Do you realize this is the first time I’ve ever covered anything to do with Patti LaBelle? How is that possible?! She’s one of our greatest divas, but to her credit, she’s not a hot mess, which is probably why I’ve never had the chance to talk about her. Patti turns 70 years old this year, and she’s living her life to the fullest. She’s still a world-class diva, she’s still performing and rocking and killing it. Anyway, Patti spoke to PrideSource recently, and the interview is, in a word, AMAZING. You can read the full piece here, and here are some highlights:

PrideSource: When did you first know you had a big gay following?
Patti: I’ve been in this business for maybe 51 years, and so I think 50 years ago. (Laughs) The first year I wasn’t sure, but the second year of performing I got this love – I mean, great love – from my gay fans. I always questioned, “Why do they love me? Why do they really, really give a damn about Patti LaBelle?” And I think it’s because I’m such a free spirit and such a drag queen, really, myself. The original drag queen.

What’s your relationship with them been like over the years? Has that bond gotten stronger?
It’s much stronger. I think if I ran for president of the gay community, they might elect me. And I would handle it so well. It would just be one of those things I was born to do. So I think every year it grows and grows and grows. A lot of gay fans who come to see me, I think they’re afraid to be out until I say something and let everyone know it’s fine to just be yourself.

If you were president, what would be the first thing you might do for the gay community?
I would let everyone gay who wants to get married – no matter what city, what country, what state – say “I do.” That would be my first order. Everybody say “yes” to gay marriages.

For you, what does it mean to be a diva?
That word is used so loosely that I don’t even consider myself a diva. I always considered myself a woman who sings her heart out and who gives 120 percent. “Diva” is a word that I wouldn’t wanna call myself because it’s so loosely used. It’s not cute anymore.

Is there a negative connotation to it now?
Yeah, because all these little heifers who can’t sing are called divas! It doesn’t mean anything to me and probably to some of the other ladies who have been doing it for as long as I have: Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick. You know, I’m speaking for me – I don’t know if they like to be called divas – but I know I wouldn’t call them divas, because it’s not in good company.

But it used to be a respectable term at some point.
Well, for opera singers, and for ladies who earned it, but that was way, way back when. Now you can look up to them, but you might not see what you wanna see. A hot mess! People who are doing it and doing it with about 40 people on stage with them to hide their pitifulness – that’s not a word, but you know what I mean.

You keep it real.
Oh, there’s no reason to do anything else but.

Lastly, Patti, what’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to love my family while they’re here and give them anything they want … within reason. Never neglect going to the hospital to see your sister who’s dying of cancer. I missed that one. I missed my last sister, Jackie, who died five minutes away and she wanted an egg sandwich and I said, “I’ll bring it tomorrow.” And tomorrow she was gone. My life lesson is to do for those who you care for today. Right now. Like, when you hang up, Chris, call somebody and tell them you love them.

[From PrideSource]

Lord, she’s so quotable and fabulous. My favorite quotes: “Because all these little heifers who can’t sing are called divas!” And: “I think it’s because I’m such a free spirit and such a drag queen, really, myself. The original drag queen.” She’s so gangster! She IS the original drag queen. Step aside Cher!! I love her life lessons too, and why she keeps it real: “Oh, there’s no reason to do anything else but.” Bless her.

Photos courtesy of WENN.