May 09, 2005

VR: Who is Diamond and what is she all about?
D: Diamond is a lady and someone who cares deeply for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered community.

VR: Where are you living these days?
D: I live in Winston-Salem, N.C.

VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about say the last 3-5 years?
D: For the past 3-5 years my life has been all about performing, competing, and trying my hand at acting in a few independent films. I work for a large financial institution and sometimes I work 10 hours a day. Over the last several years when most people would go home I would go practice with my dance troop until 2am for the next pageant. A major revelation occurred in my life: I was admitted to the hospital because I drained my body to the point of exhaustion and came close to death with 103 degree temperature. This was right before Miss N.C.U.S.of A which I was giving up. The event made me shift focus in my life and realize that everything is nothing without someone to share it with -- I have now met a very nice guy whom I prefer to keep anonymous that I would like to share my life with. I want someone to share my successes and failures with. I now know I deserve it!

VR: Have you always like dressing up? Or this something you just do for stage work?
D: Honestly, as a child I used to dress up in my mothers clothes. I liked the fact that it gave me attention from all the neighbors. All the straight boys in the small South Carolina town where I grew up treated me special like a lady and I loved it - thus the lady Diamond was born. I also had strange dreams as a child that I had a twin sister whom looked just like me -- this persona is the Diamond you see on stage. On the inside Diamond is no different than my male persona -- we are the same just a little less rouge :).

VR: How did you get started being Diamond?
D: I broke up with my lover of 6 years who had done female impersonation quite successfully with me on the sidelines to root him on, to sew for him, and to do his makeup. I would sit at home alone crying all the time when he left me and I thought to hell with this. I decided to use my own creativity and talent and hit the stage. I have been performing 12 years now. The crowd gave me the love and companionship that I needed to to get through my hardship!

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?
D: Not really because I have a strong sense of self of who I am and what I want. I know that I have many sides to my personality, some that I may have yet to discover. When I look in the mirror I see someone different and different is good!

VR: Who was your inspiration when you were younger. I am not talking drag here, just someone you really looked up to?
D: I looked up to my high school professor, because he taught me a motto that I live by. Never, never give up!

VR: How many pageants have you won?
D: I have won 9 and I actually was crowned in 6 of those: <br>
Miss Spring, <br>
Miss Girl for all Seasons, <br>
Miss Mardi Gras, <br>
Miss Winston-Salem America, <br>
Miss Greensboro America, <br>
Miss Greensboro U.S. of A. <br>
finally, Miss N.C.U.S. of A. <br>
The later is the accomplishment I am most proud of because being Miss N.C.U.S. of A is a life changing experience. Very few can consider themselves one of us -- we all are very different and unique individuals.

VR: Does any of them standout over the others, or was the littlest one just as big a thrill as the biggest one you won?
D: I am humbled by all that I have been lucky to achieve. I am also very proud and honored to have held all of my titles. And I am not done yet - the best is yet to come.

VR: Are you still competing of this title or that one?
D: I would like to go to Miss Continental and Miss North Carolina for Female Impersonators. I think that both would help me get better at this art form that I do.

VR: Is there any one title you have not got, that you still feel you would like to win?
D: Miss Warehouse 29, Miss North Carolina Continental, Miss South Carolina Continental, and Miss North Carolina for Female Impersonators. I only do pageants that mean something to me -- and this is what's left on my list.

VR: I know you are one of the better performers in North Carolina, at least that is what I hear, do you owe this to anyone that stayed on your rear, to make you that great performer you are?
D: I share my success with many people who dedicated their time, love, and talent: Paris LeBon; Tiffany Bonet; Paisley Parque; Monica Marlo (My Coach); Jessica O'brien; Kent (owner of Warehouse 29); Tim Allen; Ricky Hickman (my hairdresser); Jasmine James(my first drag daughter, my ex-lover, and the best of friends); Robert Simpson (My Dance Choreographer); Michael Powell (my Dance Choreographer's husband and a great Diamond supporter); Donnie Gravely (My clothes designer); Joey D ( My other clothes designer) Amaya (my hairdresser);and all of my backup dancers. Also, to anyone who called me on a Monday -- only people that
really love you call on Monday when your stage "n" light no longer shines.

VR: Who do you admire these days?
D: On a national level: Tommie Ross (my favorite), Monica Monroe, Maya Douglas, the late Tandy Andrews, Lawanda Jackson, Layla Larue, and Whitney Paige.<br>
On a level close to my heart I admire my two very beautiful and talented drag daughters Akasha Diamond, and Natasha Diamond. My handsome son Jai Diamond, who is as handsome and talented as the days are long. My niece Raven Wood who is a spitfire and fearless like me (also known for being late like me) -- also very beautiful. My niece Ericka Marx, who could win any real girl pageant in the state.<BR>
Finally, I admire my mom and my dad and 2 brothers because they all come watch my shows and love me for what I am.

VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
D: Several: graduating high school and college, working the same job 5 and 1/2 years while entertaining, owning my own place while single, having a six year relationship in the gay lifestyle, being lucky enough to still have supporters after all this time, and finally waking up today.

VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
D: Why people feel so much competition with each other because we are all different and it is those differences that make us so special.

VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
D: I have been whichever has been needed at the time. I would have never made it if I could not bring out the bitch when necessary (I have a backbone)! However, it must be said that to those who do not come for me first -- they are welcomed with a great love and humility. Also, even if I dislike someone I would lend them a costume for a pageant -- this is a business and we must be professional. Sometimes we just have personality conflicts.

VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
D: I do what I want when I want and never have any regrets. I am not afraid to try something new. For example, I recently have been trying out Diana Ross as a character because this is a new challenge. And you had better believe every song that I perform has a story to match to words I am singing.

VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
D: I always get nervous -- it is this nervousness that propels me to do my best.

VR: Are you a full time lady?
D: I am always a lady -- but I choose to live as a man.

VR: Have you ever taken hormones or had plastic surgery to enhance your look?
D: I have silicone in my face and have scheduled plastic surgery to remove this as well as all my facial hair. Everything else is natural.

VR: Are you in love right now with anyone special?
D: I love many men for many different reasons. Unfortunately, with the burden of carrying around a penis many men feel a necessity to play games. I have a man in mind-- he knows who he is and what is expected. Ie: a house in the country, traveling, and a German Shepard. Most importantly, he must be absolutely convinced that I hung the moon. If I get some effort what I will give in return is immeasurable.

VR: Where do you see yourself in the future, how many more years of drag shows ever other night do you think you have left in you?
D: I will perform as long as an audience awaits me and will give it every ability I have within me. I
also, see myself in a long term relationship.

VR: Do you consider yourself transgender?
D: I think what I give as Diamond is very transgender friendly. I have many transsexual friends for whom I have the greatest love and admiration. Dana St. James, Crystal Collins, and Marina La Feverz

VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender community, anything at all?
D: Love, acceptance, understanding, and entertainment.

VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
D: Nothing worth having is easy and never give up on your dreams.

VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
D: Live, live, live! Always be thankful that God blessed you with another day. If you wake up each day you are a step ahead of many others. Finally, thank you Vicki and all the readers who made this interview happen -- I hope you liked it!