On Friday night, January 13, Nashville gets a dose of reality when Reichen Lehmkuhl, one of the stars of LOGO's The A-List: New York stops by popular Nashville nightspot, PLAY for a meet and greet with fans. Reichen first gained nationwide attention as one-half of the first-ever same-sex couple to triumph on CBS' physically demanding reality competition series, The Amazing Race. Of Reichen's upcoming appearance at PLAY, Keith Blaydes, one of the club's co-owners said, "We have all watched and admired Reichen Lehmkuhl, starting with the Amazing Race, and now with the A-List New York. There is a lot of buzz in the community about his personal appearance at Play this Friday night."
Part of that buzz Blaydes mentioned comes from what Reichen has done with his celebrity status. Prior to his triumph on the top-rated reality series, Reichen had served his country as a Captain in the US Air Force. Reichen credits the physical demands and discipline he learned while in the Air Force as part of the reason he won The Amazing Race. As he detailed in his 2006 autobiography, Here's What We'll Say, Reichen, like so many other LGBT military personnel, served his country while denying his true self.
Unlike many reality stars, who fade as quickly as they achieve notoriety, Reichen has pursued a variety of career paths, making his mark in each and every one. From modeling and acting to author and activist, Reichen proves time and time again he's more than just another reality star.
In anticipation of his upcoming appearance at PLAY, earlier this week, I had an opportunity to enlist Reichen in my latest RAPID FIRE 20 Q.
JONATHAN PINKERTON: Before we begin, I just want to thank you for taking the time to participate in my latest round of RAPID FIRE 20 Q. I can't believe it's been nearly ten years since we first met. In the past decade, you've set and achieved so many professional and personal goals. If you had to pick one, what would you say you're most proud of thus far?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I'm most proud of my book, Here's What We'll Say about my time as a cadet at the Air Force Academy under Don't Ask Don't Tell. I released the book in 2006 and I still get daily letters about how my book has helped other guys come out of the closet or deal with living in one.
JP: In the book, you talk about being bullied as a kid. You also go into great detail about the effects of Don't Ask, Don't Tell during your time as cadet. In the few short years since your book was released both of those subjects have continued to be at the forefront of GLBT life. I'm sure you're asked this all the time, but what general advice do you give to teens coming to terms with their own sexuality?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: My advice is to BE YOURSELF. There is no right or wrong kind of gay person. You are what you are. So often in our community we get caught up in ways to feel something--sexual conquests, drugs, or body image obsession because we're so used to be around people who are dealing with the pain and insecurity driven into so many in our community from being raised in a straight world while we were different. It takes alot to overcome this and to make connections with people who really love us and who we love. With love, we don't need to turn to anything artificial to feel temporarily good.
JP: As far as Don't Ask, Don't Tell, can you share with me your initial thoughts when you learned of its repeal?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I have been in shock, I'd say, with each conquest (and there were so many) to reach the end of DADT. I never really believed it was happening and was always skeptical. I'm STILL skeptical and fear that its end will be overturned. We need to keep a watchful eye and make sure that we hold on to the rights we have. There are some pretty ignorant and scary people in this world who will stop at nothing to prove that they deserve more rights than other Americans...I guess it makes them feel better? How pathetic.
JP: Not long after we met, you and your then-partner made reality TV history as the first married same-sex couple to not only compete, but win CBS' The Amazing Race. Which was more difficult, the physical challenges, or the emotional strain put on the relationship during filming the show?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: Our relationship was pretty solid during the show and Chip and I worked well as a team. I'd say the challenges were the toughest part. I, for one, was always hungry and wanting sleep!
JP: Around the same time you wonThe Amazing Race, you were featured in a 2003 episode of Frasier, playing a character simply, but accurately credited as 'Impossibly Handsome Man'. Were you a fan of the show?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I was a fan of the show for sure. It was a dream come true to book that role and to work with such a group of talented people. I still get residual checks from Frasier about 4 times a year. The show is still running strong in syndication.
JP: Was that your first acting gig?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: Frasier was my first major acting gig. Followed by The Drew Carey Show and then Days of Our Lives. I worked on a few movies, which are so different as far as how they're run. I think I like the fast pace of television work. There is no time for mistakes or for you not to come prepared.
JP: That's right. I remember you onDAYS. You were also featured in a three-episode role on CBS' The Young and the Restless. On both shows, you played a waiter. Nearly everyone I know has waited tables at some point or other, which begs the question...what was your worst job ever?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: My worst job ever was being a dishwasher in a dining hall as a 15 year old at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts when I was in high school to pay for my car. The students used to throw their dirty plates, trays, and utensils at me through the window with disgusted looks on their faces. Now, whenever I eat in a cafeteria, I always peek my head down at the dish return area and say "Thank you!" to whomever is taking my dirty dishes.
JP: You mentioned earlier that you've also acted in a few movies. Among your film credits is one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies, 2005's The Scorned, a campy horror flick whose cast list reads like a reality TV who's who. It's been a while since I've seen it, but from what I remember, you meet your demise in the film by way of an exploding lava lamp. What's the tackiest home accessory you just can't get rid of?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: My tackiest home accessory is the beat up scratching post for my cat Hans. She loves it and it's an eye sore among my things. But I love her so I don't care what anyone says.
JP: In 2007, you starred in Season 3 of here! network's popular LGBT-oriented supernatural sudser, Dante's Cove. Other that the Hawaiian location, what's your favorite memory of being part of that show?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: Yes, that location was unreal. I lived at the Turtle Bay Resort for a month. What a dream. I liked being there also because of the amazing diving locations around Oahu. I saw some pretty amazing things under water.
JP: You may have gained notoriety for Amazing Race, popularity for Dante's Cove, but it's LOGO's The A-List: New York that's brought you infamy. Often referred to as a gay version of the popular Real Housewives reality franchise, do you have any regrets after exposing so much of your life by way of reality cameras?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: On a reality TV show, the production always seems to capture much more than you're ever prepared to give. There is a fine balance between realizing you're working and realizing you're living in a fish bowl. You can't regret anything in life, so my choice is to accept it for what it is. This is the path I chose and I try to be as happy as I can be with it.
JP: Fans who tuned into The A-List also know you've dabbled in music, releasing the single, Up to The Sky. The show included raw studio footage and, in turn critics and fans, myself included, looked at it as just another reality star pursuing a music career....what were you thinking?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I've written several songs in my life. I play the guitar and write, and have since I was 5 years old. I wrote my first song at 7 years old called, "I love you". The A-List showed my absolute worst moments and performance of that song. Such a shame. I will never put my music on the show again. It's for me to keep close. It's a good song, has huge meaning to me, and I wrote it completely, lyrics and music. My Dad always used to tell me, "I love you up to the sky", so my family has adopted that as a very sacred thing to say to each other. So...yeah. That's what I was thinking.
JP: This is why I love doing these interviews....I had no idea. During filming of The A-List, you also starred off-Broadway in My Big Fat Gay Wedding. Any plans to do more theatre?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I LOVED doing that play!! I only signed a 3 month contract which coincided with my work on A-List. I was so sad when it was time for me to leave.
JP: Train-wreck fan that I am, will there be a Season 3 ofThe A-List: New York?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: There is no official word from LOGO/MTV or Viacom. If I had to guess, being one of the network's biggest hit shows ever, I'd give it a good chance.
JP: Among your A-List co-stars is another mutual acquaintance, director and fashion photographer, Mike Ruiz. I first met Mike when still working for a record label here in town while researching photographers for an upcoming cd shoot. You being a model and Mike a photographer, had your paths crossed prior to both being cast in The A-List?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I think Mike and I have shared for a while the same calling to give back to our communities. We have met many times at different charity events.
JP: You've been photographed by some of the best in the business. What's the coolest shoot you've ever been part of?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: My favorite shoot was with Bruce Weber for two days in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale for a spread I did in GQ for Ralph Lauren. I got to wear rugby clothes and roll in mud with a bunch of beautiful athletic guys. Bruce is a GENIUS and made me feel so comfortable, happy, and special.
JP: Once again combining your past and passions, you were affiliated with a collection of jewelry, Fly Naked, marketed toward the GLBT community. A portion of the proceeds from Fly Naked sales benefits SLDN, Service Members Defense Network. What can you tell me about your involvement with them?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: Fly Naked was a company I endorsed. I chose the name, but it was created by LoveAndPride.com who makes jewelry themed for our community and many others. My endorsement deal has since ended so I am no longer involved with the line, however I remain very close with the company. I'm proud of them and we have recently spoken about more projects in the future that give back.
JP: More recently, you've been involved in yet another business venture, launching Reichen, a cologne bearing your name. How instrumental were you in choosing the scents that make up the fragrance?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I chose the scent all by myself. I went to an organic greenhouse and started picking herbs and leaves that I loved the smell of. I mushed them up in my fingers and kept experimenting. Then I got ahold of the essential oils for the plants I chose and started mixing them in Jojoba oil in different amounts. Eventually I came up with the scent, "Reichen". I had it mixed with fragrance-grade alcohol and VOILA, there was my cologne.
JP: As you did with Fly Naked, you are also donating a portion of the proceeds of the sales of the fragrance to charity. How important is it for you to constantly give back to your community?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I feel a huge calling to give back to our community. I feel like I've struggled where my straight friends haven't and I want to pave roads to make it easier for future generations to succeed and live well. I think that giving money to causes that I really feel make a difference to be a huge part of that job. I'm lucky. I've enjoyed an unusual level of experience, wealth, and notoriety for a gay guy from a trailer park. I feel blessed and want to help others feel the same way.
JP: On the subject of where you come from and where your life has taken you, I mentioned earlier, your first book, Here's What We'll Say chronicled your childhood through your young adult years as an socially openly gay man living a somewhat double life while serving in the military. I've heard you've got another book in the works. Can you give me any scoop on what it will cover?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: My new book is called "It'll Be Great Exposure: From The U.S. Air Force to Reality TV" and will cover my life in the military as a Captain to my life in the public eye. It will cover my relationships, jobs, experiences, meetings, the people I love and the people I hate. Unfortunately, my hotel room in Vegas was broken into on Jan 1, 2012. Everything I was traveling with was stolen including my laptop and my two back up drives and cards with my book on it. It's gone. Two years of work is gone. I'm in therapy about it. When I'm feeling better, I'll start over and do it again.
JP: Even before your next book is released, you'll be seen on yet another reality TV series, VH1's upcoming Couples Therapy, in which you appear alongside your A-List beau Rodiney Santiago, as the two of you undergo 30 days of theraphy with noted relationship therapist Dr. Jenn Berman. Don't make me wait until the show's Spring 2012 debut....did it really help your relationship with Rodiney?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: I can NOT discuss the show at all, but I CAN say that it is a wonderful show. I had an AMAZING time shooting it and I fell in love with all the cast-members. I made some friends there that you would never suspect I'd hang with. ;-) I was just in Miami with the cast last week, and we had an amazing time catching back up.
JP: Ah, so as they say, we'll just have to tune in and see, which you know we will! This weekend, you'll be making a personal appearance at PLAY on Church Street, right here in Nashville. Rodiney was just here a few months ago. Did he warn you about our infamous Southern charm?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: Rodiney hasn't told me much about it but I cannot wait to see you all!! I love Nashville and I'm VERY excited for all of your southern charm.
JP: If your audience can take away one lesson you've learned thus far in your life and career, what would that be?
REICHEN LEHMKUHL: Yeah. Find real love. Surround yourself with a mate and friends who give as much as you have. Oust everyone else from your life. You're worth it.
Reichen will be on-hand Friday, January 13 at PLAY, located at 1519 Church Street to chat with fans, take photographs and sign autographs between the club's two shows at 11pm and 1am. The US Air Force Captain-turned reality TV star-turned author will take part in a similar public appearance next month on February 3 at Ultra Deko Lounge in South Amboy, NJ. To keep track of Riechen's latest ventures and adventures, CLICK HERE.
Reichen's latest foray into the world of reality TV, VH1's Couples Therapy, featuring Riechen & hisA-List: New York boyfriend,Rodiney Santiago; as well as reality favorite, Linda Hogan & her current younger man, Charlie Hill; Rapper DMX & his wife, Tashera Simmons; Food Network's Chris Nirschel & girlfriend Angela Pivarnick and Bachelor Pad's Kasey Kahl & Vienna Girardi is set to air sometime this spring.
PLAY will next host a reality star of a different kind whenManila Luzon joins the cast of the PLAYMATES on Friday, February 10. Luzon was named 1st Runner Up on Season 3 of yet another LOGO reality series, RuPaul's Drag Race. For more information about PLAY, CLICK HERE.
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