up: When did it click for you—the acting bug?

Q.L.: The movie Set It Off, for sure. I had met the director, F. Gary Gray, on the set of a music video. And I told him I wanted to play against type. All the roles I’d been offered had been Queen Latifah-roles. Or roles like Khadijah on Living Single. I wanted to play a villain, a lesbian, anything different from Latifah and Khadijah. When Set It Off came across Gary’s desk, he brought me in to audition. I got a prop gun from the Living Single set and I came there owning that Cleo role.

 

up: You’re considered very accessible. Is that a hindrance sometimes?

Q.L.: I love that I’m approachable. I appreciate it. The only time I want privacy is when I’m in the bathroom! You wouldn’t believe how many people want a picture or an autograph while I’m in the bathroom. But really? I’m grateful for the response I get from people.

 

up: It’s time for the questions you don’t answer.

Q.L.: [heavy sigh] I know where this is going.

 

up: So….

Q.L.: You can ask, but I won’t answer. My private life is private.

 

up: You’ve been asked so much about your sexuality. Wouldn’t it be easier at this point to just speak on it—once—and be done with it?

Q.L.: I don’t have to explain anything. I don’t have to confirm anything. Look, I need my time. I need my life.

 

up: You live a relatively quiet life. If you’re not on the red carpet, you’re not really on the scene.

Q.L.: That’s part of how I deflect a lot of the nonsense. I don’t invite the media into my life. I don’t say, come into my home, see how we live.

 

up: How should we end this interview?

Q.L.: Jersey, stand up!