Chloe O. Davis is an author who works in the entertainment industry in New York. A graduate of Hampton University and Temple University, she has centered her creative platform on amplifying the narratives of Black culture and heightening the awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community. Davis’s work as a dancer, actor, and creative has allowed her to travel to all fifty states and internationally where she has spent fifteen years researching, writing, and creating The Queens’ English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases.

I had the opportunity to interview Chloe which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hello! I am Chloe O. Davis, author of The Queens’ English, The Young Readers’ LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases. This book celebrates the diversity of over eight hundred terms used to describe our collective LGBTQIA+ experience. I worked over a decade researching and creating this dictionary to champion queer identity, diversity, and culture. I love writing but I also love acting, dancing, and choreography! I work in the entertainment industry in New York City and am currently performing in the new Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen!

What can you tell us about your new book, The Queens’ English, The Young Readers’ LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases? What was the inspiration for this project.

I wrote The Queens’ English, The Young Readers’ LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases to help youth learn more about the spectrum of identity and to properly document the language of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our queer community is so vast and brilliant, but I felt there were not many books and/or resources that positively represented the diversity and intersectionality our culture. I am a Black bisexual, biromatic, demisexual woman…yes, it’s a mouth full, but it’s ME! Researching and writing this book gave me the courage to express my truth and become an advocate for understanding the spectrum of identity and sexuality. Words can help us articulate who we are to other people and more importantly, words provide us with the ability to personally label ourselves in a way that feels right. The Queens’ English is a resource that reflects the diverse ways people experience identity. It champions queer representation, visibility, and empowerment. We can evolve into our most authentic selves when we feel seen, heard, and accepted.

As an author, what drew me to the art of writing?

My mother is a writer. Growing up, I was saw her writing children’s stories, poems, and plays. She inspired me to write and use my imagination to create interesting characters and unique stories. However, I was not always confident with my writing because I was not the best speller. That’s right! NOT ALL WRITERS ARE GOOD SPELLERS! Thank goodness for Google and dictionaries (wink, wink!). Now, as a more experienced writer (and better speller!), I enjoy diving into the lives, culture, language, and identity of our humanity. Uncovering the beauty and complexity of who we are and focusing in on our multilayers interest me. We are all unique and I like to celebrate and empower that uniqueness.

How would you describe your writing process?

I like to research! I fully immerse myself into my writing topics or genres. I read articles, visit museums, see live art, walk around cultural sights, and even organize creative thinking groups with colleagues, friends, and family for new perspectives. I want to consume as must information possible on my writing topics.

Growing up, were there any stories/books in which you felt touched by/or reflected in? Are there any like that now?

Honestly, I cannot recall my favorite childhood book, but I do know I enjoyed fantasy and adventure books. I also rooted for the characters that wanted to challenge themselves to reach new heights but felt afraid to take that leap. I was always inspired and motivated when they finally got the courage to go for whatever they were desiring. As an adult, I enjoy nonfiction books on culture, travel, and most of all, self- help.  

As a writer, who or what would you say are some of your greatest creative influences and/or sources of inspiration in general?

For me, my writing inspiration can come from anywhere. Listening to music, listening to the birds, taking a nature walk, riding the subway, eating dinner, or even talking with a new acquaintance. The world is always vibrating and feeding us with ideas and signals, we just have to be open to creating with that information. I applauded anyone who dares to create. It takes courage to think of an idea and then actualize it or make it tangible. I am inspired by artists, inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and the millions of dreamers who dedicate their talents and gifts to creating something original.   

Many authors would say one of the most challenging parts of writing a book is finishing one. What strategies would you say helped you accomplish this?

It took me about fifteen years to research, write, and create The Queens’ English. It was a passion project that become a life’s purpose. I felt a great deal of responsibility to share the language, culture, history, and identity of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, there were many times where I stepped away from my writing for months because I became overwhelmed. I needed to give myself time to restructure. When I came back to the material, I was always better for it. I was more researched, more versed, more energized, and more experienced. I also came back to my writing with essential information and new perspectives. I never gave up on my work. It may be simple advice or but it’s a clever strategy…NEVER GIVE UP.

What are some of your favorite elements of writing? What do you consider some of the most frustrating and/or challenging?

I am a storyteller and I like to uncover the essence of our individuality. Each person has an interesting journey and/or relationship with how to navigate life. We come from different backgrounds, communities, cultures, and lands. We speak different languages, and even have different traditions, values, and beliefs. No one person is alike. Learning about someone’s personal story inspires me and I like to use my creative platform to bring as many unheard voices to the forefront. Writer’s block is a challenge that happens to all of us to some degree. I step away from writing when I feel struck and remind myself it will come to me in due time. I don’t need to force it. I also use the one-hour rule when needed: “For one hour I will try. At least you tried, Chloe.” 

Are there any other projects you are working on and at liberty to speak about?

I am a Broadway performer, dancer, and choreographer! I love the arts! Some of my favorite performance credits include: Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway, Paradise Square on Broadway; Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera and Champion at The Metropolitan Opera; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom on Netflix; and Harlem on Amazon. I have also been a principal dancer withCamille A. Brown and Dancers and PHILADANCO. I am currently developing her own evening length choreographic work called, The Memorial. I will choreography a production of Waitress at The Munt Theater in my hometown, St. Louis, MO this summer. My other choreography credits include Late Night with Seth Meyers on NBC and musical productions A New Brain and Ain’t Misbehavin’ at premier regional theaters. I am a Drama Desk Award Winner for Outstanding Choreography and winner of The Award by Broadway Black for Best Choreography.

Here is a few LGBTQIA+ books about queer youth experiences that are mentioned in The Queens’ English:

All Boys Aren’t Blue, George M. Johnson

Ana on the Edge, A. J. Sass

The Art of Being Normal: A Novel, Lisa Williamson

As the Crow Flies, Melanie Gillman

Beyond the Gender Binary, Alok Vaid-Menon

Bodies Are Cool, Tyler Feder

Felix Ever After, Kacen Callender

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them, Junauda Petrus

When Aidan Became a Brother, Kyle Lukoff