Krista McDermott, 26, is not only a hot commodity in Amsterdam’s queer scene, a kick-ass nanny, and my performance art co-star as Babes With Intestines, she also proves that Grandma and gay go together well.

What is your relationship to money?

Does it count as a “relationship” if you don’t have any? I think it would be good if i did have some. No, really, can I have some? (The sound of Krista opening her Hello Kitty wallet for donations.)

What do you splurge on?

SHOES.

How does being queer factor into your spending and saving patterns?

Realizing that I was “different” at a young age made it feel less necessary to attempt to fit in, and as a teenager I decided to dress the way i wanted. I got most of my clothes from the local pay by the pound thrifty, or by pillaging Grandma’s closets, and started to make my own clothes with Grandma’s vintage material. When you become aware that you are different from much of society, you have the unique opportunity to see outside of it and ask questions about it. That includes questions like “Why do some people dress so badly?” Uhh…I mean, what motivates them to buy the things they do?

What’s your favorite way to save money?

Thrifting, shopping the sales, finding stuff in the street, making stuff, making stuff with you, selling stuff, using the library, riding my bike, going to parties with no cover charge, hanging out with other people who don’t have money.

What mistakes do you think the queer community is making when it comes to finance?

Well, it really depends on what part of the queer community you are talking about. In general I think a lot of people feel pressure–especially in San Francisco–to buy into a certain image to feel included in the community. The constant grooming and molding the body specifically in the gay comunity is not only bad for the wallet, but really stressful on the body and soul. Encouraging people, by way of advertising, to spend money to look more gay, is not going to help people save money. In fact, like the rest of America, it actually encourages people to go into debt.

What are we doing well?

Because many queers sadly have little support from family, providing free health services is a huge help to many struggling people, and shows a genuine desire to care for the people of the community.

Two other queer money-saving words: LESBIAN VEGETARIAN.