Drag Queens
LGBTQIA+
Miami Beach
In her own words, drag queen Tiffany T. Fantasia talks about what it's meant to perform for audiences for the past 20 years.
Join Tiffany T. Fantasia and her friends at Palace Bar on Saturday, November 23, to celebrate her 20th anniversary. Palace Bar photo
Audio By Carbonatix
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Twenty years ago, I first stepped onto the stage at Palace Bar on Ocean Drive, not knowing how much it would shape my life. This venue, a beacon of South Beach's rich queer culture, has been more than just a stage for me; it's been a place of advocacy, resistance, and growth. As the world around us changes, my mission has stayed the same: to create space for my community and to stand firm in the belief that love in all its forms is valid and worth celebrating.
When I began my journey in 2004, South Florida's drag scene was evolving. Palace Bar was and still is a cornerstone of that transformation. Over the years, I've had the honor of performing for countless celebrities, from Joey Fatone and Andy Cohen to Ts Madison and Puff Daddy's mom. I even had a memorable moment messing with Wyclef Jean while he was driving by! But beyond the glitz and glam, the journey hasn't been easy. I've navigated fires, literally and metaphorically. I lived above the Palace for a year and once helped the fire department when there was a fire in the kitchen. I've survived two owners, two locations, and countless lineup changes. There's been a lot of drama, too, being celebrated one moment, fired the next, and then rehired based on pure jealousy. Yet, I've remained resilient.
The challenges I've faced over the years have shaped me into the performer and advocate I am today. As a Black queer person, I've always had to navigate a world of prejudice. While our community has made strides, the current political climate reminds us that equality is fragile. As we face rising political opposition, particularly with the current administration's disregard for LGBTQ rights, it's essential that we stay united. Drag is a political act, and I continue to use my platform to fight for the rights of my community and amplify the voices of those who are still being silenced.
Over the years, I've witnessed a shift in the audience at Palace. It used to be mostly locals, predominantly gay men, and maybe 20 to 30 percent tourists. Now, it's the other way around, and the crowd has grown to include many more women. Hell, we've even had straight bachelors come to celebrate with us! The love of entertainment and my love for the fans are what keeps me going. The crowds have changed, but the mission remains the same.
As the world changes, so do I. Over the years, I've grown in style and confidence. While I've certainly evolved in terms of my look and weight, I don't follow every trend. If it doesn't suit my personality, then it's not for me. The biggest challenge for me has been navigating the balance between giving the masses what they want and staying true to who I am. I've learned that authenticity is what keeps the audience coming back, and that's what drives me.
What keeps me motivated after two decades in this business? The same passion that got me started. I perform not just for the applause but to make a difference to remind everyone that we are not invisible, that we are worthy of love and respect. Every night, I'm inspired by the queer Black youth who look to me for representation and strength. And when I see them in the crowd, I know that my work is far from over.
Looking ahead, I'm excited for the next 20 years at Palace. There's still so much to do, and I will continue to be a voice for unity and equality. I'm here to stay, and with the support of my community, I look forward to creating even more unforgettable moments. And as I always say, "Don't be a dry ho. Be a greasy bitch!"
Tiffany T. Fantasia is a veteran drag performer celebrating her 20th year of entertaining audiences in South Florida and beyond.
Tiffany T. Fantasia's 20th Anniversary. With Latrice Royale,Ebonee Excell, TP Lords, and Angie Ovahness. 7 p.m. Saturday, November 23, at Palace Bar, 1052 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 305-531-7234; palacesouthbeach.com. Reservations are highly encouraged via palacesouthbeach.com/book.
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