Bobby Beyond: Drag, Featuring Kardi Redd Diamond

Equipped with stunning wigs, stoned garments, and high heels to stomp the stage, drag queens have become a mainstream cultural phenomenon. What used to be underground LGBTQIA+ performance art found predominantly in nightclubs and bars has now grown in popularity to hold primetime slots on core TV channels such as VH1 and MTV. There are drag conventions in Los Angeles and New York every year along with a plethora of expanding franchises to the already popular RuPaul's Drag Race to countries across the globe. Drag has officially gone viral, but there's a sinister new narrative among conservative media that is sweeping through their naive fanbase like wildfire. Anyone who regularly comes to drag shows understands a few basic rules: don't touch the queens, always have your dollars ready to tip, and have a good time. However, the fear-mongering and intimidation tactics by the far-right only continue to grow and get more hateful, and that's why I feel it is necessary to go underneath the hair, makeup, and heels to show a more raw side of drag. A more human side.

The origins of drag are still a mystery, however, the term is thought to have been coined in the 19th century. Drag is a performance art typically presented as the exaggeration of femininity, masculinity, or other gender expressions, however, it is an ever-evolving art. Drag is extremely subjective and has no definitive labels. That's what makes it so fun and inclusive, it can be whatever you want. Some queens'/kings' drag is colorful while others' is more dark. Sometimes they're serving sexy, sometimes spooky. The choice is up to the artist and how they want to express themselves during that performance. At most drag shows there is a host who starts the show and performs the first number, followed by a roster of other entertainers. During the performances, patrons hold out dollars for entertainers they enjoy and then the performer will come and grab the money while continuing their number. I've been to hundreds of shows as I have worked many jobs in clubs and bars such as dancer, barback, and bartender, and I can truly say that drag never loses its sparkle. It's so magnetic with the music, dancing, and outfits that you can't look away from. But I want to go beyond the glam and show the artist behind the art.

Joining me today is The Dancing Barbie of the Midwest, The Cleveland Hurricane herself, Kardi Redd Diamond. I first met Kardi when I was a dancer at a gay nightclub in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2018. She came, she performed, and she slayed so hard that I gave her every dollar I made that night. I approached her and said, "You deserve this more than me, that was the best drag performance I've ever seen." We remained friends, and even family ever since, as she had inducted me into the Diamond family. I am forever grateful for her guidance not only as an entertainer but also as a human. She continues to grow and shine brighter every day and that's because she is a superstar. I present Kardi Redd Diamond.

Who is Kardi Redd Diamond?

Kardi Redd Diamond is who I wanted to be since I was 6 years old. A feminine, superhuman being. They can be whoever they want to be and do whatever makes them happy. Kardi is my happy place!

What is drag, in your words?

Drag is the highest, unstoppable form of self-expression. It’s literally the “ wardrobe” from Chronicles of Narnia. I literally just thought that too! It’s a whole world where you can be free. Drag is life-changing and I’m walking proof.

Photo Courtesy of Scott Kirby

Let's go back in time, tell me about the birth and beginning of Kardi Redd Diamond.

Kardi was born from a very dark time in my life. It took life to knock me on my ass for me to actually bring her to life. Before Kardi was born, I was a stripper fresh out of HS, homeless, and barely making it and so many other things that everyone will soon know. I’m working on telling my full story now as we speak. Discovering her really saved my life!

Who were your drag influences and mentors that showed you the ropes?

My drag mothers and my chosen family have guided me through all things drag. I’m so inspired by my drag children and my drag parents because they all push themselves beyond and not just in the entertainment industry but in life honestly. I definitely have some major drag artists I admire, just to name a few... my mothers Keyanna Diamond and Mhiya Iman LePaige, Jazell Barbie Royale, Amaya Sexton and Sasha Colby!

Photo Courtesy of Scott Kirby

Where can we see a Kardi Redd Diamond show, and what can we expect?

Well I’m from Ohio; I’m currently a Resident Entertainer for Studio West 117 in Lakewood, Ohio, but also Kardi stays on the move girl!!! I’m resident showgirl/host for one of the largest drag brunch companies in the tri-state area called Michigan Drag Brunch! You can definitely expect a jaw-dropping performance! I have fun and I spill my heart every time. I'm known as The Dancing Barbie of the Midwest and The Cleveland Hurricane, and NOOO! I absolutely did not name myself either!!!!! Hahahaha, that should tell you, you’re in for a good time with me.

What are some highlights of your career so far?

I would say holding 5 residencies at once, one of them being the Word Famous Palace Bar in South Beach, Miami Florida!!! That opportunity changed my career so much and for the better. But to be very honest every moment for me is a highlight, I’m taking in my whole journey, everything happens for a reason.

Photo Courtesy of Guys And Queens Photography

You also make music! What has that been like?

Tapping into my music and taking it seriously, combining it with my drag persona, was literally a dream come true and one of the best decisions of my life. Writing and being in the studio is so therapeutic for me. It’s a whole other escape that you can only experience if you dive in it like I did. I have an EP out right now on all streaming platforms called “#HurricaneSzn” and I just dropped a new single called “ No Pressure” out now as well!!! I’m also currently in the studio every week working on my debut abum. Y’all not ready for what I got cooking, baby!!!!

What is it like being married and also a traveling entertainer?

It definitely has its ups and downs but I wouldn’t want it any other way! I’m so blessed to have my husband support me in all that I do. My husband and I have been together for now 7.5 years!!! It’s been a journey and it’s a continuous, unconditional journey with unconditional love. There’s a lot of missing one another and passing one another up because of opposite schedules but we make it work. The one thing that we do not doubt is the love that we have for one another in the loyalty that we have for one another. We are truly life partners.

Does doing drag take an emotional toll on you?

Thank you, sir, absolutely! I’ve cried so many tears and had days of giving up; I’m human. What keeps me going is my unconditional love for my craft and my art. I’m so ambitious, and one thing that people will tell you about me is that when I say I’m going to do something I do it, and I get it done. I will be a successful entertainer and I will accomplish my goals. Trust me.

Photo Courtesy of KarmaKVisuals

You mentioned to me prior to the interview that you're coming out again, and I am so proud of you for living your truth. What do you want to tell the readers about Kardi's new journey?

Yes, I have recently just started my transition, pronouns being they/she them/her, literally the happiest I have ever been with a decision I’ve made for myself. You absolutely cannot fulfill your purpose and 16 in your dreams without truly living in it. Authenticity is always the best policy. You’ll accomplish so much more and get further when living in your truth.

With all of the recent controversy around drag, what are your thoughts on the current climate surrounding the art of drag?

Honestly, I think it’s bull$hit and I think the government has nothing else better to do. What’s going on right now is the perfect definition and picture of hatred and jealousy. I always tell people that we as queer people, come from another planet, and we have become the superior being and the world just can’t take it. It’s so effortless to just love one another and support one another and I feel like our government is trying to make that hard because they don’t like themselves and they can’t live in their truth. That’s unfortunate and ultimately it’s the world that we live in and our reality. We just as a people have to continue to change this negative narrative that they are trying to paint and come together as one and set the example.

So much has evolved with the art of drag, what is the difference between when you started versus now?

When I started drag, it was a little bit more disciplined and rough. Nowadays, everything is so open and inclusive and you can literally find drag anywhere. When I first started entertaining on Queer stages, we had the legends before us who taught us, and paved the way, and ultimately disciplined us when we started to give us that push. Now we have Drag Race, superstars, pop culture, and every venue on the corner doing drag shows.

Photo Courtesy of Elijah Campaign and Bridget Caswell

What do you see for the future of drag?

Honestly, I just see my drag leaving inner-city clubs and expanding my drag character to the next level. Music, TV, and acting…all things entertainment. I will be an overall superstar, don’t sleep on me.

How important is drag to queer culture?

It’s very important, like I’ve said before drag saves lives, believe or not. Drag gives our people a voice and gives them love without judgment. Drag is motivational and supportive. A true fan of drag, ally, and everything else in between will help in the fight for our rightful spot on this earth and help these assholes understand WE'RE NOT GOING NO WHERE!!!!!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ᴷᵃʳᵈⁱ ᵀʰᵉ ᴰᵃⁿᶜⁱⁿᵍ ᴮᵃʳᵇⁱᵉ (@thekardiredddiamond)

How has RuPaul's Drag Race and The Boulet Brothers' Dragula affected the drag scene?

It’s been a blessing and a curse. We definitely now have a broader platform to become successful in the art. However, it has also stopped people from coming out to bars and seeing local drag, and also has enabled newer entertainers to ignore their history, and where drag really comes from. These platforms really could do better with helping the newer generation understand the struggles that a lot of the entertainers before us had to endure for them to be able to sit on a YouTube tutorial, and watch a TV show to learn how to be a drag entertainer.

If there is any advice you could give to the next generation of queens, what would it be?

Only do it if it’s where your heart lies. Don’t do it for money or clout, do it because it’s purposeful in your life. BE HUMBLE AND WILLING TO LEARN!!! Just because you’re pretty does not make you a pioneer for the community, it just makes you pretty. Be willing to struggle to become greater in the art form.

A huge thank you to Kardi Redd Diamond for allowing me the privilege to interview her and also for being so open and candid. I look forward to seeing what is next from her, however, in the meantime, you can find her performing at Studio West 117 and Michigan Drag Brunch. 

Follow Kardi On Instagram.

Fleshbot: Plug In Get Off.
Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.