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Since we’re a mom-focused site, could I start by asking you to share a little bit about your children?
I am the mother of two outstanding children, Coco and Etienne. They are the loves of my life and the lights of my world. They bring me more joy than any woman could ever dream of.
Something about motherhood compels us to rectify what we see as wrongs in our world. You have gone above and beyond---using your unique role as a celebrity performer to make a huge impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS. On Twitter recently you made the comment, "If HIV/AIDS were the Swine Flu, condoms would be sold out just like TamiFlu and face masks!" How do you stay so motivated with such verve in the fight against HIV/AIDS when it seems "new" illnesses get all the press?
When the time comes for my children to experience their sexual awakening, I don’t want it to kill them! I want them to be equipped to make informed, healthy decisions. Swine Flu is easy to talk about. [When it comes to HIV/AIDS,] people don’t want to talk about the sex they are having…the sex they are not having…the sex they fantasize about. The truth is, our sexuality is one of the greatest gifts that God ever gave us. We must face this disease head on, because this disease is certainly taking us head on.
As a child, you spent a tremendous amount of time in Jamaica, and you’ve traveled the world as a performer and activist. What do you feel we mothers here in the US could learn from mothers off our shores? What connects us?
Doing the work I do, I’ve spent a great deal of time in South Africa. There, and in other locations ravaged by AIDS, it always amazes me the incredible lengths to which a mother will go---the sacrifices she will make. She will take her last steps, breathe her last breath, give absolutely everything she has to ensure her children are cared for.
From motherhood, to diva-dom: The word "Diva" gets thrown around a bit recklessly, and often by those far less qualified than present company to define it. As an original Dreamgirl and the founder of The Diva Foundation, how do you define the word?
How do I define "diva?" Divinely Inspired, Victoriously Annointed. That, and Driving Insidious Virus Away.
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