From 2000 to 2005, Utah-born ex-Mormon Kent James performed as the shirtless, mohawked gay punk rocker, Nick Name, belting out songs like "I Fucked Your Boyfriend" and "Porno di Giorno" at gay pride concerts and the gay horror film HellBent.

Currently bearded, James has returned to his real name and his musical focus has shifted to folk rock, and his greatest hits album "A Decade Of Dirt" is currently in release.

Kent lives in San Francisco. He spoke with Mark Adnum via email in May 2007.

MARK ADNUM: How did you respond to the death of Jerry Falwell?

KENT JAMES: Tinky Winky called and told me the news...we laughed a little...we cried a little. Seriously, no tears shed here.

We all know Falwell was a buffoon.

What are your current religious beliefs?

In the past few years I had a couple of near-death experiences that I really believe I escaped only by the grace of God... so I'm no longer an atheist...but I believe my faith is a personal, spiritual thing and not in need of an organization's guidance or approval.

What happened to Nick Name?

I created Nick Name...made the music I wanted to make ... performed the shows I wanted to perform...killed him off and moved on.

Being Nick Name turned me into a human rights activist to some degree...definitely gave me license to rebel and behave badly...

Nick Name was wildly successful thank you very much...but believe it or not he eventually stopped being fun for me.

How are you finding your forties?

I'm actually enjoying myself more than ever. No bullshit. I finally became a real grown up man. I no longer feel like I need to prove myself.

Did you like Brokeback Mountain?

Let me just say that I was very moved by that movie and I feel that I'm able to size up people quickly based on their response to it.

I related so strongly to those characters that I could only watch the movie once. It tore me apart.

We hear increasingly about the impending dissolution of "gay culture" as the distinction between gay and straight continues to drift from relevance. What's your take on this?

I am at odds with both groups of people as a whole so for me a dissolution of sorts would suit me fine.

Jackie Kennedy, when she was a cadet reporter, used to ask her interview subjects, if they considered themselves normal. Do you consider yourself normal?

Yes, I do...but I'm constantly reminded by others that they don't think so!

Buy Kent's album!

Kent James Official Site