Gwen Stefani: Underneath It All

Gwen Stefani on teaching her kids individuality and why she’s politically private…

By Chris Azzopradi | Photo: Daniel Sannwald

From bed in her Los Angeles home, Gwen Stefani insists she doesn’t mind doing her first gay press interview in a decade on her day off. “I love talking about myself,” the No Doubt frontwoman says, giggling.

Set to release her third solo album this spring, Stefani rang to open up about her “late in life” introduction to the gay community, the lesson she’s teaching her boys when she paints their nails, and how hubby Gavin Rossdale has broadened her worldview.

When No Doubt first hit the scene, you were known for your tomboy image. Because of your style, were there times you were mistaken as a lesbian?

I don’t remember there ever being too many rumors about that. I think everybody knew my story, because when “Tragic Kingdom” came out I had broken up with Tony (Kanal), so everybody knew that “Don’t Speak” and all those songs were about that, so I think that’s probably why (there weren’t rumors). I was so young when all that started. I mean, I started the band when I was 17.

The way you’ve personally subverted gender norms seems to have influenced your three boys. You’ve gone with your oldest, Kingston, to get manis, and he also wore a tutu on his birthday. As a parent, how important is it for you to show your kids there’s no wrong way to express themselves?

They’re used to being around me, and I’m always doing my hair, makeup, nails. Their whole life is, like, sitting on my lap while I’m doing that surrounded by three gay men who are on me the entire time. (Laughs) It’s just normal for them. What I like to say is that being unique and original is what makes me happy, and I think that rubs off on them. My sons did [their] nails just the other day, and the only reason was because their nails were so disgusting! Like, they were in the mud and I was like, “We have got to do your nails! Why don’t we play nail salon?”

I don’t want them to try to be like everyone else, and at that age, everybody just wants to have the same shoes everybody else has. [I] just want them to be happy — it’s a short life and it goes by so quick.

In 2012 you designed a marriage equality shirt for Target that said “Love Is Love.” What inspired you to raise awareness for marriage equality?

I’ve been shy to be too politically active in any kind of way. I’m a Libra

I’m all about balance — not confrontation. I’m sort of rebellious, but I grew up in a Catholic family. I was the peacemaker and just wanted everybody to be happy. Obviously I have my feelings about things, but I’m subtle about it. But it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, and what you think — love is love.

There are obviously lots of gays who adore you, but how aware are you of all the gay love for your hubby, Gavin Rossdale?

Girls and guys love him because he’s a beautiful person. The thing about him is, growing up in London, there’s so much freedom, and there’s so much exposure to so many different people and art. It’s just a different way of growing up compared to [my] growing up in Anaheim. With all the music that we grew up to — and the British invasion and Vivienne Westwood and everything I love about 80s London — it’s been really amazing to be able to have a friend and lover like Gavin because he is from London.

Let’s take it back to No Doubt’s “Staring Problem” and all those “cute girls” who made you jealous. These days, who can’t you stop staring at? Who are your girl crushes?

I’m not really feeling a girl crush right now. I’m sorry! There’s nobody. But I have to say that I like a lot of the new Taylor Swift. Charli XCX is a very good songwriter too. She wrote songs for my record. My favorite all-time girl songwriter is Joni Mitchell, but I wouldn’t say I have a girl crush on her. (Laughs)

Everyone’s always surprised you’re 45. And it’s true – you look half your age. What’s your secret?

(Laughs) Thank you! I don’t have any secrets. I’m doing what everyone else is doing — just trying to make it last as long as possible on all levels.