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!
