Daniel Quat
Quinn Fontaine has graced our 3 Questions section before as an author and performer, but when a comedically excellent and fully out-and-proud trans member of the community is crowned Pride King, it's time to check back in.
How does it feel to be crowned Pride King?
Wow, it feels really incredible. It's such an honor. I'm getting an opportunity to heal all the wounded places in me that never got to school dances or proms. It's pretty fun to dress in the clothes that are right for me. I was nominated by my queen, Guava Chiffon. They don't always have a king and queen, they often have the queen, but they wanted to bring me on.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is the opposite of shame, and I spent so much of my life feeling shame—of the body I was in, not thinking I could be part of my life. To be an out trans guy and Pride King is indicative of the journey I've taken. Now more than ever we can't afford to go back into the closet. Thank god Stonewall happened, and it's coming full circle—Pride started as a riot, and I'm not calling for a riot, but I'm calling for action. For people to step up and speak their truth. To know they're not alone. I just helped out with Los Alamos' first pride festival, and I overheard some young kids thinking they were alone and they were so blown away by the turnout, and the turnout was tremendous.
Any advice to anyone out there who may be struggling with their identity?
I want people to know they aren't alone and they don't have to do anything alone ever again. If they can find support online or in their community, now is the time. It's never too late to be your authentic self, and that doesn't just cover the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The reality is we need more people on the planet that are living fully embodied and fully authentic lives. I encourage people to reach out, find safe people, and if there isn't a safe place in their community or in their home, thank God for the internet and the 1-800 numbers. The minute we become introverted or isolated, we're in trouble, and that's for humanity as a whole. We have, especially the trans community, the highest rate of suicides. We have to start having all of these uncomfortable conversations. It's time. It's coming to a boiling point. On some level, we can't keep waiting for the next generation to have these conversations. I think we're all spiritual beings having a human experience, and I hope not too far in the future we'll be able to get rid of labels and get back to basics.
