If you've seen the Skinjobs perform, then you've experienced their amazing go-go dancers, including the towering go-go girl, Darlene the Ambassador's Wife. Although the dancing is great, there's much more to Darlene than hotpants and hot moves. I caught up with Lloyd Pritchard, Darlene's daytime alter-ego, and asked the following questions.

-Ryan



5 QUESTIONS WITH LLOYD OF THE SKINJOBS
(AKA: DARLENE THE AMBASSADOR'S WIFE)

1. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Sudbury, Ontario, but only lived there for 6 months. My childhood was in Normetal, Quebec. About 100 miles south of James Bay. At the time the road did not go farther north. (It still doesn't. I checked the map.) I learned that different could still be equal. I was one of 15 English speaking kids in the community of 500 Francophones. So I was able to switch between languages with ease. We moved to Merritt, British Columbia when I was 8. Again, only for 6 months. My father died and we moved to Kingston, Ontario. I lived in this extremely conservative area until I finished Secondary School. During that time I realised how different I was. I liked boys not girls, sexually. I have not forgotten the internal struggles I had, just to be able to go and walk down the school hallways.
2. You've explained to me that the Skinjobs are merely the backing band for you and the other Skinjobs Go-Go dancers. After seeing you perform, I can't argue with that assertion. What is your favorite Skinjobs song?
It would have to be either Transister or Gender Bender. I like the themes. Just because I have a penis doesn't mean that I can't still be pretty in a dress and make-up. Queer in its most inclusive way needs to be explored. It is only your own limitaions you have accepted from the larger society that hold you back from the play that I feel all of us Queers have to offer. I see myself as being Two-Spirited or One That Walks Between - neither male or female but both in balance.Yes the Skinjobs do make a very good back-up band for us Go-Go Dancers to show all we can do.

3. I understand that you work with queer youth. Can you tell us about your work?
I need to give back to the community. Throughout my life I have worked with youth. I volunteer with YouthQuest. It is a Province-wide organisation that runs drop-ins for Queer Youth. As the adult volunteer I get to hang out with the youth and talk with them. I share my life experiences, past and present. I am also the Treasurer for YouthQuest. I have been very blessed with volunteering. Probably the most honoured I felt was when this 15 year old boy told me "I kissed my first boy last night." How lucky am I to be in a position to have the trust of this youth.

4. I've often watched you on stage and wanted to ask, "How do you do it?" Who or what inspires you?
I lived through the birth of the Punk Scene and have always been drawn to it. I like the In Your Face. The Skinjobs, however insane I think they are, are in your face with Queerness. I do also have the inspiration of the robot drag queen from the opening sequence of FX2. She was tall and butch yet pretty and determined. Then as a gay man there is all the regular icons: Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Cher etc.

5. How did you hook up with the Skinjobs?
Mitch Fury AKA Kim Kinakin is my younger gay brother. We are not blood related, but in the gay world of chosen family, he is my little brother. When I first met Kim, I felt an instant attraction, but it wasn't sexual, and it took him, supporting me on my Vision Quest, for me to realise our relationship. I am able to support him with his vision in the Skinjobs.

Previously featured on the Shiners:
Raquel Contreras
Shaul Acuna