Aug 23, 2005

VR: Who is Keisha Kye?
KK: Keisha Kye today is definitely not the Keisha from way back. In the beginning, to me life was the shows, the pageants, the parties! It was not uncommon to see me in face for numerous days at a time, working one bar to the next. Of course, I was younger with the ambition to conquer the world. Through the years, I've had many journeys, met tons of people and made some very memorable experiences I'll cherish for ever. Along the way, I found my soul-mate and for the past, almost 3 years now, have been living my life with him, another life changing experience. This has made me a more responsible person, also having a career and on-line business and still finding time to juggle 2 or 4 shows a month.

VR: Where are you living these days?
KK: Good question to ask me, since I have lived in 6 states the past 15+ years. I currently reside in Charlotte, NC. Although my partner is originally from Arkansas, this is where he wanted to make our new life, so here I am. Not a bad place, actually. If you've ever been there, it's hard not to notice the natural beauty and cleanliness of both North and South Carolina. Plus, all kinds of fabulous talent came out of this area (Kerry Nichols, Fantasia, Clay Aiken, the Panthers, etc.).

VR: Is this where you grew up?
KK: No. I grew up, like my famous cousin, Carrie Underwood, in Oklahoma. I graduated high school from Spiro, a very small town close to the border of Ft. Smith, AR. I went on the get my Associates in Psychology from Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK.

VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about, say the last 5 years?
KK: Mostly, soul-searching. I've been trying to find my place in this world and to truly understand it? For the meantime, I have learned to accept and forgive, but mostly, love. It's really important. I've yet to master all this, but do want to make the most positive mark I can while I'm here.

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?
KK: I've actually never felt this way. I have often wondered "who is that looking back at me", but never as the wrong person? I've always had a deep understanding of the female. I suppose because as a small child, I was raised by my mother with the occasional step father here and there and visitation with my father on certain weekends, granted we lived close enough to visit.

VR: When growing up, was it good memories or did you have a hard time with the other kids in the neighborhood?
KK: I was fortunate enough to be raised by a very loving, supportive and nurturing parent. Therefore, I was always led to believe I was important and this carried over in my personality. Most people liked me, especially girls. They were always my best friends. This did cause me a bit of grief, however in high school amongst some of the other boys. I did get an element of teasing due to being a male cheerleader for my high school, too. Most of the other kids couldn't do flips and I had taken classes. I would demonstrate my skills and would usually shut most of them up.

VR: Growing up, who was your inspiration?
KK: Other than the obvious answer, being my mother. I was more in awe most of my life of several people, even inspired. The lists go a little like this, but maybe even more:
* Linda Carter as Wonder Woman
* Charlies Angels (all of them!)
* Sylvia (country singer)
* Olivia Newton John (fabulous!)
* Boy George (of Culture Club fame)
* Madonna
Hmmmm...This explains so much!

VR: Is the drag in you, just that, drag, or did you as a kid like to slip into something nice and silky whenever no one was around like a lot of us did?
KK: Well, as a description, I would definitely apply "drag" to me. However, I do remember locking myself in the bathroom and playing in mom's make-up when I was a kid. At times when no one was home, I would go as far as wearing mom's high heels, too. On the flip side, I have no true desire to be a full-time woman. Way too much work and I tend to be a tad lazy.

VR: When did you first start doing drag shows?
KK: My first drag show was at the age of 17. I performed to Samantha Foxx's "I Wanna Have Some Fun" at Ron's Place in Fayetteville, AR. I had only been "out" for a few months and my first friends I met happen to be 'Queens'. I was invited to a show which snowballed into me doing one, as well.

VR: When you perform now is it always with the same bunch of girls or do you like to travel around to different clubs.
KK: NOW, I tend to work at one club, but, on occasion, will work other clubs for promotional work. I've always been a bit of a traveler, anyway, but not so much these days. It's still in my blood, though.

VR: Where about can we see you perform, can you tell us the name(s) of the club(s)?
KK: The main club is called 'Velocity'. It is located in Charlotte, NC, where I live. Very spacious, with two bars, huge dance floor, live DJ, Game Room, Smoking Lounge & Awesome Lights. It is usually always packed on Saturday nights. It is also known for its celebrity entertainers and DJ's (Crystal Method, RuPaul, Boy George & others). I also like to work in Rock Hill, South Carolina at the HideAway. There are a few other places around that I have worked, but do not make a habit of.

VR: Do you hold any titles for your hard work as a queen?
KK: Currently, no. I must say, though, over the past 15+ years of being in the biz, I have collected my share of tiara's, sashes, trophies, plaques and of course, titles. I have countless pageants under my belt. Here are a few of them:
* Miss Gay Cisterna Emeritus 1990
* 1st alt Miss Gay Sacramento, CA 1991
* Miss Gay Oklahoma Newcomer of the Year 1995
* 1st alt Miss Gay River City 1996
* Miss Magnolia Station 2000
* 1st alt Miss Gay Ft. Worth, TX 2000
* Miss Gay Arkansas US of A 2001

VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
KK: On a pageant note, it would have to be winning 'Miss Gay Arkansas U S of A'. This is mainly due to its status on the national level. On a personal note, it would be my relationship with my partner.

VR: Can you tell our readers about your news letter, what it is and how it came about?
KK: The 'KeishasKorner.com Newsletter' came about because of my web-site. All I really wanted was a personal web-site, but one that offered something more? This is why I have products for sell, but, they are products that appeal to the cross dressers, drag queens and such. To keep in touch with all my friends, I began sending out the newsletters, informing them on what I was doing and what new things I offered on my web-site, including my products.

VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
KK: Everything! No, I'm teasing. But, I guess we all have pet peeves? I know I actually have several, but I won't list them all. A few of my pet peeves are:
* Slow Drivers in front of you
* Poor Customer Service
* Beggars (people asking for money or something of value)
* Animal Cruelty

VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
KK: Yes, I'm definitely a 'nice' person. However, I'm a firm believer that certain individuals can make you be a 'bitch'. I have opted on occasion to be a 'bitch', but not without just cause. I like to have a very positive attitude and see everything in the best light as possible. This keeps a smile on my face and everyone looks better when they smile.

VR: Who do you admire these days?
KK: I have a deep admiration for both my grandma and grandpa. They are older now and have just about seen and done it all. What a wealth of knowledge they offer.
I also have much admiration for Carrie Underwood, too. She is the current "American Idol" winner, for those that don't know. Also, what many don't know is that she is my cousin. For this, I am very proud, too.
VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
KK: My personality. That in conjunction with Keisha is very bold. Also, going out in public with my partner since he's 7 foot tall, gets a lot of attention. He truly stands out ABOVE all the others.

VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
KK: A very big NO. I say that because I have been on stage as Keisha for many years. Before that I enjoyed theatre, cheerleading & band in school. I remember being nervous at times during my Speech classes in school, but that was when I was younger. Now, it's not uncommon for me to be hosting a show, or even have my own show.

VR: Have you had or taking anything to enhance your body to make it look more feminine?
KK: No, I am natural and don't even wear hip pads! Well, I do require the assistants of a body girdle (or two) and also false breasts. During a very confusing stage of my life, I let my transsexual roommate inject me with a dose of her hormones, convinced I wanted to be a woman. That is the same day I changed my mind, too. It hurt very bad and made a "goose-egg" knot in my thigh. It even made my man-tits hurt walking up and down the stairs for the next few weeks.

VR: Are you in love now and if so can you talk about it a little with us?
KK: You've probably already figured this one out, as I have disclosed this information in previous questions. However, I have yet to give you his name and stats. His name is Patrick and like I said before is from Ft. Smith, AR. This is where I met him. He's 25, and has his Bachelors Degree in Foreign Language.

VR: Where do you see yourself in the future?
KK: God willing, Patrick and I will still be together wherever we may be? We often speak of travel and school. He would like to get his Masters and me my Bachelors.

VR: Tell us do you consider yourself a transgendered person?
KK: No.

VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender or gay community, anything at all?
KK: So much! Especially with my website, I have the ability to reach out to a lot of others that at one time would not have been possible. I'm in great physical condition, not limited by anything but my own laziness. I have a strong personality and feel this too is a key factor. I'm also still performing, which puts me out there literally in the community, delivering a positive message through song & dance.

VR: Who is your favorite fiction character(s), someone you can relate to in literature or in the movies, and why?
KK: I suppose that award would have to go to 'Wonder Woman'. Both in comic & on TV, she has continued to awe me since I was a small child. I feel my strong attraction to her is due largely in part to her feminine power. Her ability to defeat her enemies and remain so beautiful is quit amazing. In the words of Steve Trevor, her long time out-of-reach love, "You're a Wonder, Wonder Woman"!

VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
KK: Unless the person was just not capable of helping themselves, that's what I would suggest...help yourself! It's very hard to help someone when they're not willing to help themselves. Now, if you've done all you can do and still need help, that's a different story. And generally, those that help themselves are more likely to get help when needed.

VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
KK: First of all, I would like to thank you, Vicki, for allowing me this opportunity to speak out and be involved in this interview! I appreciate your patience and support. I hope I've answered all the questions in an acceptable manner. And to the readers, I hope you've enjoyed it, as well, and thank you for taking the time to read it, especially if you're still reading it now!

Faith will probably be your best tool in this life. You need faith to believe, that when none of this makes sense, that underneath it all, YOU DO HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE! No matter what it is, believe in yourself and your dream(s), and you can't go wrong.

You can also find more information about Keisha by writing her at her EMAIL

Note from Vicki Rene This is where I always something nice about this person and this is no exception. This is a “Doer”, not a “I will follow you” type of lady.
I don’t know her that well, we could be on the same bus in NYC one afternoon and not know each other was there, but she is a friend.
I got to tell you something, as you could imagine, I get a ton of email, more than normal people. One thing I have learned over the years is if a queen has a news letter, it is worth reading, and Keisha is no exception to that rule, and she tells it like it is or was.
I wish you the very best Keisha in your endeavors and lady if you ever need my help, just ask….kiss kiss(Hollywood style, you don’t mess up the lipstick that way)