Conversations with Dizzy Grant Diamandis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dizzy Grant Diamandis.

Hi Dizzy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Journey began in 2012. I was 13 and had no knowledge of drag nor knew the art itself. I grew up in an immigrant household with my at the time single mother who allowed me to be myself and practice makeup and hair on her which lead me to practice hair and makeup on others. One day I felt like I had found my calling but did not know what my calling was called or if it even had a name. One day a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go to PRIDE in Downtown Denver which at the time I wasn’t aware existed nor knew it was an LGBTQ+ event. At that time, I had just come out and knew basically nothing about the LGBTQ+ scene in Colorado nor knew of places where you could be out and be proud of who you are in a space without any judgment or shame. That Pride event opened my eyes to the community I now know and love. That same day on the big stage I saw for the first time a drag performer and immediately knew that what that drag queen was doing was something I wanted to, I had found my calling.

After that Pride event, I started to do makeup on myself and looked up what drag was and what I could to do perform. I knew I wanted to express myself in a way I couldn’t as a guy, I started to create a persona of the things I admired and loved in my life like my mother, my culture and most of all the freedom of expression. During that time I didn’t have a name then after a while my name came when I was listening to music then in a blink of an eye the name came to me, DIZZY GRANT DIAMANDIS. That summer I started to learn how to improve my own makeup and began buying wigs and clothes and practice how to lip-sync by myself since I had no drag mother nor knew any drag queens.

Sometime later on in October, I came across a Facebook page that was promoting an event in a college for Halloween which featured local drag performers for the night. I didn’t know how I did it but I emailed the shows manager and asked if I could perform that night, Little did know I wasn’t allowed in because of my age but after I told the manager my story they changed their mind and booked me. Going through that event, I was an outsider due to my lack of experience and also the fact that they all knew each other. Being a shy introvert did not help at all but I was already there and the last thing I would ever do is chicken out, I introduced myself and made friends. After that show, I started to blossom I knew what type of drag I wanted to do and how I was going to present myself. Dizzy is a mixture of old-school drag, Latin women, beauty, elegance and sass.

As time went by I started to meet friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and began performing in small shows and open nights at a youth center in Denver. In 2016 to 2018 I met Luxa Mars an amazing Drag artist who hosted their own events and consistently had me in every show I could perform in, Thanks to her I started to meet more amazing artists and friends I could connect with.

The year 2018 changed my life, I had met my partner and started to grow more as an adult and entertainer. After going through some hard times I was about to give up drag due to unfortunate circumstances in the drag scene but my partner was there to remind me that I wasn’t alone I had him and I could create something special not just for me but something productive for my community as well. Thanks to that motivation, I created a community event called “PrEP’Ed”. This community event’s purpose is to bring awareness of things that concern not just the LGBTQ+ community but all of us. PrEP’Ed began in 2019 and is still going on for future dates, I collaborate with non-profit organizations and local shops to support the cause of bringing HIV and mental health awareness to the human community.

Thanks to the motivation and support I have received I was able to make connections, friends and even won a D.I.V.A.S award. If it weren’t for the life experiences and blood sweat and tears I wouldn’t of found myself or my love of helping the community in any form I can. I’m proud of where my drag is going and also my growth I’m extremely proud of “PrEP’Ed” and will continue to create community events for a better Tomorrow.

I’m also Happy to announce that this November 18th, 2022 PrEP’Ed” will return with a new title, “PrEP’Ed 4 Thanksgiving” It will be held at:

#VYBE: 1027 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Doors at: 8pm – Show at 9:pm
With free Gift’s, Raffles and more!!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My drag Journey has not been a walk in the park. I experienced all sorts of issues. The Drag scene can be very competitive and divided at times. I believe that our community can grow and become stronger together but sadly not everyone believes that. I’ve almost been blacklisted or “cancelled” in the past for speaking my truth and standing up for what I believe is right. I’m not the type of person that will stay silent and let others make me or someone feel small or feel like they don’t belong. Those obstacles made me a better me, I had a choice to let that negativity get to me or make a change and I chose to change, That’s how “PrEP’Ed” was created.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from drag, I am a photographer/Graphic designer. I take my own photography and design my media for drag as well as do work for company’s or clients that need my services. Something I’m known and I’m proud of is “PrEP’Ed”, It made me a better and aware person. What sets me apart from other’s I would say is the way I make others feel when we first meet and also my drag. I always try to think of things I want to do and how I want to do them. I think of everyone not just myself.

How do you define success?
Success for me is hard work, dedication and the motivation to keep growing. I believe that you can always continue to evolve and be better and better, Success is not given its earned. If you fall get up learn from your mistakes and move on.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dizzygrantdiamandis/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dizzy.diamandis
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dizzysdiamonds
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyxTlB5cCJC7ZA6TTVVFjRQ 

Image Credits
Manny N. Cabanas Photography & Design