Quotes from Amanda Lepore

I think Instagram is great, especially for kids, because you can be anything and still find a role model.

I like women who transform themselves. It's what I do.

I don't like 'transgender.' It got so politically correct. I like transsexual - it sounds like a 1950s scandal magazine.

I do yoga, go to the gym. I do a lot of weights, a little cardio, lots of squats, lower body stuff. I've had a trainer over the years, that helped get a routine.

I've worked in the gay clubs in Moscow, and the big cities. They're much more tolerant. It's the small cities where you get the prejudice. Kind of like America. Here in New York City, or San Francisco, it's great. But, like, in Tennessee or down South, it gets harder. It's that situation. But it was really bad in Russia because of law enforcing.

In New York City nightlife in the '90s, everything was camp!

There is a reason I am labeled 'The Most Expensive Body On Earth.'

Always be your true self, and surround yourself with positive and supportive people.

If I'm dressed down, I'm sad. If I'm really done up, I feel happy and mentally well.

It's illegal in the U.S., but I had it done in Mexico. They break the floating rib in the back and push it in, so there's no scar.

I really got into Chanel No. 5 (both the fragrance and the body cream) because Marilyn Monroe was famously a fan, so of course, I had to be.

With 'RuPaul's Drag Race' getting popular, you see more and more people dressing up and going out.

Rather than emulate the girls I grew up with who made fun of me, I decided I wanted to look like a movie star. It was like an escape.

When I first came to New York I did nails, and I really didn't get a lot of money.

After having the sex change, it was about getting married and fitting in and blending into society, so to speak. When I had jobs, people would say, 'Don't talk about that.' It really made people uncomfortable.

Even though I know it's not always the case, I associate dressing up with mental stability.

I had the bottom rib broken and pushed in and it took an inch or two off. It really hurt when I lay down but if I was standing up or sitting it was OK. It wasn't horrifying.

I really associate glamor with being happy. If you put on high heels and lipstick or get a new outfit, you feel great.

I don't have relationships for a very long time. I'm famous so that gets in the way. They either really like the spotlight and having a trophy girlfriend or they will not really be crazy for it.

I worked on perfect beauty for a lifetime.