Black Women in Fandom: How Kivonshe Williams Is Claiming Space in the Interview With the Vampire Universe

For this installment of Black Women in Fandom series, we're spotlighting Kivonshe Williams - filmmaker, entertainment journalist, critic, and host of So There's That - whose love for vampires turned into a powerful, full-circle fandom experience. Deeply rooted in the world of Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat, Kivonshe represents what it looks like when Black women unapologetically take up space in genre communities that haven't always centered us.

Drawn in by her longtime love for Grey Worm actor Jacob Anderson and a deep appreciation for Anne Rice's gothic universe, Kivonshe found more than just a show - she found community, creativity, and a renewed connection to her inner fangirl. From viral convention moments honoring Aaliyah's iconic portrayal of Akasha in Queen of the Damned to being publicly celebrated by cast members like Sam Reid, her journey proves one thing: Black women belong in every fandom space we choose to enter. And sometimes, when we show up boldly, the entire room rises with us.

What fandom (or fandoms) are you a part of?

Kivonshe: I am currently most active in the Interview With the Vampire/The Vampire Lestat fandom.

What TV series, film franchise, or universe pulled you into this fandom?

Kivonshe: Having always been a fan of Interview With the Vampire (yes, the films too) I wanted to be involved with a group who loves vampires as much as I do. I was a year late to fandom given I wasn't really active on Twitter at all until early 2024 and I finally had time to catch up on Season 1 ahead of the Season 2 premiere. I was drawn to watch the series because I was already a fan of Jacob Anderson as Greyworm in Game of Thrones. From the very first episode, I was hooked!

What do you love most about being part of this fandom?

Kivonshe: I love that the creator and showrunner Rolin Jones and the co-leads Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid fully lean into Anne Rice's vision then just goes even further with it. It's allowed fans like me be able to see ourselves reflected in these deeply flawed and terrible characters. Also, the fandom has some incredible writers and graphic artists. Their talent and imagination keep me invested in their personal creativity as I'm always down to support fellow creators.

How has your experience in fandom spaces been as a Black woman?

Kivonshe: My experience as a Black woman in the fandom spaces haven't been the worst. Mostly when I'm in places in person (SDCC, NYCC) there aren't that many of us (yet) so it's a bit uncomfortable; especially given that at 36 years old I'm finally allowing myself to fangirl out loud. So I'm still getting comfortable with that. Online, I've met some incredible people and have been welcomed by people from all over. It's been really fun allowing my inner child the freedom to express myself with fellow weirdos (affectionately).

Have you encountered any stereotypes or stigmas around fandom? If so, how do you think those can be challenged or eliminated?

Kivonshe: Personally, I haven't encountered any stereotypes but I have witnessed others be on the receiving end of unsavory commentary. I do feel that while they won't all be eliminated, networks could do a better job at being very clear and firm on discriminatory practices and behaviors within their massive fandoms. For Interview With the Vampire/The Vampire Lestat, the entire cast do an incredible job at walking-the-talk while also making sure they don't platform negativity and only speak highly of the love and creativity of the fans (with some shady "yall better stop that" in between of course). So for me, I still feel safe to exist in this space.

What are some positives or meaningful moments you've experienced within fandom culture?

Kivonshe: I debuted my Akasha costume at SDCC 2025 and was spotted in the crowd during the IWTV panel by Sam Reid which turned into the moderator (Damian Holbrook) doing a massive shoutout, Jacob Anderson bowing to me, and Sam Reid leading the entire room of 4,000+ people into an eruption of applause. I still don't remember much of it but I have footage haha. The same thing happened in NYCC a few months later. I was also approached both times by so many fans. The most memorable fan moments were at NYCC where more Black women came up to me and shared why they love the series and that I dared show up the way I did because they never see us in these spaces. That was really nice, I'll never forget it.

Why would you encourage others - especially Black women - to explore or join this fandom?

Kivonshe: I would tell others, especially Black women, to explore and join this fandom because we deserve to express our joy too. A huge pull in this fanbase is the fact that Aaliyah played Akasha in the Queen of the Damned film. My costume honors her and I'll continue to do so. Her character is recognizable. Even when people didn't remember the name Akasha they knew my costume was Aaliyah (yes, people shouted "AALIYAH" across the rooms lol). So even if Black women haven't read the books, we feel a deep connection to a pop icon who was able to open the doors for us to be in this world. And AMC announced that Sheila Atim will be picking up the mantle as Akasha (honoring Anne Rice when she said Akasha should be a Black woman) so that's even more representation and reason for us to be here. We belong. Period.

Be sure to follow Kivonshe Williams Founder & Editor, So There's That Podcast

Website: https://www.sotheresthatpodcast.com

Social Media: X @kivonshe