From the Lower Ninth Ward to the Pacific Northwest: The Radiant Journey of Diamond St. James
Acclaimed pageant queen Diamond St. James recently joined host Deaunte Damper on We Live In Color to share her decade-long journey from the streets of New Orleans to becoming a decorated titleholder in the Pacific Northwest. St. James recently became the first runner-up in the Miss Island Goddess pageant.
Her story began in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans where her interest in drag performance was first sparked. "My brother decided that he wanted to be Serena and Venus at that time," St. James said, explaining that a quick trip for tennis clothes marked her start in drag.
Since those early days, Diamond has evolved from a self-described "humble kid" into a passionate advocate for herself and her community.
"I'm more of a shy person. I stay to myself... but now I'm more in your face," she said. This transformation was forged through the rigorous southern pageant circuit, which she said demands detailed attention to "the whole package" from hair to shoes.
After arriving in Seattle in 2005 following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, St. James found a new landscape to navigate: being a Black entertainer in the Northwest.
"You have to open up a lot of doors for yourself and push them and at least try to knock them down," she said. This drive led her to the Miss Island Goddess system, which she praised for its commitment to welcoming people of color.
Beyond the stage, Diamond is a vocal proponent of chosen families within the queer community, a support system she turned to when she felt her biological family wasn't fully listening to her authentic self. Today, she mentors her own "kids" through their journeys of self-discovery.
As she looks toward the future, Diamond’s message to her community is one of unified movement.
"I say the call of action is for us as a Black community to get out and support each and every one of us as one," she said. Whether through attending shows or simply being present in the community, St. James remains dedicated to ensuring that the doors she kicked down remain open for those following in her footsteps.
Check out Diamond St. James on Facebook and Instagram for updates on her upcoming shows and projects.
Watch “We Live In Color” Thursdays at 8 p.m. on all Converge Media streaming platforms.
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