In the past 30 years Gina Gershon has earned her place as one of the best-loved camp movie stars, although you might know her better from mainstream productions such as P.S. I Love You. She is known as a huge gay icon, having played several feisty queer characters.

We at KitschMix decided to take a look at the movies that made Gershon such an undisputed part of American gay imagery.

Showgirls camp fame

KitschMix crew can always appreciate a true kitsch classic! Showgirls (1995) is Paul Verhoeven’s steamy cult film that dives inside the world of Las Vegas showdancers and prostitutes. Here, Gershon plays a predatory bisexual diva Cristal Connors. This might not be her most affable role, but it is the one that first defined her as a revered camp actress.

Bound

In the year 1996 we got to witness Gershon collaborating with another enticing actress Jennifer Tilly in The Wachowskis’ debut feature film Bound. The two queer icons joined their strength to play a pair of criminally minded women, who become lovers and devise a plot to steal $2 million of mafia money.

Bound could be fairly called Thelma & Louise on speed: The movie was harshly criticized for its gratuitous violence. But later it has been also lauded as the first mainstream feature film to present lesbian relationship without homosexuality actually being the focus of the plot.

Prey for Rock & Roll

Prey for Rock & Roll (2003) was a drama film about the fictional female punk band Clam Dandy who decide to take one last shot at the big time. The band’s charismatic leader is of course played by Gina Gershon. Again, she chose to play a sexually deviant outcast – a role she seems to enjoy.

Well then, is Gina Gershon gay?

No, she is not.

Everyone was wondering if Gershon might be into girls after portraying such an array of lesbian and bisexual characters. However, she came out as straight lately in Austin America-Statesman.

For KitschMix crew Gershon is still a full-on idol. Not only for all the entertaining movies she has made. Not even for the whimsical fact that she likes to play jew’s harp. But because she has been an important part in making gay movie characters an accepted part of the mainstream.

By the way, did you know that lately Gershon played Donatella Versace in the TV biopic House of Versace? She gave a fine performance that definitely didn’t diminish her gay appeal.

Read more:
Gina Gershon @ Wikipedia
Gina Gershon @ IMDb