As a firefighter and EMS captain in Miami, Dani Campbell is one of the key frontline workers who are saving the world during the coronavirus pandemic. Dani has worked as a firefighter for over a decade, so she’s no stranger to being called a hero. But amid the current crisis, the importance of her role has only intensified in recent months.
But Dani Campbell is not your average first responder, she’s also a certified celesbian heartthrob. Dani first found fame as a final contestant on “A Shot At Love,” the first bisexual dating show. Even when she was busy stealing hearts on reality TV, Dani was working as a firefighter, too; it’s part of who she is. As she told GO back in 2008, “I guess it’s just the way I’m wired; I just do what’s necessary … I don’t think about the dangers. It’s like a switch flips on, and it’s go time.”
Dani quickly became a staple of both lesbian and mainstream pop culture, winning hearts of every gender and age with her selfless heroism and cute AF dimples. *sigh*
This Sunday, May 24 at 2 p.m. EST, Dani will hop on GO’s Instagram Live to answer questions from fans. Beforehand, we caught up with Dani for a quick “7 Minutes in Heaven” style chat. We salute her for the hero she is, but we also couldn’t help but get carried away with our inner fangirl and ask her ~cute~ questions. It’s important to take time for moments of joy and levity during times like these. Check out her answers below and start brainstorming your own questions for Sunday!
GO: What are you most passionate/excited about right now?
Dani Campbell: I recently purchased a piano and have started playing again. I took eight years of classical training as a child, and I’ve been wanting to get back into it for years. Quarantine has offered a lot of practice time.
GO: What is something most people don’t know about you?
Dani: Most people don’t know that I have a sister. Sadly, sometimes I forget too. My father was never around much after my parents divorced when I was five. During his second marriage, I got to meet my little sister a handful of times, then we never saw each other again. We reconnected many years later, but our sisterly bond was never nurtured. I used to be so angry with my father for this, but over [a very long] time I’ve learned to forgive. That forgiveness is for me.
GO: What has it been like being a first responder in the midst of Coronavirus?
Dani: Since COVID-19 began, the stress at work has definitely increased. My fellow brothers and sisters are burdened with a new type of stress — as is everyone. I mean, we are always at risk for communicable diseases, but when it’s in your face 24/7 as this global pandemic is, it’s extra scary. Then, mix in the lack of socialization due to stay at home orders, and a b@*ch can go crazy! But we still respond when the tones go off. Helping people in their scariest and worst moments and hoping we can make a difference; it’s what we love.
GO Mag: Bette or Shane?
Dani: I know this is probably the sin of all lesbian sins, but I don’t watch “The L Word.” Of course it’s popular enough that I know what it is, just never got hooked. I guess I have enough L Words in my own life 😉
GO: Favorite lesbian anthem?
Dani: There is no way I could choose one lesbian anthem song as my favorite. Music is such a huge part of my life, and it wasn’t always the lesbo tracks that got me through it all. But some of the OG artists that carried me through my lesbian rage days would be Melissa Etheridge, Ani DiFranco, Mazzy Star, and of course, Alanis Morissette. Isn’t she going on tour again?
GO: Most embarrassing date story?
Dani: I went on a date once with this beautiful girl. Everything was going great. We enjoyed a nice dinner and then went to the movies. There was this smell though that I kept getting a whiff of. I couldn’t figure it out, but it reminded me of an after beach smell — like burnt skin and sunblock. It wasn’t horrible, but it was confusing. Did she just come from the beach? Was there sunblock and well-done steak in her purse? What the hell is this smell? After the movie, we were walking outside, and I noticed yellow-orange stuff all over the right side of my body. I mean it was on my pants (khakis), my white shirt, my arm, my hand … it was everywhere. I quickly realized it was her tanning lotion. You know, that crap you rub all over yourself to look tan. How did I not realize how orange she looked — this beautiful little Trump? Neither her nor I mentioned anything about it, and our night was soon over. I was so embarrassed for her and slightly grossed out. That was our last date.
GO: Best kiss?
Dani: I can remember my first lesbian kiss. I was 15. I was sleeping over my “friend’s” house, and we were lying in her bed. She said she wanted some water and leaned over me to grab her cup. I was lying on my back looking up. After she drank from it, she slowly moved her face over mine and told me to take the ice from her mouth. I was freaking out inside and slowly took the ice from in-between her lips. I’m sure I don’t need to say much more, but that ice was gone in seconds.
GO: What is the perfect Tinder pick up line?
Dani: I haven’t ventured into Tinder land yet, but I recently sighed up with Raya. Most girls I see on there seem to be my friends, but the first girl I actually hit it off with began with me saying, “Hiya!” I mean, that phrase is probably super lame to some, but it worked. My grandfather used to say it and it’s something I now say. Who knew gramps was such a ladies man … I did.
GO: Drink of choice?
Dani: My drink of choice? Oh, what a tough question. I would have to say an Old Fashioned. Makers Mark, bitters, big ice, expressed orange peel, two Luxardo cherries, and easy on the simple syrup please. (I also love mezcal anything.)
GO: Biggest queer lady role models?
Dani: My role models are Xena the Warrior Princess, Ellen DeGeneres, Jodie Foster, Queen Latifah, Stormé DeLarverie, Amy Lesser, Alison Burgos, and Edie Windsor (what a babe).
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
Dani: Whenever I’m in a rut or feeling down and depressed, I always turn to my friends. I don’t necessarily go asking for specific help, but the conversations we have end up becoming exactly what I need. It’s amazing how it works. I always walk away feeling uplifted and energized. I am truly blessed to have the friends I have in my life.
GO: How can people find you?
Dani: The platform I use the most for connecting with people is definitely IG (@danidac.) I always welcome people to reach out and say hi!
Tune into GO’s Instagram Live on Sunday at 2 p.m. EST to ask Dani your own questions!
