Dec 13, 2004

VR: Who is Danyel Vasquez, where did she come from?
DV: Danyel is someone that all my life wanted to come out but never really knew until about 12 years ago that could be a reality.

VR: Danyel where are you living these days?
DV: I live in Akron, Ohio about 30 minutes from Cleveland.

VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about?
DV: My life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs . I grew up an only child with a single mom. My mother and father divorced when I was 2 years old after my dad admitted he was gay. I had a great childhood for the most part with a loving mother and father and two great sets of grandparents. Growing up I always felt so different, like I wasn't supposed to be who I was. This made my teens years really hard to deal with. I never got into drinking or drugs but I was just always feeling down. When I was about 18 I went to my first gay bar and was blown away. I saw drag queens and the music was amazing. I finally felt like I was comfortable somewhere. I couldn't believe that men could be women. This bar would later be my place of employment for the last 10 years. My father passed away 8 years ago to AIDS and it has left a big hole in my heart. This was something that to this day I still try and deal with.

VR: When you were growing up and each morning you would look in the mirror did you feel that was the wrong person looking back at you, did you see a little girl or were you still the macho little boy back then, like most of us?
DV: I was never macho. Lol...I saw someone that I hated to be honest. I never saw a girl but always wanted to.

VR: Who was your inspiration while you were growing up?
DV: My inspiration while growing up was my grandmother. I always had such a sense of comfort and security when I was with her. She always made me feel loved and good about myself and to this day( she is 85) she still does. I love her so much.

VR: I know you have your own show in Akron Ohio, where is it, how long have you been there and is a one woman show or do you have other performing with you?
DV: I work every Sunday, Monday and Thursday at The Interbelt Niteclub in Akron, Ohio. I have several other girls that work with me as well as special out of town guests and male performers too. Showtime is 12:15 and you can visit the website at http://www.interbelt.com

VR: A woman as beautiful as you, has to have won a pageant or two, do you have a favorite one and can you tell us why?
DV: I have had several crowns and competed on the national level as well. My most important crown though has to be Miss Interbelt Niteclub because it was my first and it represents the club I work for to this day. The club has done so much for me as well as the people are an amazing bunch. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

VR: I have seen many pictures of you over the last couple of years and girl I never see you in the same dress twice! Your house must have a room that you set up racks, just for your dresses and costumes. Do you design your own dresses and also make them?
DV: Lol....People say that all the time. I can probably do shows 5 times a week for 6 months and not wear the same costume or dress. I am blessed to have taught myself how to sew and enjoy making outfits for myself and others. I also have a designer in Canton, Ohio that has helped me through the years as well. You can visit him at http://www.originalsbyjerrybaer.com

VR: Do you design and sew for others also?
DV:Yes i do sometimes when my schedule permits.

VR: Now lets get back to you and performing. We have all had them, that one show from hell! Do you remember where it was, and what happen in that show to make you want to find a hole and hide in it?
DV:I remember doing a song "Unpretty" by TLC in a form fitting gown to the knee with a big flared bottom...I had to take baby steps to walk in it. I was literally just standing there performing and fell. Well the gown was so tight at the knee I couldn't get up. So I had to motion two people in the audience to come help me up..LOl it was UNPRETTY!

VR: Do you have any place outside of Akron, you really like performing at and why?
DV:I love performing at all the clubs that book me. One in particular is Gi-Gi's in Detroit, Michigan. Nickii Stevens and the the girls make it real fun and the audience is so receptive.

VR: Now this is a selfish question, have you ever thought of performing down here in warm Florida or are your roots stuck there in Ohio?
DV: I have always wanted to get down there someday but my schedule is usually so busy up in the Midwest but if you can hook me up I would be willing to go! LOL

VR: Lets get back to the present who do you admire these days?
DV: I admire my drag idol Chelsea Pearl, my boyfriend Alex, my drag mom Erica Martinez and so many others for so many reasons. I admire people that can make it through tough times and come out standing tall. I admire people that make it through adversity. I admire anyone that works and pays there bills on time!

VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment?
DV:Living and learning this long. Every day is a blessing for each of us.

VR: I know you have a rather large drag family. Would you like to tell us who they are?
DV: LOL...DO we have space lol.....My drag Momma is Erica Martinez, my extended Momma is Chelsea Pearl, My daughters are Ni Ni Richards, Samantha Styles, Deja Holiday, Cha-Cha, Sassy Purella, Mackenzie Spencer and Brionna Brooks

VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
DV: Being too early or being late. Uggggg can't take it..lol

VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
DV: Well I know I have a good heart and all but sometimes I can be a bitch I am sure. I think most people can these days. I do try and love everyone and help them out when I can.

VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
DV: I think that my look, my costumes, and my over-all stage presence helps a lot. I have set standards in my hometown and mostly all of them copy in their own little way. I just am happy being me.

VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
DV: Not really. There are certain times it can hit you and you don't even know why but I think it is good once and a while. it keeps you grounded.

VR: Would you ever get SRS(reassignment surgery) or when and where did you have your surgery?
DV: This stage in my life (I am 32) I don't see that happening. I am on hormones and have had some work done but it is a loooong process and I have just begun.

VR: Are you in love right now?
DV: Yes I am. It has been 4 years.

VR: Where do you see yourself in the future?
DV: Hopefully with the person that I am in love with. Still performing and sewing. Just making it by comfortably.

VR: Do you consider yourself a transgendered person, and if so, do you think you have receive proper respect you deserve in life because of it?
DV: Yes i do and yes I have never really had a bad experience yet in public
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VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender community, anything at all?
DV: I am just another one that shows it is ok to be yourself and do what you need to do to be happy. Life can really suck living in a disguise.

VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
DV: Research online in the library and anywhere you can. Talk with others in a support group and know there are thousands of us out here just like you!

VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
DV:I wish everyone out there continued joy and success in their lives and I would like to thank Miss Vicki Rene for choosing me for this. God Bless.

Note From Vicki Rene: What can I say about this beautiful woman with the million dollar eyes! She is the one of the top performers in all of the mid-west. She is someone I know I will meet one day, someone I know is a friend, someone I admire from a far!