Raised in San Francisco by Korean parents (her father is a joke-writer) and neighboring drag queens, Margaret Cho was never the "All-American Girl," according to her 1999 one-woman show-turned record-breaking concert film and best-selling book "I'm The One That I Want." In fact, on this and subsequent tours: "Notorious C.H.O." (2001), "Revolution" (2003) "Assassin" (2005) and "The Sensuous Woman" (2006), Cho's personal struggles with racial identity, queerness and distorted body image are gravely evident in her humorous routines.

Set to formally announce the spring launch of "Beautiful," her new one-woman show, on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Jan. 23, a newly confident Cho has graciously given Gay.com a sneak peak of the tour in an exclusive interview, where she discusses the secret to and importance of feeling beautiful inside and out -- especially if you're queer.

So what's "Beautiful" all about?

It's really about sex. It's really sexual, the most deeply sexual show I've ever done. It's really graphic, and really goes there, like really harsh. I also sing, so there are some new, different things. It's a fun, wild, sexy show.

How is it different than previous tours?

In the last couple years I've been doing a lot of dancing, being open physically and exploring what I do as a performer and how it makes me feel, so I'm coming out from a different perspective, feeling good about myself and wanting to share that.

How does one find beauty within themselves?

I think just to take for granted that we are beautiful and accept ourselves. It's easy to find fault and flaws, but it's really vital that we feel great about ourselves.

You've said that queers in particular need to feel beautiful. Why is that?

It's important for queers to feel very beautiful. We have to take on the world, and beauty is a shield we can use to defend ourselves. It's hard for gay men, because beauty is an ideal that feels impossible to attain when they are bombarded by an image of perfect bodies, huge muscles and at the same time, thin and young. The image is defeating us, because you think that if you're gay you have to look that good. It's why I'm always into bears, because they accept themselves and get more dick than anyone. They practice self-acceptance.

You've said that you don't care about mainstream acceptance, but isn't mainstream acceptance of your points of view what you're ultimately after?

Of course it is. But at the same time, part of me is limited because of my queerness, politics and feminism. So I'm into any kind of success, but know people's prejudices are in the way.

Where does your appreciation of queerness come from?

I think a lot of people I grew up with helped me understand how beautiful the world could be through art, music, and the finer things, and exposed me to really great culture. These were very flamboyant, interesting and educated people. They helped me grow up in a sophisticated way and I'm grateful to them for that.

How do you view the new generation of queers?

I think the kids are so amazing. They've taken what other generations have given them, learned about gay and lesbian politics and trans people and absorbed it all, and now to say, "I will not limit myself or let society label me," is really thrilling.

You say that you're against labels, but then you call yourself the "ultimate fag hag."

To me a "fag hag" is an old-fashioned term. It's funny. It's not about sexual orientation and social identity. It's just a part of who I am -- an aspect.

But aren't fag hags supposed to be old, unattractive and in love with all their gay friends?

I don't understand that at all. Fag hags, to me, are gorgeous, and straight people are boring.

And of course, they always accompany their gay friends to bars . . . Do you?

Oh, yes, but not so much at bars any more. When I was younger, that was the thing. But almost all of my friends are gay, lesbian or transgendered, except my husband. People I hang out with are always queer or queer-friendly. I just find queer life more interesting.

But, as I'm sure we're both aware, there's also a lot of suffering within the LGBT community.

As I get older, more transgender people are in my life, which I love. I always want to nurture, take care of and fawn over transgender people, and work for transgender organizations because I think they have the hardest time in society. They're the most visibly queer, the face of who we are in the world, so they receive the most hatred and pain. There is a lot of misunderstanding in the gay community when it comes to transgender people.

Our audience might wonder why you've taken on the LGBT cause as you have. Talk for a moment about your own sexual orientation.

I made a decision to be with my husband, but I don't deny the aspect of myself that wants to be with women. I fall in love with women all the time, but that doesn't mean I leave my marriage, because I am in love with my husband.

How does your husband feel about your bisexuality?

It's totally OK with my husband, and I'm just honest. I always have crushes. For me, it's important to talk about it because of the political importance, because a little visibility and a little willingness among the visible can help to gain acceptance. I'd rather do that than have a partner and a dog and never talk about it.

That's beautiful. Now, who is beautiful to you?

People who are beautiful but don't make "beautiful" lists. Dani Campbell from "A Shot of Love" with Tila Tequila. She is so sincere and beautiful. I'm angry Tila didn't pick her, because she's so sexy and honest -- the perfect sincere butch. I love her and am totally into her. Oh, also Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lucas Silveira, the lead singer of The Cliks, actor Kal Penn and transgender comedian Ian Harvie.