Meet Dominique Christina | Award-winning poet, author, actor, and activist.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dominique Christina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dominique, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is such an interesting word. A French word by birth first attested in the 17th century. It means to “run into danger.” In one way or another I have been doing that all my life. Not in some Hedonistic way. Not in some thrill-seeking way. But rather, taking risks cultivated a more powerful relationship with feeling afraid or uncertain in my experience. Most people don’t want to feel those things. I don’t want to feel them either to be honest but I am interested in transending those feelings. I am interested in knowing what my life looks like when I confront fear. And make a habit of it. That has assisted me my whole life. If I am at home with uncertainty or trepidation I move that way. And a fearless person is an unconquerable one.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Poetry is a trap door. An Underground Railroad. A way through. I am a poet. It’s not something I dabble in. It’s not a hobby of mine. It’s who I am. It’s an identity. It’s how I answer the “who am I” question.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hm. I would take them to Five Points and show them where the Pig ear stand used to be. I would show them where amazing jazz musicians from Harlem performed. I would take them to get Cajun food from Lucille’s. I would take them to Red Rocks. I would take them to the Art Museum. And I might take them to Redline Gallery to look at pretty things.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My grandfather was a hero. He saved my life many times. My mother is supernatural. She has also saved my life many times. My partner is supernatural. He has given me new ways to be extraordinary. I owe a lot of people. For what they gave me. What they showed me. What they taught me. How they forgave me. How they love me. And how they insist on my brilliance. Yeah. I owe a lot of people.

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