On November 6, the new season of “Forsthaus Rampensau Germany” was slated to premiere on Joyn and sixx, but the broadcast was postponed at the last minute to 2027 (TheColu.mn reported). By the time we heard the news, this interview was already online.
Among this year’s contestants is Gino Bormann, who will team up with Katy Bähm. He became known to a broad audience through his appearance on the queer dating show “Prince Charming” in 2020. Drag fans, however, may have known him longer as “Charlet C. House.” The name, by the way, is a tribute to Charlotte from “Sex and the City” and to Amy Winehouse.
Queer.de used his participation in “Forsthaus” as an occasion to speak with him about his experiences in the TV world so far, but also to offer a glimpse of the format that could make him even more famous. He also talks about his down-to-earth job in retail and whether he feels beauty pressure within the queer community.
Gino, in 2020 you made your reality-TV debut with “Prince Charming.” How did this public attention change your life?
Very positive. On all platforms, people reached out who could identify with this or realized something about themselves through the show. What I liked most was being able to set a good example as a person.
Did you go into the format really hoping to find the great love, or were you already aware that a show like this could also open doors for your career?
Well, at first I basically wanted to gain more fame for Charlet, my drag-DJ act. Let’s be honest: It’s also a good advertising machine if you pull it off well. On the other hand, I could never understand why people on such shows cry their eyes out after knowing someone for only two days. I wanted to take this experiment on.
Since then you’ve appeared in numerous formats, including “Kampf der Realitystars” and “Beauty & The Nerd.” Which experience has stuck with you most to this day, and why?
That I realized I don’t have to pretend to be someone else — unlike many others in this reality bubble. Because there, the “Reality” gets lost, I think. You’re really presenting yourself as you are in all variants, and not a scripted role.
Starting November 6 you’ll be on “Forsthaus Rampensau Germany.” What can the audience expect from this season, and what should they especially look forward to?
People can first of all look forward to Katy and me being the first two drag queens in such shows to do this as a couple. And basically to my reunion with my sister Katy.
How did this team-up with Katy Bähm come about? Did you already know each other well, or did you get to know each other through the format?
I’ve known Katy for 14 years. We used to do everything together, get ready together, DJ together — just everything. I came before her. I encouraged her to do drag and inspired her. She’ll of course deny it, but it is what it is. That’s kind of cute. So I didn’t need to get to know the old gal anew.
How did you function as a team on-site? Were you on the same wavelength from the start, or were there moments when you clashed?
I knew from the start that it would be tough with her in the long run because we have very different ideas of reality, to put it mildly. It will definitely be spicy, but we also shared beautiful moments, and I think our friendship has been elevated to a new level. An era you won’t forget.
Many people think of reality TV as entertainment first and work second. In your opinion, what about participating in these formats is most underestimated?
That you actually have to wake up at eight with loud music and get up. You can’t sleep in any longer. You’re filmed 24/7 everywhere: in the bathroom, in bed — everywhere. You have to be able and willing to do that. I still squeeze in a nap at noon. I don’t see it as work. I’m usually hanging out with the hottest guys in TV-land and sipping Chardonnay on the beach in Koh Samui. So who’s thinking about work then?
You originally come from retail. Does that profession still play a role in your daily life, or is it your long-term goal to live entirely from TV and media projects?
It plays a big role. I love my “normal” life, where I stand at the checkout for five hours and have some structure. I think it’s important to have a routine — at least for those five hours. Otherwise you quickly lose your footing and become sluggish. I’ve been working part-time for 17 years alongside the DJ and TV stuff. The mix works nicely. It also allows me to treat myself to extra Gucci.
Headlines have spotlighted your nose job, which you’ve spoken about openly. What were the reasons for that procedure back then? And do you experience particular beauty pressure within the queer community?
That decision has been with me since childhood. I always wanted it as a kid and felt my nose was too big and curved. It isn’t about beauty pressure. The reason I did it late was that you need to find a good doctor and have real courage to take that step. And of course you need the money. I didn’t want a botched nose paid for in installments. Those were my reasons, not the community’s. I don’t care about body standards either.
People in reality TV are often under constant scrutiny and judged on social media. How do you personally handle that pressure and protect your mental health?
For example, I hardly post stories anymore. And when I do post something, it’s usually without the like or comment counts, because it’s simply unnecessary. I post pictures because I think they look great and I want to share them. Since I turned off that function, the constant urge for clicks, likes, etc., has completely vanished, because you don’t see it anyway. I think it’s crucial not to fall into the spiral where everything centers on those things and you become dependent on validation. It’s pure poison — for you and for the society we live in, which unfortunately defines itself by likes.
