We were lucky to catch up with Corey Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Corey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m much happier as a professional creative artist. I think about the corporate structure and I miss aspects of it, however, creating art is oxygen for me. I have to create. I have to perform. It is a calling. Being a creative is not for the faint of heart. the hours are as long as the day and I have to rely on myself a lot more than ever

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Corey Williams, I am a professional artist, LGBTQIA+ Advocate and Activist in Columbus, Ohio. I created the drag character Anisa Love over 24 years a dare. Now, I use Anisa Love to champion Columbus as a whole, but specifically our LGBTQIA+ community to create positive change for all. I am one of the first African American Queer Entertainers to have this sort of exposure and platform and I’m trying my hardest to shed the light on all of us. I’m so insanely proud of the progress that Columbus has made since I came out in 1995. I like to think that I’ve had some small part of the change within our community. Over the years I have worked with organizations such as the Kaleidescope Youth Center, Equitas Health, Community Outreach, Equality Ohio, BRAVO, Community Shelter Board, and MidOhio Food Collective.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way our community can support its artists and the art scene in Columbus, Ohio is to get involved. Attend shows, Gallery openings, performances, Purchase local, Buy and support local first. Every artist was a “local” artist at some point. I would love to see people purchasing tickets and tables for my shows. Shameless plus
“Anisa Goes to Camp” tables are available on districtwest614.com and performances run Sept13-28th :-)

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

There are so many resources that I wish I could’ve been apart of earlier in my creative journey. The Greater Columbus Arts Council, and The Ohio Arts Council to name a few. Drag recently just began to be accepted as a viable artist discipline. We in the community have known the power, creativity, and heart that drag has embodied for generations, but we are now in the mainstream and we will not go back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: AnisaLove2023

Image Credits

Photo Credits. Brian Larrick, Chay Creates, Tio Vizal