Technodyke: Your TV appearances have included numerous daytime talk shows, interviews, documentaries, and even the HBO series Sex in the City. Why is it important to get this persona into the public consciousness?

Dred: It really helps people to think about these things. Men think about how they treat women, and it reminds them how they're treated by the world. It is creating more awareness and acceptance of people who are "different", and teaching others to respect people and how they live their life. I am also showing them in the songs--sometimes I perform with Queen Luscious and we do a P. Diddy and Lil' Kim act, with her really dominant--how we can reappropriate the sexual language. I like to make people laugh in my show; it brings down walls.

I played a wedding once, and at people didn't know what to think at first, but then the grandmas started dancing, the kids were running around, and I got invited to do baby showers. One big man came up to me after the show and said, "I didn't think I would ever like drag, but you were real, and thanks for coming."

Technodyke: You also educate women about safer sex through your work with The House of Moshood. How important do you feel it is for queer woman to give back to their community?

Dred: I think it's important for anyone to give back to the community. The world is a community, and you are really creating a space where people are safe to live their life as they wish. There are a lot of good people, and unfortunately there is a lot of wrong. But when one kid comes up to me and says, 'Thanks, you made me feel good about myself', it makes it worth it. I think it is also very important to be truthful to yourself. If you are not happy, it affects all the different aspects of yourself.

Technodyke: The crowd seems to really respond to you, Dred. What is the secret of your success?

Dred: I don't know... all I can say is I'm blessed. I'm here to do this work and make a difference, and I hope people keep responding positively. I am thankful, and I let my ancestors know, and keep paving a path for people.

Technodyke: Where can your fans come to see you in the upcoming months? Any special gigs planned?

Dred: In June 22-23, there will be an evening of text and choreography, Thelma Hill's Performing Arts Center, Inc.'s Toenails of Steel and Ruby Red Text Program "Souls Of Our Feet Dance Festival", a wonderful evening of dance, video, text, and more. Then it's back to Europe in July. There is a movie I'm in called Venus Boyz that premiered in Germany and Switzerland to great reviews. It is going to Holland, then to Boston on May 4 for the Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. It will be coming to New York in June. They should check that out. The movie features five people, some who are drag kings, some who are FTMs, some who are just gender benders; they include Del LaGrace, Diane Torr, and Storme Weber. It's about people who don't succumb to their problems, but instead break down gender norms and show beauty in living true lives. It is opening lots of minds around the world. You can get more info on that at www.venusboyz.net.

They should also check out my show "D.R.E.D.: Daring Reality Every Day--The Path of A Multi-Spirited, Haitian-American, Gender-Illusioning WoMan!--And Then Some!" It is coming in the spring.

I also encourage people to love themselves. I spent so much time being negative, being afraid to be me. It's our own power that scares us. But it's natural to be different.

Fans can visit www.dredking.com to see what's coming up. They can also reach Dred at dredking@hotmail.com, or by calling 212-9464475 and leaving an e-mail or snail mail address.

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