Amanda Lepore, a Fixture of New York’s Nightlife Scene for Decades, Finally Bares It All

"Growing up in New York City, I’ve seen and heard about Lepore from afar. Of course, she is unmistakeable, but I’ve also seen her adopt into her nightlife crew both my childhood neighbor, Kyle Farmery, and my high school best friend. Over the years on Facebook, I’ve watched the two of them blossom into the stunning, bold, and confident people I always knew them to be despite a mainstream culture that didn’t until recently tolerate let alone celebrate them. Today, Lepore is showing a future generation of misfits how to find and nurture the most fabulous parts of themselves.

“Amanda is always teaching others to find the positive in any situation, and how to stay true to themselves and their success without hurting others,” Farmery, who has been Lepore’s protégé since he was 12, wrote me at 5 a.m. after “tucking Amanda into bed” following her book launch party at The Top of The Standard on Tuesday night. He added: “She always wants to make sure that anyone who took the time to come out and support her, leaves with a special little magical memory.”