Big Freedia, AKA The Queen Diva, AKA The Queen of Bounce, has taken the world by storm. Long after the twerking fad (hint: it was never really a fad) has died down, the gender-non-conforming New Orleans icon continues to reign supreme over her bootylicious kingdom.

We sat down with Big Freedia, currently starring in the fourth season of her own reality show, for a quick discussion on the finer points of her life. Here's 10 things you should and might not have known about the rump-shaking icon.

Freedia Is Credited As The First Artist To Perform In New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina

Freedia details her harrowing escape from New Orleans in her memoir God Save the Queen Diva, but her return to her hometown was hailed as the beginning of the return of art and culture to the beleaguered city. “We were all displaced all over … we started FEMA Fridays. We had people coming from all around to get their feeling back. Everybody had a little FEMA money. We had a good time!”

No One Person Taught Freedia To Twerk—The Entire City Of New Orleans Taught Her To Twerk

“Watching and learning from then to now—I've seen hundreds and thousands of New Orleans people shake. Like I say, we all can be doing the same dance but everybody has their own swag and their own wiggle when it comes to Bounce music. I've watched so many people over the years. You still have your own flavor that you put into it.”

She Treats Her Back-Up Dancers Like Family But Doesn't Have A Favorite Child 

What comes across clearly in Freedia's reality show is how close she is with her back-up dancers. “We're all definitely a family … I keep it the same crew, as long as they remain loyal and know their job, we're all good.” But when pressed about a preferred disciple, Freedia demurred: “That would start a controversy!” she exclaimed

Freedia Is Currently Wrapping Up A National Book Tour 

Perhaps unexpectedly, Freedia's fun and raunchy first book caught the literary world by surprise with its frank depictions of inner city gay life and detailed chronicling of the burgeoning Bounce world. “[The boook] was definitely well received … It's really exciting to have a book out and be doing all these wonderful things. I just need more people to go out and support the book and purchase it! We're hoping the best for a sequel.”

One Of Freedia's Biggest Inspirations Is The Groundbreaking Gay Disco Singer Sylvester

“He was so real. He was himself. He didn't have to hide behind a different hand to be who he was. His music was very inspirational: the sound, his voice. He was a unique artist, very phenomenal. He opened doors, even a door for me to step into. We have to pay respect and homage to all the artists who put in so much hard work in this world and in the music game.”

She Remains Close With Other Artists Who Pioneered The Bounce Scene With Her

Freedia may have become the breakout star of Bounce, but she keeps it cool with her original crew. “Me and Katey Red, we grew up together. We're really close friends, I talk to her quite often. Sissy Nobby, we chat.” 

Freedia's Upcoming Second Studio Album, Good Times, Has A Pretty Star Studded Line-Up 

The Queen Diva is going in a slightly different direction with her second full-length LP. “Sometimes we get in a position in our lives when things change, and the music changes. I'm ready for it to come out and take it to the next level.” That being said, we can expect guest spots on the new album from artists like Diplo, Skrillex, Blaq N Mild, and, yes, even RuPaul. 

For The First Time In A While Freedia Is Single

But she's not too happy about it. “I don't think anybody really likes being single. But we have to be at that point in our lives sometimes and that's just where it's at. It's been up and down. It's something I have to deal with and in good time all wounds heal.”

She Once Opened For The Postal Service And Was Not So Warmly Received

Lead singer of The Postal Service Ben Gibbard was enthusiastic about spreading the gospel of Freedia, but his fans were less enthused. From a report by The Seattle Times: “... [A]udience members were irritated, seemed to be uncomfortable with Freedia’s brand of sexual expression and questioned whether the performance was 'real music.' Men in the stands conspicuously proclaimed their own heterosexuality, and in general the response was uneasy.”

Freedia Doesn't Have A Preferred Gender Pronoun           

When asked about which pronouns to use in this write-up, Freedia simply responded, as she always does, “Just call me diva!”

You can catch the queen diva every week by tuning in to 'Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce' Wednesday nights at 11/10c on Fuse.