intense moments, dramatic, romantic. It's all good.
Windy City Times:What should fans take away from the show after seeing you?
Fernanda Rocha: I hope that people can read the message that we are all the same. There's no difference of a straight housewife and a gay housewife.
People can catch new episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County, and its newest cast member, Fernanda Rocha, every Sunday on Bravo.