Teresa Fisher…
“My friends call me “Turbo-Cubeonic”. Turbo (because I am non-stop), the Cubeonic (because, I carry a six-pack stomach all the time)” 
She is 42 years old, the mother of a beautiful four year old girl and will graduate in June as a Surgeon’s First Assistant. She holds four heavy weight titles and is training for her fifth All Natural Body-Building Contest. This week Jim Lawson, WVQN’s Speak Out reporter, speaks with Teresa ‘Turbo’ Fisher. WVQN: How old were you when you knew you were gay? Fisher: Third to fourth grade time frame. In 1988 I told my mother. She wasn’t that thrilled, but after time, she came around, but it had to be “you accept and respect and welcome my partners or I will not be around”. Needless to say, finally she did and any and all partners have been welcomed as family into my family. WVQN: Was it something you accepted early in life? Fisher: I knew it because I was always playing the boyfriend or husband in children role playing with female friends.. I also had boyfriends, was very popular as well. WVQN: Was there a period of denial? Fisher: The only period of denial was when my mother shamed me around high school time frame, when she thought something was going on with a friend of mine. I never denied, because I knew and pursued… I just knew it. WVQN: Tell us about your family. Fisher: My mother (retired Corporate Director of all CAMC hospitals, younger sister, 4 yr Business degree, but is a stay-at-home mother and wife, and great woman of God. Younger Brother, graduated Marshall with two degrees and is very successfully, working for a large Medical Vascular as a sales rep.. and all extended (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.. are all accepting of me and my partners. Every family member accepts and respects. They all have loved me unconditionally . Of Course, my Little and Greatest Life achievement, Cheylan J. Fisher Born, August 20, 2003. WVQN: You are referring to your daughter right? Tell us about her. 
Fisher: I have a little Girl, who will be 4 1/2 in February…. I did artificial Insemination with a Known donor, (her father) which is my very best friend whom is also gay…My daughter is blessed……………. I never compromised my Sexuality to have a child.. I have always been a Lesbian, since day one…. WVQN: How has becoming a mother changed your life? Fisher: Being a mother is the hardest job I have ever loved. I live for her, I love being that role model that exemplifies. strengthens and acceptance of everything. I teach her to always be true to herself! I teach her about God and Jesus. That way when all else fails, she can always have her faith and love to get her through things. WVQN: Does your daughter express an interest in competitive sports? Fisher: My daughter has been in the gym/health club environment probably since the age of about 6 months old. I even had had the privilage to co-host a radio show, that she would come on. She truly loves the gym and eats just as healthy as I do. At bedtime each night, we ritually share a protein shake that she makes for us. WVQN: What was your first title and what interested you in competing in it? Fisher: My first title was back in May of 1998. I never really wanted to compete because I didn’t want to be compared to the women who take steroids and look so manly with their squared off jaws, deep voices, acne, and un-natural muscle thickness. So, I just trained myself and after about 10 months I had developed to a size that most take 2-3 years to get to. The owners of the World Gym in Florida, the facility I trained at, convinced me to enter and even went as far as sponsoring me in it. I not only won my weight division, but I took overall in the women’s open division. I was so hooked I kept competing in TESTED contests and continued winning, making it into many magazine and even made it to ESPN II. 
WVQN: What was your latest title? Fisher: My last title was the Nationals on ESPN II. I took time off to have my daughter and because I was so composed of muscle and barely an ounce of body fat. I had to reduce training and put on the recommended % of body fat to have a healthy pregnancy. I found out I was pregnant on my 37th birthday and that was the GREATEST gift aside from her birth. 
WVQN: What is your ultimate goal in competitive sports? Fisher: I just turned 42 this past December 15th, and I am presently training to do my 5th contest but I am only going to do the Women’s Master Division. This is a class that is for women over 40. I have a point to make. WVQN: How do you juggle all the training and balance your personal and professional life as well? Fisher: My life is so structured. I train 6 days a week and almost two hours at a time. 2 days a week, I train both night and day. I am in the middle of finishing up my Surgical Clinical Rotation, this means that Monday through Friday from 6:30AM - 3:15PM I am doing that. Right after, its time for heavy training. My personal life? I recently ended a wonderful relationship due to distance issues and some other stuff. She was and still is my best friend and what I call a soul mate. Life is funny, she is in Florida and after almost a year of trying to keep it together, we both decided that it would be best if we just seperated. We were together almost two years. I am single now and I will say that if the right girl was to come along, I would welcome her. She would of course, have to have 5 necessity traits, and if not it wont happen.
WVQN: What motivational advice would you give someone with an interest, but not the drive? Fisher: Interest is the first step. No one showed me in the beginning, I picked up a Men’s exercis magazine instead of a womans. They are more detailed and give examples. I just kept reading more and more, as much as I could get my hands on. Training, believe it or not is the easy part! It is the diet lifestyle that is the hardest factor. Protein, carbohydrates (good ones), good fats, in the right combination is the KEY. I hate to eat and for me to gain the muscle mass and strength I need, I have to eat just about 6 times a day. One more important factor is being one of the people who are cut out for body building. I have great genes. Many judges, trainers, and best friends call me the GENETIC FREAK! Not all men can be bodybuilders either, but having a healthy lifestyle and eating right, and training will keep you around a lot longer for yourself and your loved ones. Surround yourself with those that have the experience and can help you like myself. If you want it, you got to surround yourself with it, I did! WVQN: How do you feel that competition sports can keep children healthy and off of drugs and other harmful things that they may encounter at an early age today? Fisher: Childhood obesity is the greatest crisis in the country today. It makes me crazy to know that and the numbers are increasing all the time. Children love to have good healthy realistic role models in the community, not just on TV. It seems that most drugs are found starting in boys, starting with steroids anything easy for them to put on muscle fast yet all it does is crush their bodies. I have lectured on this very subject over and over again, through the years and Debra Lintz did a interview with me and Charleston aired it for weeks. Anything that keeps children off of drugs is a positive but to encourage them into sports at any level you have got to present them with community role models who will instill in them building muscle or ways to excell without drug use. WVQN: Do you consider yourself a role model? Fisher: Yes, I have been to children of all ages and my nickname is TURBO! Smaller children call me the superhero woman and recently, I was Christmas shopping and a cheerleading cometition was going on and a group of local cheerleaders raced over to me. They were wanting to touch my arms and asked me a ton of questions and wished me luck. I had my 7 yr old niece with me and she knows and is used to it. She thinks her “TeTe” (me, aunt) is the BOMB! WVQN: Who are your role models? Fisher: My daughter. The American Gladiators. The truth is I respect anyone who has the drive and confidence to achieve their dream and maintain a awesome healthy lifestyle. It could be anyone that posesses that. I have a long time friend who is known as the Oil Girl in BOston and she worked her way up and by her 30’s, she bought her own oil company and is constantly giving back to the community, non stop. She is earning award after award and she truly is one of the successful professional lesbians. WVQN: Do you make time for dating? Fisher: Tricky question there. If you were to look at my schedule between my surgical rotation full time and training 6 days a week for my fifth competition and then raise my daughter. You would think no but if the right girl comes along, I could make the time. The truth is any awesome and successful relationship starts with a successful friendship first. I am in no hurry for anything, I enjoy my life and believe me, she will come find me when I am least expecting it. WVQN: Describe the womean who could keep a smile on Teresa Fisher’s face? Fisher: The girl next door look, she would have to be focused, professional, dedicated, loyal, loving, and a huge cuddler and an extremely touchy feely person. Sex appeal is a huge factor but that comes with confidence. I am a big family person and her family would have to be as accepting as mine is with this lifestyle. No one should ever be left out. I was blessed for the first time to have found love and I pray that i find that and more for the rest of my life. WVQN: How important is maintaining ‘Balance’ between health, career, social life and mental health? Fisher: Extremely. NO Question about it. If one is truly balanced, one is successful and this is a true sign of confidence and strength to me. WVQN: What are some of your secrets and final advice to our readers? Fisher: I am very simple and true. I love life beyond anyones imagination and I love even deeper. What it takes to get me, is what it will take to keep me. (My slogan) My advice would always be true to yourself, never let anyone in your life stop you. I keep the faith and turn my negative experiences into positive, sometimes very hard but if you fail, get back up, reach out, and hold your head high. WVQN: What is next for you? Fisher: I am spontaneous and a child at heart. I fell in love with competing to a point where it almost did me in, but I might end up doing more contests just because I love being an example to my daughter. I adore children and my dream is to become a role model locally for schools and getting the word out that I am an ALL NATURAL ATHLETE and I am a GIRL! I love to share and spread the word. I just want to find more oppurtunities. I am known for always having a way of being in the right place at the right time, so maybe I might get another shot for a TV interview. Life I said, I can be the role model for children in Charleston or even state wide. I will take any advice in making that come true. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Teresa. The youth of today are truly in need of more positive role models. Your story inspires many. Interviewed by Jim Lawson
Teresa Fisher…
“My friends call me “Turbo-Cubeonic”.
Turbo (because I am non-stop), the
Cubeonic (because, I carry a six-pack
stomach all the time)”
She is 42 years old, the mother of a beautiful four year old girl and will graduate in June as a Surgeon’s First Assistant.
She holds four heavy weight titles and is training for her fifth All Natural Body-Building Contest.
This week Jim Lawson, WVQN’s Speak Out
reporter, speaks with Teresa ‘Turbo’ Fisher.
WVQN: How old were you when you knew you were gay?
Fisher: Third to fourth grade time frame. In 1988 I told my mother. She wasn’t that thrilled, but after time, she came around, but it had to be “you accept and respect and welcome my partners or I will not be around”. Needless to say, finally she did and any and all partners have been welcomed as family into my family.
WVQN: Was it something you accepted early in life?
Fisher: I knew it because I was always playing the boyfriend or husband in children role playing with female friends.. I also had boyfriends, was very popular as well.
WVQN: Was there a period of denial?
Fisher: The only period of denial was when my mother shamed me around high school time frame, when she thought something was going on with a friend of mine. I never denied, because I knew and pursued… I just knew it.
WVQN: Tell us about your family.
Fisher: My mother (retired Corporate Director of all CAMC hospitals, younger sister, 4 yr Business degree, but is a stay-at-home mother and wife, and great woman of God. Younger Brother, graduated Marshall with two degrees and is very successfully, working for a large Medical Vascular as a sales rep.. and all extended (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.. are all accepting of me and my partners. Every family member accepts and respects.
They all have loved me unconditionally . Of Course, my Little and Greatest Life achievement, Cheylan J. Fisher Born, August 20, 2003.
WVQN: You are referring to your daughter right? Tell us about her.
Fisher: I have a little Girl, who will be 4 1/2 in February…. I did artificial Insemination with a Known donor, (her father) which is my very best friend whom is also gay…My daughter is blessed……………. I never compromised my Sexuality to have a child.. I have always been a Lesbian, since day one….
WVQN: How has becoming a mother changed your life?
Fisher: Being a mother is the hardest job I have ever loved. I live for her, I love being that role model that exemplifies. strengthens and acceptance of everything. I teach her to always be true to herself! I teach her about God and Jesus. That way when all else fails, she can always have her faith and love to get her through things.
WVQN: Does your daughter express an interest in competitive sports?
Fisher: My daughter has been in the gym/health club environment probably since the age of about 6 months old. I even had had the privilage to co-host a radio show, that she would come on. She truly loves the gym and eats just as healthy as I do. At bedtime each night, we ritually share a protein shake that she makes for us.
WVQN: What was your first title and what interested you in competing in it?
Fisher: My first title was back in May of 1998. I never really wanted to compete because I didn’t want to be compared to the women who take steroids and look so manly with their squared off jaws, deep voices, acne, and un-natural muscle thickness.
So, I just trained myself and after about 10 months I had developed to a size that most take 2-3 years to get to. The owners of the World Gym in Florida, the facility I trained at, convinced me to enter and even went as far as sponsoring me in it. I not only won my weight division, but I took overall in the women’s open division. I was so hooked I kept competing in TESTED contests and continued winning, making it into many magazine and even made it to ESPN II.
WVQN: What was your latest title?
Fisher: My last title was the Nationals on ESPN II. I took time off to have my daughter and because I was so composed of muscle and barely an ounce of body fat. I had to reduce training and put on the recommended % of body fat to have a healthy pregnancy. I found out I was pregnant on my 37th birthday and that was the GREATEST gift aside from her birth.
WVQN: What is your ultimate goal in competitive sports?
Fisher: I just turned 42 this past December 15th, and I am presently training to do my 5th contest but I am only going to do the Women’s Master Division. This is a class that is for women over 40. I have a point to make.
WVQN: How do you juggle all the training and balance your personal and professional life as well?
Fisher: My life is so structured. I train 6 days a week and almost two hours at a time. 2 days a week, I train both night and day. I am in the middle of finishing up my Surgical Clinical Rotation, this means that Monday through Friday from 6:30AM - 3:15PM I am doing that. Right after, its time for heavy training.
My personal life? I recently ended a wonderful relationship due to distance issues and some other stuff. She was and still is my best friend and what I call a soul mate. Life is funny, she is in Florida and after almost a year of trying to keep it together, we both decided that it would be best if we just seperated. We were together almost two years. I am single now and I will say that if the right girl was to come along, I would welcome her. She would of course, have to have 5 necessity traits, and if not it wont happen.
WVQN: What motivational advice would you give someone with an interest, but not the drive?
Fisher: Interest is the first step. No one showed me in the beginning, I picked up a Men’s exercis magazine instead of a womans. They are more detailed and give examples. I just kept reading more and more, as much as I could get my hands on. Training, believe it or not is the easy part!
It is the diet lifestyle that is the hardest factor. Protein, carbohydrates (good ones), good fats, in the right combination is the KEY. I hate to eat and for me to gain the muscle mass and strength I need, I have to eat just about 6 times a day. One more important factor is being one of the people who are cut out for body building. I have great genes. Many judges, trainers, and best friends call me the GENETIC FREAK! Not all men can be bodybuilders either, but having a healthy lifestyle and eating right, and training will keep you around a lot longer for yourself and your loved ones. Surround yourself with those that have the experience and can help you like myself. If you want it, you got to surround yourself with it, I did!
WVQN: How do you feel that competition sports can keep children healthy and off of drugs and other harmful things that they may encounter at an early age today?
Fisher: Childhood obesity is the greatest crisis in the country today. It makes me crazy to know that and the numbers are increasing all the time. Children love to have good healthy realistic role models in the community, not just on TV. It seems that most drugs are found starting in boys, starting with steroids anything easy for them to put on muscle fast yet all it does is crush their bodies. I have lectured on this very subject over and over again, through the years and Debra Lintz did a interview with me and Charleston aired it for weeks. Anything that keeps children off of drugs is a positive but to encourage them into sports at any level you have got to present them with community role models who will instill in them building muscle or ways to excell without drug use.
WVQN: Do you consider yourself a role model?
Fisher: Yes, I have been to children of all ages and my nickname is TURBO! Smaller children call me the superhero woman and recently, I was Christmas shopping and a cheerleading cometition was going on and a group of local cheerleaders raced over to me. They were wanting to touch my arms and asked me a ton of questions and wished me luck. I had my 7 yr old niece with me and she knows and is used to it. She thinks her “TeTe” (me, aunt) is the BOMB!
WVQN: Who are your role models?
Fisher: My daughter. The American Gladiators. The truth is I respect anyone who has the drive and confidence to achieve their dream and maintain a awesome healthy lifestyle. It could be anyone that posesses that. I have a long time friend who is known as the Oil Girl in BOston and she worked her way up and by her 30’s, she bought her own oil company and is constantly giving back to the community, non stop. She is earning award after award and she truly is one of the successful professional lesbians.
WVQN: Do you make time for dating?
Fisher: Tricky question there. If you were to look at my schedule between my surgical rotation full time and training 6 days a week for my fifth competition and then raise my daughter. You would think no but if the right girl comes along, I could make the time. The truth is any awesome and successful relationship starts with a successful friendship first. I am in no hurry for anything, I enjoy my life and believe me, she will come find me when I am least expecting it.
WVQN: Describe the womean who could keep a smile on Teresa Fisher’s face?
Fisher: The girl next door look, she would have to be focused, professional, dedicated, loyal, loving, and a huge cuddler and an extremely touchy feely person. Sex appeal is a huge factor but that comes with confidence. I am a big family person and her family would have to be as accepting as mine is with this lifestyle. No one should ever be left out. I was blessed for the first time to have found love and I pray that i find that and more for the rest of my life.
WVQN: How important is maintaining ‘Balance’ between health, career, social life and mental health?
Fisher: Extremely. NO Question about it. If one is truly balanced, one is successful and this is a true sign of confidence and strength to me.
WVQN: What are some of your secrets and final advice to our readers?
Fisher: I am very simple and true. I love life beyond anyones imagination and I love even deeper. What it takes to get me, is what it will take to keep me. (My slogan) My advice would always be true to yourself, never let anyone in your life stop you. I keep the faith and turn my negative experiences into positive, sometimes very hard but if you fail, get back up, reach out, and hold your head high.
WVQN: What is next for you?
Fisher: I am spontaneous and a child at heart. I fell in love with competing to a point where it almost did me in, but I might end up doing more contests just because I love being an example to my daughter. I adore children and my dream is to become a role model locally for schools and getting the word out that I am an ALL NATURAL ATHLETE and I am a GIRL! I love to share and spread the word. I just want to find more oppurtunities. I am known for always having a way of being in the right place at the right time, so maybe I might get another shot for a TV interview. Life I said, I can be the role model for children in Charleston or even state wide. I will take any advice in making that come true.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Teresa. The youth of today are truly in need of more positive role models. Your story inspires many.
Interviewed by Jim Lawson
bravenet.com