Lesbian Pride Games leader to be honored at Queer Kentucky Awards in June

Desi has worked her ass off by creating Queer Black pride celebrations like The Pride Games. Over the years she has created a community of prideful black folx that get together and celebrate who they are. Desi loves everyone and works to have everyone included — always. She deserves recognition for her hard work in the LGBTQ+ community.

What do you identify as? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything?
I’m a no label lesbian. I love women and only women and I dress how I feel. One day I can put a dress on and feel like a model and another day I can grab some boots and feel like the coolest guy in the room. I define me and i don’t let anyone else do it.

What does the word Queer mean to you?
LIFE , HAPPINESS, SELF LOVE QUEER IS POSITIVE AND IT MEANS TO ME THE STRONG ONES CAUSE THATS WHAT THE LGBTQAIA HAVE TO BE TO DEAL WITH WHAT WE DO EVERYDAY.

Where are you from and explain what it was like growing up/living in Kentucky?
I’m from Louisville. Growing up here in the city was fine for me. Being a lesbian wasn’t the thing to be growing up and I once was scared to speak about it. But the day I told my mom and dad about me liking women i didn’t care who knew cause my parents love me .

What would you say to anyone struggling to come into their own identity?
DONT RUSH — wait until you’re ready and then once you are ready, just be as happy as you want. Don’t ever let someone make you feel that you should hide who you are to make them feel good. Screw them — put you first always.

How does your own identity run how you carry yourself? Or does it?
Well I’m very versatile, I do what I want and wear what I want, and I love me while I do it. I believe I’m a leader ’cause I choose to just be me even when people don’t understand. Some things aren’t meant to be understood and I’m part of that some things — but a lot of self love.

What issues do you see in the queer community?
We need to have each others back and stand with each other. We have the whole world against us as it is — we need to be there for each other and help each person trying to put out positive things. It takes a team or a village and thats what we are.

What do you think would solve those issues?
Communication, trust, honesty and just supporting each other even if it’s for five minutes. Show up and let each other know, “I SEE YOU.”

Do you feel excluded from the “mainstream” queer community? Why or why not?
NO. I feel you have to come out and make a move. How can you say you’re excluded if you haven’t spoken about what needs we need as a community?It’s like I say, “How do we know if you don’t say something?”

Where do you feel “at your best” (safe, happy, fabulous, comfortable, etc)
I’m at my best when I’m helping people I love give back. At times I don’t want anything from anyone and I do things because seeing a person get something they need or never had makes me happy. I’d help someone even when I don’t have what they need …I bet ill find out a way to get it!

Who influenced the life you live now?
GOD AND my granny and my family and some friends. They always pushed me to be the best I can be and I’m still trying to be even better. With the love and support they give, I’m able to push myself even harder than I already do.