The Advocate chats with Wendy Williams about Chaz Bono, Tyra Banks, Whitney Houston and more!

Busy Brandon Voss has scored another compelling interview for Advocate.com. This time with radio shock jock Wendy Williams who launches he own daytime talk show this summer.

Here are a few exceprts:

Should celebrities be nervous when they come on your show?
No. Whenever I hear that people are scared or intimidated by me, I just find that so funny. I’m actually very nice and quite a lovely woman. I’m very pink, if I can describe myself as a color. I just happen to be a very curious woman. I was a very curious child, and sometimes I was inappropriate with my questions and comments. Turns out that I’m the same as an adult, except now I know how to be a bit more appropriate. I’ve also learned how to take no for an answer. Celebrities should be excited to come on and promote their projects because I have one of the most relevant, vibrant, consumer-conscious, hip, and alive audiences on the face of the planet. My following is amazing. You show me a 75-year-old woman who watches The Wendy Williams Show and I’ll show you the liveliest one in her group.

But you’ve been criticized for attempting to publicly out celebrities in the past. And even when you don’t say it outright, fans know that your “how you doin’?” is pretty much code for “queen, please.” Particularly in the hip-hop community, what good does it do to suggest that a closeted celebrity is gay?
For people who are fortunate enough to have fans or anyone looking up to them, if they keep something in the closet, it’s like reminding their fans that it’s something to be ashamed of. Like me — I’ve always had a nice crossover audience, but I am so proud of being a black woman, and I’m so proud to be flying that red, black, and green flag on TV. Being in the closet would be like me slouching because I’m six feet tall. Instead, I put on my heels and I’m six feet five. I can’t imagine not being proud of what you are.

Which gay celebrities would you like to have on your show?
I’ve already had Carson Kressley on [during my six-week trial run], and I know he’ll be back around. Isaac Mizrahi. I love my Ru, I love my Rosie, and I love my Ellen. Let me think … I’m scared to say any more because I’m trying to think, Wait, who’s out of the closet and who’s not? [Laughs] Oh, and Chaz Bono.

You should snag his first official TV interview as Chaz.
That would be legendary. But I’ve adored Chastity since her parents used to pick her up at the end of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour and take her backstage. I’ve adored her since before her weight problem and before she went on Celebrity Fit Club. I remember when Chastity first came out and Cher was very taken aback; it took Cher some time to adjust because she was afraid her little girl might not be into hair, makeup, and clothing. I’d love to have Chaz on the show.