CP: Let's start with what everyone is talking about, your appearance in Playgirl. What lead you to bare it all?
RK: I decided to drop my labels for Playgirl because I wanted to make a few statements with regards to American society, nudity, and human vulnerability underneath our clothes. I am a model, but that alone does not define me as a whole, nor does my personal orientation, my gender, my age, my race, or any other defining quality that society uses to put me in a box. The fact of the matter is that life is just not black and white, but still we go through life labeling ourselves and labeling others to make order of the chaos that exists around us. Underneath our designer clothes and the labels we are all the same - beautifully vulnerable.
CP: Are you concerned about negative reaction or a backlash?
RK: No, if that were the case I would never leave my house. There is always going to be the chance of negative reaction to anything we do in life. Without risk, there is no reward and I would much rather take a risk, with a chance of failure, than to move through life in fear with the would-have, should-have, could-haves.
CP: Since growing up in Skokie and living in Chicago, you've always participated in philanthropic ventures. Which groups have you focused on lately?
RK: Most of my time has been spent with my business partner Stephanie A. Jones, in developing the GeekNerdWonk Charitable Foundation, "Helping Charities Help Themselves". GNW supports smaller, underfunded charities which work in public health education and promotion in underserved, marginalized populations. In addition, I have been working with Equality Maryland, GLAAD, HRC, ACLU, LCOA, Womankind Kenya, and the "I talk about HIV/AIDS Because..." Campaign.
CP: You'll be returning to Chicago in June for Pride. What can we expect?
RK: You can expect the unexpected really, I don't like being predictable—life is too short. I move through life as if it is a game of chess, changing at every move to keep things interesting. One thing is certain: I am going to have an incredible time with my friends as we celebrate and support the work of ChicagoPride.
Ronnie returns to Chicago on Thursday, June 24 for an appearance at the ChicagoPride 8th Anniversary Party from 7-9 p.m. at Roscoe's, 3356 N. Halsted St. Ronnie will also appear on the ChicagoPride/KISS 103.5FM float and host the Cesar's Pride Pre-and After-Party on Sunday, June 27 at Cesar's on Broadway, 2924 N. Broadway.
