community by lance perkins
PRIDE 365
AND TWO PASSIONATE DIVAS
Nearly 40 years after the Stonewall riots, Christopher Street
West bring us the 39th annual LA PRIDE Parade and Festival
on June 14-16. With their latest three-year vision, “PRIDE 365:
Power. Passion. Purpose.” there couldn’t be a more appropriate
place than the City of Angels. Diverse people from all over the
world come here to pursue their dreams. Our shared dream
is equality. This year’s festival promises to be the best ever,
featuring a diverse and colorful entertainment line-up that
will keep you dancing with pride all weekend long. Headlining
on Saturday is nine-time Grammy nominee and winner of the
2004 season of American Idol, Fantasia. Fantasia’s currently very
busy working in the studio on her much-anticipated third CD,
filming for her upcoming VH1 reality show and will also be go-
ing back on stage for The Color Purple starting on her birthday,
June 30th at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
The Rage Monthly had a chance to speak with Fantasia and we asked why she thinks gay fans
relate and connect so well with her?
Fantasia: I think it’s because I have such a free spirit. I feel like ever since I’ve been
in the industry and in the limelight I’ve been myself. I don’t portray or want to put
on a front for anyone I believe in. I live my life like its golden, as God would say, and
I do my own thing. I feel like everybody should be like that, you know, whatever
floats your boat, you do it. (laughter)
I always feel like, number one – God put me here for a reason and he allowed me
to speak to other people who may be going through any of the things that I’m go-
ing through. I’ve gone through a lot of things and because of that, it makes me be
honest in who I am and sing the way I do. I try to see it as being strong, I’m a pretty
tough cookie. Singing is my way of release. Everybody has a way of release that is
different. That is my way, going on the stage, singing and blessing other people.
When I first came out with my book, people thanked me and said it changed
their life. I’ve met some ladies that have been through a whole lot worse than me.
In my adversity and experiences, I like to use those trials as a testimony. People
find out that “that’s life” and in life you go through some things, you fall and you
get back up. Things are getting better for me. I’m enjoying myself and looking
good! I lost 20-something pounds, by the way. When I hit the L.A. Pride stage I’m
gonna have on my new suit! In my show, I like to pay tribute to people I grew up
listening to like; Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan. I might also invite some of my
friends to come out and sing. Just know that I’m coming to Pride to have a good ol’
time! Is it okay if I take my shoes off? (laughter)
6 RAGE monthly | June 2009
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