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Photo courtesy Alli Royce Soble
KYLE KEYSER
It’s not often you find former mayoral candidates spinning at Mary’s under the moniker DJ Homosexual, but that’s life in Kyle Keyser’s world. After last year’s political run, 2010 finds Keyser settling into a groove as an advocate for the city, party-thrower, and openly gay filmmaker.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
I’m a jack-of-all-trades of sorts. I’ve been an advocate for the city, a party-thrower, a DJ, and I continue to be an openly gay filmmaker. I’ve taken the lead where necessary and supported others where needed. If there’s a common thread, I’d say it’s wanting to give the best of what I’ve got, collaborate and share it with as many people who want it, and create positive experiences.
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
Atlanta will continue to be the “Gay Capital” of the South but also be a nationwide destination for all things LGBT. We’re such a young, beautiful city where life is good and we have access to many of the cultural amenities available to anyone in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago. The boys and girls will keep comin’, so to speak.
I also predict that Atlanta Pride will return to the last weekend in June where it belongs. It will rejoin the celebration matching other world class cities and return to when it is historically relevant. (If I have anything to do with it at least!)
We learn from all our experiences, both good and bad. Tell us about a negative life experience you’ve had that you learned a valuable lesson from.
Being bullied in both the high schools I attended certainly shaped me as a person. You never forgot those times nor those people. I remember when I considered suicide an option too but I just lived on, hoping “one day” I’d be okay. Having lived through that and the catharsis that followed – realizing my sexuality, accepting it despite all of them, and coming out – was when my life truly began. Being alive, every single day since, is a true victory that I celebrate.
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
Being gay is “me.” It is my life. It’s a blessing I’d never change.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
Blech, no time for this! I’ve got a couple things up my sleeve. Stay tuned.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
It would be How to Get Off Your Desert Island and Get Back to Atlanta.
