Today we’d like to introduce you to Kardi Diamond.
Hi Kardi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Canton, Ohio and raised in A small town called Butts County, Jackson, Georgia. Growing up I always knew that I was different and that I stood out. I was always very feminine, loved to dance, sing and be the center of attention. I used to lip sync to Fantasia, Beyoncé and get my sisters and cousins together to put on performances for my family. When I turned 13 my parents got a divorce, and my mother, sisters and I moved back to Canton, Ohio. High school came around, and I geared towards athletics such as cheerleading, gymnastics, and swimming/diving. Those particular sports were my stage. I also did theatre as well backstage and on stage. While trying to strive in all the things that I fell in love with, still being me was really difficult, I went through a lot of traumatic things growing up, but I was blessed to have the mind that used all the negative situations to gas my drive for success and fulfilling my dreams of being a Star.
In 2012 I graduated high school, I started going out into the scene, not knowing anything at all. I met my gay mother, other Legendary Drag Queens in the area and I became a gogo dancer/Shot boy, I began to get booked to dance at the surrounding nightclubs. From that point on I knew I had my dream in my hand, I started using my background of all my abilities and used them for performances.
As time went by, I was battling being homeless, no job, my identity, my appearance, and just life in general. I was in a very dark place, and all I knew that made me happy was performing.
I didn’t know if I was Trans or if I was simply nothing, I couldn’t figure it out, so I tried drag.
In 2016 Kardi Redd Diamond was born I discovered I didn’t like being put in box, I don’t identify as male or female…I’m just me! I learned about being non-binary, and that also helped more with discovering who I was as an individual.
Now, I’m 10+ years into the entertainment industry, named (not by myself) The Cleveland Hurricane/The Dancing Barbie hosting my own productions, a cast member with one of the most successful production companies in the Midwest “TLS Events”, and I’ve traveled the country following my dream. I’ve held 5 Cast Member positions spread out within 4 different states, and now I’m a Song Writer/Recording Artist with music streaming on ALL PLATFORMS! Kardi Redd Diamond saved my life, showed me opportunity, and helped become my higher self. My only goal now is to continue to show people that the sky is the limit and anything is possible. Dream
Big, But Think Bigger.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t smooth at all; one of my biggest struggle was dealing with not having my biological father around. I didn’t know he even existed until I was maybe 5 years old or 6. My stepdad tried his hardest to make it happen, but it just never happened. While dealing with that trauma, I also didn’t have the best relationship with my stepfather either which caused me to just really curl up and figure out how to just love myself. What do when you feel abandon or not loved? You learn to love yourself!! I started that journey early.
I also had to deal with the legal system at an early age due to dishonesty, discrimination, and complete ignorance which lead me behind bars for 3 years. Which is another story that I will soon talk about Separately. This particular situation changed my life forever and was most traumatic for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I’m a full-time Black Queer Artist!!! I’m a full time Drag Queen/Showgirl, best known for my Acrobatics, serving you jaw-dropping performances on every stage I touch. I also write my own music, and I’m a Rapper! I’m most proud of my ambition and drive to be the best I can be. I’m always pushing myself to the next level. I’m not lead by riches either, I’m lead by just wanting to be happy, healthy, and at peace with myself. The only way to do that is to live in your truth. Be happy with what makes you, YOU!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTIST!!! ALL OF THEM!!! It cost nothing to show love and support one another. You get further that way!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.midragbrunch.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/thekardiredddiamond
- Facebook: Facebook.com/krd15
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kardi-redd-diamond/1574356761
Image Credits
Scotty Kirby
KarmaKVisuals
Argonian Photography
