Voted Best Gay Website in Tampa Bay
TIFFANI MIDDLESEXX
RETIREMENT
FOLLOW UP
Retirement Announcement Part 1: 2011

The crowd cheers as the last performer gathers her belongings then heads back to the dressing room. Joey Brooks breaks through announcing that the next performer is who we have all been waiting for. This is her final performance and tonight she will retire after 47 amazing years. The Red Curtain is drawn and the Queen of the Hour steps out on stage; the club is packed and there is barely standing room for this performance. Lights, Music, Action!

Rewind to about thirty minutes before the show; I am waiting outside the dressing room for Tiffani to arrive. We had agreed to meet before so I could take some pictures for this interview. I wanted to try and capture some of the emotions Tiffani was going through while she prepared herself for this last performance.

Tiffani arrives and is surrounded by friends/fans, they give kisses, hugs, handshakes, and of course a picture or two. Finally, the crowd clears and I approach Tiffani. I too, show my appreciation for the work through the years and thank her for doing this interview. While we are talking and I am holding her hand she is shaking like a leaf. I cannot imagine what she must be feeling at that moment, she is about to step into the next big chapter in her life.

We walk back to the dressing room, all of the performers start greeting and congratulating her as well. I tell Tiffani that I will come back in a few minutes to take some pictures so that she can get herself situated. About ten minutes later I knock on the door to take a few pictures. As in any performance, sometimes things don't go as planned. I am told I cannot come in and later Tiffani would tell me that they were guarding the door very well that night. In all honesty, I am glad she got star treatment, it is her Retirement Party she deserves it! So what to do now? Grab a drink and get ready for the show!

Tiffani's Final Farewell Perfomance Video

The Holidays have passed and retirement is actually become a reality for Tiffani. Well one thing I want to know is what is she doing now, since retiring? "…I've been playing checkers with the rest of the seniors here at ''Shady Rest'' assisted living facility… just kidding." Tiffani jokes. "But really… I've been spending most of my time with the babies, Riley and Piper, my two dogs. I've been busy. Along with my daughter, Esme Russell, are launching our own Movie Critics Site called ''2 Drags and a Flick''. Isn't that catchy? We both love the movies and have been giving reviews separately for a while now." She also shares one of the, "biggest things I've done since retirement was going to Orlando recently to accept a ''Career Lifetime Achievement Award''", she says it was, "a night I will never forget."

In my opinion, this is one that she deserves. Tiffani has been an Icon in the Tampa Bay area for so many years and in so many ways. Her fundraising efforts and involvement in HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment right here in the Bay Area should be recognized alone. Tiffani has dedicated many hours, days and years of service for something that holds true to her heart.

Tiffani shares that she, "was diagnosed with AIDS back in 1985. I immediately became an activist in the struggle to fight what was then a horrible killer. I began working with T.A.N., THE TAMPA AIDS NETWORK. They really did extraordinary work back then." Tiffani has "always been involved in charitable work for our community." She says, "My biggest success story is my annual fundraiser for my church, M.C.C. TAMPA. This church absolutely changed my life. It gives me a high I never felt from the drugs in my past. PRAISE GOD"

So with a great Icon like Tiffani, who does she look up to? Who are some of here influences on stage and off. I had to ask. "My biggest Drag influence has to be RuPaul. I met Ru back in 1985 when I worked in Atlanta and he was working in a club across the street. We became fast friends and I still consider us that still today." However in life her biggest influence Tiffani says is, "Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King."

In February we celebrate "Black History Month", where we show recognition to those who have made great strides in equality for Blacks. Tiffani was influenced by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. I wanted to know if Tiffani had struggles being a Black Drag Queen.

Tiffani shares one story of such a struggle. "Yes, I have struggled at times. Years ago I worked at a club in Toledo called THE TWILIGHT ZONE and I discovered the owner was paying the white Queens more than me. I was afraid to say anything for fear of being fired. So I got my revenge the best way I knew how, I killed them bitches with my performances and made twice the tips they would. Isn't Karma a bitch?

Tiffani has always brought a strong performance to her show. Even to the last performance as you can see from the video above. So now that she is retired, what advice or secrets can she give to upcoming Queens just starting out? Plain and simple Tiffani replies, "Finish school. Get an education. Drag can wait."

As the interview wraps up, I wanted to know; what was her most treasured moment in the 47 years of doing Drag. Tiffani says it, "…was when my Mother tipped me during a show for the first time." What about her most memorable performance? I asked her to share the one that tugged at all her emotions and she said, "…that's a hard one, I think that would have to be my ''FAREWELL'' performance at Bradley's'. I was shaking so much with the emotion of the evening. At one point it looked like the entire club was in tears. At that moment I knew I WAS LOVED..." Tiffani is right; she is loved.

As we move forward in our lives, so does a wonderful performer/entertainer that has hung up her dress and high heels for life with a little slower pace. Tiffani alongside her daughter Esme will take on a new adventure as Movie Critics. I am certain that she will shine here too!

Thank you, Tiffani Middlesexx, for your dedication and unconditional love for the Tampa Bay Gay community. You are a leader and inspiration for all, enjoy your retirement!

-Dave Borman - Editor/Writer
















HOME l ADVERTISE l CONTACT US l PRIVACY STATMENT l REGISTER l AWARDS

Tampa Bay Gay 2001-2022