The actual Barry Winchell was six and one half years younger than Calpernia Addams, but in the film the age difference is almost exactly reversed, Lee Pace, the actor who portrays Calpernia, is six years younger than Troy Garity, the actor who portrays Winchell.
There was no body double used for Lee Pace's character Calpernia. He wore prosthetic breasts for the revealing costumes he wore and to look as though he was transforming to female. He went through 2-3 hours to look female throughout the movie.
The actual bar that Calpernia worked at was the Connection complex in Nashville Tennessee. Although the location is no longer there the building still is located on Cowan Street.
The character of Ginger is played by female impersonator Tulsi Balram who would go on to become Miss Continental 1998. Her character is based on a cross between Calpernia's then roommate Chyna (Charles Tubbs) and Regine Phillips who has tried unsuccessfully to win the Miss Continental title.