The Real "Soldier's Girl"

Those who have seen the award-winning TV movie Soldier's Girl know that it is a harrowing depiction of homophobia in the military. But it is also a rarity among transgender-themed films in that it shows a fully formed, realistic romance between a man and a transgender woman.

Based on the true story of Army Private Barry Winchell (Troy Garity) and Nashville entertainer Calpernia Addams (Lee Pace), the film dramatizes the events that led up to Winchell's brutal murder at the hands of a fellow soldier. The reason for this senseless act was simply because he was dating Addams, a male-to-female transgender. It is a powerful, gut-wrenching film, yet the earlier scenes where the couple tentatively approach their romance are both tender and true.

Orange County & Long Beach Blade contributor Chris Carpenter recently had the opportunity to interview the "real" Soldier's Girl, Calpernia Addams. Addams currently lives in Hollywood; her latest projects include the short film Casting Pearls (which screened at this year's OutFest) and a TV pilot.

Click here to purchase Soldier's Girlon DVD from Amazon.com.

Links via Imdb.com and GayBlade.com.