Yes, an inrush will often trip a sensitive GFCI in such circumstances.
A way around this has already been mentioned, using a dimmer to hold the lamp 'warm' when not required, and bring it up slowly when needed. This will also extend the lamp service life by about 50% as well.
I have come across thi problem on higher-power stage lighting where some of it was not controlled through dimmer-packs.
You are quite right not to recommend disconnecting the GFI; such locations are just the very places they are useful!!
