Q: Where were you born and where do you consider home these days? 

A: Louisville born, Jeffersonville, Ind., raised, but I consider Louisville home ALWAYS. After I graduated from UofL, I traveled a lot to larger cities like L.A., New York and Chicago. I truly loved those places, but they just weren’t checking all the boxes. The more I’ve poured into Louisville, the more it has poured into me. Also, when I retire, if it’s not under water by then, I will be spending a lot of time in New Orleans. 

Q: What inspired you to make the leap into DJing? 

A: Post-college I was looking for community. I started going out quite a bit to the popular dance spots and noticed there was no one who looked like me, a queer black woman, who was playing music anywhere! Spring of 2023 will be my fifth year as Slim Thicc, and I now consider myself a community builder through DJing. Music is about feeling represented, like you belong somewhere. I know that sounds corny, but that’s how I feel. I want queer black people, queer people, black people to come into the room I’m playing in and know: YOU BELONG. That’s always been the driving factor for me. 

Q: What’s a perfect day in your world?

This story exists because of readers like you. Give $5 a month to keep Queer Kentucky free.

A: Sleep in, eat cinnamon rolls, go on a long walk with my girlfriend or a good friend. Then go around the city, fuck around, eat good food, and DJ at night. I’m an extrovert and a Gemini, so I’m very focused and aligned. I won’t do something unless I’m 110% into it. DJing is not work for me. It’s a love, it’s a hobby, it’s an escape to be creative. 

Q: What’s your favorite word in the world of profanity? 

A: I use “fuck” all the time. I have to catch myself not to say it at my day job a lot. Oh, and I love to say “pussy.” Not sure if that’s profanity. (Laughs) “Pussy” is just so powerful, and I use it positively. 

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: “No one can replace you if you are truly being yourself.” As years have gone by, whatever room I step in, I try and show up as my authentic, genuine self and know that I’m in that space for a reason. Don’t be a fucking copy cat. 

Q: What’s next for DJ Slim Thicc? 

A: Louisville lost several music venues recently. I was so invested in The Wiggle Room because it was truly built from the ground up. Moving forward, it’s my No. 1 priority to find a bar or event space that builds community: A place for the people, by the people. 

Keep reading

Talesha Wilson Is Changing the World. Louisville’s West End is Her Headquarters.Early Voting Starts Oct. 29. Our People Our Vote Wants Kentucky Voters to Have Help at the Polls.Time Slip Theatre Opens 13th Year of ‘Rocky Horror’ With a Witchy TwistLouisville Pride Put Mental Health Front and Center. The Need Doesn’t End When the Tents Come Down.Federal Cuts “Handcuffed” BIPOC Harm Reduction in Kentucky. Communities Are Stepping Up.