The year 2000. A year of new beginnings, a year of changes and for fans of Margaret Cho, they know this is definitely her year. In the past, Margaret Cho has been portrayed in the media as a woman faced with drug and alcohol problems, a person who has suffered from depression since her show "ALL AMERICAN GIRL" was cancelled and other situations that would have knocked many stars down to oblivion. But in Margaret Cho's case, she is standing stronger than ever.

     If anything, she has proven to the non-believers that she is a survivor. She performed in a sold-out national tour and she has a hit movie titled "I'M THE ONE THAT I WANT" which made it to the top 3 out of the 250 films shown at the Seattle International Film Festival. It was the only American film that made it to the top 5. Her film has received rave reviews including an impressive "Thumbs Up" from movie critic Roger Ebert. She also has a book and an upcoming new show.

     Aside from entertainment, Margaret Cho has also proven to be a hero among the gay community. She fights for gay rights, raises funds for AIDS research and more. In recognition for her involvement in the community, Margaret received the first ever Golden Gate award for Entertainment Pioneers who have made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

     One of the qualities that people admire about Margaret is her honesty and how open she is about the details of her life. For this interview, AC Team's second conversation since her sold-out national tour last year (see archives below), we wanted to know more about Margaret Cho, the person, not just the entertainer.

     Suzanne Kai and Dennis A. Amith of AsianConnections.com chatted with Margaret on the eve of the release of her movie, "I'm the One That I Want."

AC (DENNIS): Let's start with a few basics before we go on to the serious questions. Where were you born and raised? Did you grow up with a strict Korean American upbringing?

MARGARET: I grew up in San Francisco and I guess it was strict but it was very much a Korean side of strict. My parents didn't really teach us to speak Korean and they talked about us behind our backs even though they were right in front of us. They spoke Korean to each other but we had no idea what they were saying. So, I kind of learned to understand some Korean words but I really don't understand that much. They were fairly strict.

AC (DENNIS): Let's talk about your recent article in "Pride Magazine." How did the "Face of Freedom" article in PRIDE come about?

MARGARET: They just asked me to do it. I was very honored. I loved the other people in the magazine and it was a perfect thing for me. I'm going to be the Grand Marshal of the Gay Pride Parade in San Diego.

AC (DENNIS): In the article you discuss your first job at Stormy Leather (a lesbian fetish store). What was it like working there?

MARGARET: Stormy Leather is a store owned and operated by lesbians. It's a leather S&M store for alternative sexuality. Growing up in San Francisco, I really had a pretty good handle on alternative sexuality but it really opened me up to different experiences and people. I think it's really great. I think that sexual freedom is so interesting and so political and that we are allowed to do what we want. It's really amazing. There are a lot of things you can do. I learned so many crazy things that people do and I don't necessarily agree with everything but I think it was a great way to grow up. Some people, when they are teenagers have a paper route.

AC (DENNIS): How did you explain to your parents [about] your job?

MARGARET: I didn't tell them. They didn't know. They still don't know. They don't know what it is. When I talk about things in my life that are like that and there are many things like that, that's when they really use their selective understanding of English.

AC (SUZANNE): If you are to become a mother, what would tell your children? Would you allow them to go out and experience this?

MARGARET: I think I would be very honest about my life and what I do. I know about it and I experienced things in that community and I think that children are naturally able to handle it. You tell them in a very loving way.

AC (DENNIS): Hmm...Did you ever get hit on by a lot of the customers?

MARGARET: You know it's funny. I did not really get hit on. People in Stormy Leather were mostly in committed relationships. Most people who are involved in alternative sexuality are really committed. It's really fascinating!

AC (DENNIS): You take a stand on several issues such as gay rights. Do you see yourself getting involved in politics in the future?

MARGARET: I would like to. I feel that entertainment and politics are directly related. When I see the politics and entertainment there's a real opportunity for me. So I would like to do that. I do a lot of political work within the gay and lesbian community in different areas. I do a lot of fundraising for AIDS research and helping people with AIDS in AIDS clinics around the country. I do a lot of work for an organization for gay teens. There are different political organizations that I am involved in. I was recently given award from GLAAD. There are things that I believe that are very political but yet I don't want to lose sight of my job, which is being an entertainer. That's my work. I think because I'm an entertainer with a voice that I have this opportunity, this platform that I can use it and use it for good.

AC (DENNIS): What other issues are you passionate about?

MARGARET: I'm really passionate about animal rights, women's rights and people of color. I'm passionate about gender and size - people who are larger and that whole thing. I think that I would like to ideally unite the struggles of people of color, women, gays, lesbians or people of size. People who don't really feel like they fit in or feel like they are minorities. I want to unite them because I feel as if I embody all of them. When we unite, and see that even though our struggles are not exactly the same and similar, we all  want equality and that when we are together and see that we are no longer the minority, that is when we become the majority. That to me is my most important point I want to see the most. To really unify each different area and show us that we all have so much in common. That's my political statement.

AC (DENNIS): Do you see yourself running for office or a city council position?

MARGARET: I don't think so. I don't think I can go as far as that but don't know. I'm not sure.

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