Essie Linzy

1. Please provide a brief description of yourself

My name is Essie Linzy. Stage name is simply Linzy. I've been writing since the first grade, everything from raps to poetry to essays. Currently I'm employed at a fast food joint, but I am hoping to leave soon. Music is not exactly my passion, it's more of my savior. And writing is a talent that helps me worship.

2. Where did you grow up?

I grew up on the westside of Chicago. I lived up North for about three years in the projects but spent the rest of my teen years on the westside.

3. What does 'being queer' mean to you?

I've been queer since I could remember. It has always been me. I was reading dictionaries and encyclopedias at age 9. I was holding girls hands at age 10. I was a valedictorian at age 14. It means being different at the very core. You don't speak, think, or act how the rest of the world thinks you should according to your skin color, age, and mind.

4. What are some obstacles faced by people who identify as queer?

Sometimes being queer helps me. I speak about things that no one really thinks about or completely understands. I'm not straight, and I'm not straight forward when I rhyme. So I stick out. In my field (hip-hop), that's important. But in my field my favorite rappers use words like dyke and fag and make me feel uncomfortable in my own room through a stereo. Sometimes I perform and there are people in the audience who don't like a woman with a voice as "masculine" as mine. People who want me to speak softer or to dress softer. I doubt myself often. Criticize myself often. It's only because I want to do it before they do. It's an ongoing struggle to find an authentic voice. Sometimes I think I'm too queer to be understood.

5. How did you become involve with art?

I read poetry books when I was younger and also played classical piano. Then started listening to rap and r&b because my older siblings would play it around the house a lot. I will give the credit to Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, Twista, and 2pac. My main sources of inspiration from my younger years. When I first heard Kanye Wests' College Dropout I knew I was a rapper. Later I was involved in poetry competitions and am steadily mentored by an organization in Chicago called Young Chicago Authors. They provide free poetry and hip hop workshops, mentor ship, and endless opportunities.

6. How does your gender help you define your art work and viceversa?

Some days I wish I could write about other things, but when it all comes down to it, my raps and writings stem from queerness, my versions of femininity, and my womannness. It helps bring me peace and I know simply by spitting it I'm giving someone else peace. I write about the things I experience daily on the surface and inside my head. When I perform I feel stronger and a little bit more free every time.

7. Are you hoping to make a living from your artwork or art form?

I hope it gets me free. I hope that it continues to make me happy. I hope someone or somebodies will support all the work that I do to the best of their ability and it brings me more happiness. I hope I can rap and not worry about bills. But before I see how much money it can bring me I need to keep creating to see how much freedom it can bring me first. Then I can pay someone to market and promote my freedom so I can gain profit from it. I believe I can't get rich until I get free.

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