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 gay—what 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 myself—and 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 gay—lesbian 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 not—that 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.