Crystal Johnson Kerinaiua “Crystal Love”
The Tiwi Islands in Northern Territory is home to one of Australia’s most inspiring drag performers; Crystal Love, who has performed all over the country delivering inspirational shows whilst tirelessly educating people on gay, bi and transgender issues.
Since coming out Crystal has performed all over Australia and has blown many people away not only with her massive talent, but also her boundless heart. “Singing and dancing has been in our blood for thousands and thousands of years. I do drag also to educate people on transgender issues, singing and dancing is a key to educating our people.”
She performed at Midsumma Festival in Melbourne in 2008, at Translesbian Gendermash, which showcased transgender and lesbian performers in short seven minute slots. Her own show was amazing and heartfelt, and had the entire audience in tears, her words of acceptance touching everybody. “It doesn’t matter if nobody else wants you. If nobody else wants you, then you are mine.”
She is active volunteer for many groups including the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC), the Australian AIDS Federation in Sydney whilst working full-time with the Tiwi Islands Shire Council. “I teach people about being themselves. In our community on Tiwi Islands we have about 69 sistergirls and I say to them to respect yourself, respect others and respect your culture and your culture will respect you and everything will fall into place.” (The term ‘yimpininni’ or ‘sistergirl’ is used to describe a transgender person in Aboriginal culture. White invasion not only wiped out many indigenous people, it also had an impact on indigenous culture and understanding of sexual and gender expression.)
Her work with the NTAHC includes performing for other sistergirls on specially organised retreats in Darwin, Alice Springs and even reaching Western Australia where acceptance is not so commonplace. “People always ask me to perform and I love to perform,” She goes on to say “I perform at nightclubs. I work at Pride festivals and Aboriginal functions as well.” You can normally catch Crystal on stage at NT’s only queer club Throb once a month doing her shows.
Crystal is also a leader in her community. Many sistergirls look up to her and respect her for her tireless work – she has been referred to as mother and is a respected elder of all Tiwi Island sistergirls. She speaks and people listen – her words are straightforward, honest and very real. She continues to stand tall and bring attention to the high numbers of sistergirl suicides.
