AE: So your mom caught you?
DC: So my mom caught me, yeah. She busted me, and she cried, and I was like: "Mom, it's just a phase. Don't worry."
And then I was totally in love with this girl, so I ended up telling her, "Yes, I am gay, and this is the way it is." And you know, parents usually want to blame somebody, so she blamed one of my good friends who was gay. You know, like she touched me and gave me the gay cooties.
But now my mom … is trying to learn from it with this show and everything. It's been a good step in our relationship. She's really embraced it, and now she just wants to learn and know more about it, and she sees that it's OK. She's a high school teacher, so the kids in her classes, they're like … cause I really look like my Mom, so these kids are asking her, "Do you have a daughter on TV?" They're just asking her, "Can she come in and visit us?" So you know, she's getting a positive response from this as well. So this is all a good thing, this whole show.
AE: Wow, so she's watching it and she's OK with it all?
DC: Yeah, yep.
AE: That's fantastic.
DC: Yeah, it's really cool. I mean, my mother and I, we have a great relationship, but now it's even better, because now we can talk about one of the biggest things that's a part of me.
AE: So are you back working as a firefighter now?
DC: Yep.
AE: Do you want to continue doing that, or do you have other plans, other aspirations now that you've been on the show and have so many fans?
DC: Well, I've always had an interest in TV. I've been involved in theater when I was in college, and I'm not afraid of the stage. I do some crazy improv singing stuff. I like that kind of life, in the limelight, I guess. It's definitely something I would look into if I was approached with any offers, but I'm not going to be jumping out of my career for just anything. It would have to be something great. Or hopefully I could do both.
AE: So I think you're MySpace page currently lists you as being single —
DC: Yeah. It was like that when I left for this show, and so I figured I'm not going to touch it when I get back, I'm just not going to do anything. And people are like, "Oh, I guess you didn't win, because it says 'single.'" I mean, people really look into this MySpace stuff. [laughs]

AE: Well, I was going to ask you a hypothetical question: If you are not with Tila, then what kind of girl are you looking for?
DC: When I do look for girls, I guess I just look for someone that's really confident. Very outgoing, likes to go out and have a good time, intelligent. I like girls that are shorter than me. I like long dark hair. [laughs] That's about it, I guess.
AE: Well, is there anything else you want to tell your fans?
DC: Mmm, I love 'em. I love them all. No, I don't know. This is all new for me, so is there something I should tell them?
AE: Well, one thing that came up for me actually is that I think it's cool that you've lasted so long in the competition because you're really more genderqueer than the other girls, which is great for lesbians.
DC: Yeah, yeah, it is, and I think that's where all the feedback is coming from. They're just really impressed, and they're like, "Oh thank God, finally." Because I've seen some of these shows out there with lesbians, and I'm like: "Those aren't lesbians! Those are strippers. Come on!"
AE: They do kind of look like strippers!
DC: Yes! What's with that? So I know it's a … relief for our community to see somebody with more of an androgynous look to them. And just that I have a career, and [I'm] just someone being real, you know what I mean? And I'm not jeopardizing my integrity for anything on this show. I just stayed true to myself, and I think that everybody's appreciating that, and I appreciate that they appreciate [it]. And I hope it just encourages people to be themselves.
The more we are not afraid of being who we are, the quicker we come out of the shadow of society, and the easier it will be to be gay, and we can start working towards equality for everybody. That's it. My little speech. [laughs]
wow
lol
i was thinking the same thing when i read it
<A href="http://www.imvu.com/catalog/web_landing.php?p=power&userId=15108897" target="_blank">IMVU - The World's Greatest 3D Chat</
i noticed that description
i noticed that description sounded like a lot like ME, too ;)
Dani makes me swoon.
YAY!
I have been soooo looking forward to reading this interview! Yay, Dani! YOU ARE ADORABLE. And I'm so glad to see that she comes across the same way in the interview as she does on the show: fun, very chill, smart and positive.
BEST. DANI. EVER.
"Whatever people consider to be normal, it never is." -Ashley Davies
All over again....
I just fell in love with her all over again..
every time she opens up her mouth she gets cuter....
If shes not with tila, who ever wins her heart is one frukin lucky woman.........
Yep!
i Second that!!!
"If you should see her...tell her I miss her still." -- Galinda. 'Wicked'
Aww yay
*sighs* I love this site. Dani is the reason why I continue to watch "A shot at love" aka "A shot at herpes". I love people like her.
Great interview Malinda!
haha
Hahaha. Nice. :-P
yay for Dani!
She seems like a really down to earth person....for now, let's hope that doesn't change and I think she should win for sure....GO DANI!
Great interview Malinda!
"i don't suffer from insanity...i enjoy every minute of it"
dani!!
great interview!
<3
First of all, Dani is FINE.
MORE.DANI.NAKED.
All that aside, I love how real she is, and everyone I know, gay or straight, is rooting for her!
wooT go dani you rock!
Yes!
<3 dani
it's like the more she talks, the more i fall in love. if she doesn't win, she better get a spin off.
thanks so much for getting this interview!
i love dani as well, she's
i love dani as well, she's my favorite, the most real, the most lesbian, lol. Although I want her and Tila together I have a feeling they didn't end up together :( but I could be wrong...will find out soon enough!! I just hope it's a chick, really.
I like the futch term.
I don't want Dani to win
Futch...
I love Dani! She's specifically the only reason I watch the show.
The funny thing is that I have a friend I met about a year ago and she was the first person I ever met who used the term "futch" to describe herself. It was refreshing to hear it on national television.
I hope Dani makes it to the end. That would make eating "cock and balls" considerably worth it. ;-)
Brandi <3
Dani is alright....but she's no Brandi!
Brandi should of won, but maybe she's too hot for Tila
Fighting fire....
Great interview Malinda. I enjoy that AfterEllen allows us insights into people in the spotlight.
Dani certainly comes across as the most genuine on that show. I admire her for being true to herself, and also for her hard work and service as a firefighter....a difficult but rewarding profession. I don't know if winning this particular competition would be the best for her. I am not sure of Tila's intentions to be honest. Sometimes a door closes and another opens that would be far better than you ever expect. I hope whatever happens, Dani finds happiness. We all deserve that!
I would love to see her with a slightly better hairdo. I think she could look even cuter without the comb-forward look. (OK, now don't you all hate me for my opinion)
so cute
nuff said.
Don't dream it, be it.
adorable
Aww, she's adorable!
She's the only reason I'm still watching this show. Ok, and AE's vlogs and recaps. She seems very real, and I guess that's one of the reasons why she stands out, especially in a "reality" show (oh, the irony).
I do hope she makes it to the last episode, that would be great. We'll see :D
========
"The opposite of church is sperm!" - Sarah P. - The Lo-Down
yay
A wonderfully pleasant interview
And that's a very shady answer about the MySpace "single" status, lol.
Thanks Malinda for the interview : D
***
"I'm so sorry for the things that they've done
I'm so sorry about what we've all become."
[Editors - Well worn hands]
Re: Dani
"Those aren't lesbians! Those are strippers. Come on!" - HA! Word.
Yeah, I don't see her as butch. Androgynous but not butch. What she said, futch, I guess would be the word if you want to label it although when I say that to people, they don't know what I'm talking about.
I don't want her to win either. She's too good for Tila. Speaking of Tila, is her head not really big? It's so much bigger than her body, like a giant balloon. lol
Or a lollipop...
I guess Tila's head to body ratio could be seen as distinctly lollipop looking as well.
I agree with what you're saying about not wanting Dani to win. A part of me wants Dani to win because she's so real and a better representation of a lesbian. But then part of me doesn't want her to win because, besides wanting her for myself :-P, I'd hate for her to go through all of those stupid challenges for someone who seems a little too cut off from reality (haha).
She is too amazing!
Lovely interview! Dani is
She's so cool
Probably too cool for Tila!
You should do another interview once the film has finished screening.
Dani Rocks~
Right on,Dani!
AE totally rocks!
Great...no funtastic interview. I loved Dani's answers. I was totally cracking up and smiling. Thanks Dani for giving the interview. Yeah, Dani pursue TV,we defintely want to see more of you out there. Thanks you so much AE!
I LOVE DANI!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE DANI!!!!!!!!!!!
~becky~
Dani!
Damn those dimples...
Those dimples made me rethink my whole life! But, yeah, I would LOVE to mess up that hair!
About the myspace thing; the caption a couple wks ago said "CA is coming 2 me" Take from it what u will, but I DO think Dani's too good for Tila!
PEACE OUT!
After reading this, I really like her!
lesbian without borders
Futch
Never heard that one, but I'm sure gonna spread it on this side of the Atlantic now!
Dani is c-u-t-e, and I'm with her on the stripper thing. She just read my mind :)
_ _ _ _ _
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." (Dr. Seuss)
Campbell TV
If Dani doesn't win, she should get her own dating show on tv..cept with ALL girls. Hmm..since we're talking reality tv the plot should be twisted so: 15 gay/bi girls and 15 straight girls compete for Dani's affections..who will win..a straight girl or a queer girl?
And the opening song should be the Campbell soup's jingle "Mmm mmm good"
No?
Lol. Idk. DANI FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!! xDD
haha
that's a brilliant idea!!
I think i'll go get my audition tape ready....just in case
daniiii
omg. i LOVE dani. i can't even take it. seriously, who would watch this show if she wasn't on it??
oh and another thing...the
oh and another thing...the other day my friend said to me "i cant believe you watch that garbage" and i said to her "i dont, i watch DANI"
Danilicious...
omg i thought i was the only one who used "Futch" wow...lol
oh Yea Kris good point...Who would watch the show without dani??
"You motherf---in' liar! F--- you, you lyin', lowdown, nanny-f---in' motherf---er"- Kit porter
"You can take it or leave it, but I'm not going to change, not for anyone."-Christina AguileraHOTTT!!!
Dani is a sexy beast!!!!!
I hope she doesn't win so I can date her!!!
Peace
Futch
I have never heard that before. I don't know if I like it though. I consider myself a butch and I am not "rough" or tough. I am actually very kind hearted and a bit of a wimp. But, I won't put on a dress or make up, I wear men's shoes and I am very gentlemanly (for lack of a better word). I guess we all have different definitions for "butch and femme."
I like Dani a lot and my girlfriend comments on how cute she is every week.
I like Tila too. I think she is very sweet. I think she looks a bit like a Brats doll though.
I think it will be down to Dani and Bobby. Ryan is a geek and that butch hating Amanda is just weird. She is so huge and has the most stupid facial expressions. As this is her second apperance on TV, I bet she has ambitions for something other than Tila's heart.
totally. i am neither rough
I think that if I ever met
I think that if I ever met a girl like Dani in real life I'd bring her home to my conservative christian homophobic parents and announce my undying love for the girl. She seriously has been the only reality personality to ever make my heart pitter. I want to see her have her own spin off too. How can we make this happen guys? I think she deserves a girl WAY cooler than Tila. I can see Tila breaking her heart. Now if that would happen, I would have to kick some myspace chick's ass.
I kinda raised my eyebrow when Dani said "Yes she is a good kisser, yes she was a good kisser" um...she is or she was Dani?
She is defintly the only reason I watch the show. I just wish there was more people like her on reality tv. Especially MTV reality shows.
I'm sure she won!!!
If Dani doesnt win,,,hell i give up she has to!!! :) The wayshe responded to certain questions is a sure sign :)
America runs on Donuts, Lesbians run on Beerbest out of the show
Great Interview Malinda
Your first comment wold of been my first comment too. She seems too level headed to be on a show like this one.
Thanks for the interview it was a good read....I hope you asked some of Sarah's questions so she doesn't feel left out. lol.
so hot
but I don't think we can read anything into the answers that were a little hinting, I reckon she's messing with us just a little there, not that I think she definitely didn't win or anything I just think if I was in that situation I probably couldn't resist the opportunity to tease people somewhat with my answers to certain questions.
But again, so hot!!! Although I too think the hair looks a whole lot sexier not combed forward but its not something i'd turn her down over, let's be honest here.....