...We were at the Palace Club and I was mouthing all the words with Miss Honey and my friend Whit said to me' You'd like to be doing that wouldn't you?' and I said, "I sure would," and a month later I was on the stage.”
​Paul Wegman


Below are a series of photographs of female impersonators who had an impact in the development of Central and South Florida's drag queen culture. The images are not in any particular or chronological order and more performers and impersonators will be added as research developes. The majority of the photos have a link which takes you to our digital archives. 
​Billie Boots, known as "Florida's Queen Mother", began his drag career at an early age in the Daytona Beach area (he was an orphan and stripped as a woman in a carnival). He experimented with drag names such as Eva Paradise and Candy Barr until deciding to use his own name.  He traveled throughout the United States with his partner of 21 years, Tubby Boots and worked as a seamstress for famous actresses and musicians. Although his health declined, he continued to serve the LGBTQ community through raising over $200,000 for local charities and HIV/AIDS service organizations, earning him the title "Florida's Queen Mother". Boots has earned several titles and awards such as Miss Gay Florida America (1974), Honorary Miss Florida F.L. (1997), Official Miss Florida Queen Mother (1997) and much more. His last recorded performance was documented in the film "Queens for a Night", where Boots discusses the cultural changes and requirements in early drag performances and his experience being arrested. His contributions have remained an important part within LGBTQ history of Florida and is felt through the presence of The Billie Boots Memorial Benefit for Outreach, which continues to raise funds for HIV/AIDS.
​ Raccine Robbins was an entertainer from the 1980s and performed at venues like The Fantasy, and Thunders and City lights.
Bobbie Lake was born in Havana Cuba and resides in Tampa, Florida. Lake has won several titles such as Miss Florida F.I. 1991, Miss Gay Orlando 1988, Miss Lakeland 1987, MIss Lakeland 1987, Miss Florida Continentaal, Miss Rene's and Miss Tampa. 
Chanaile Solitaire was a performer in the Central Florida region and was titleholder of: Miss Gay Black Ohio 1991 and Miss Lakeland 2001. Loc Robertson states that Chanaile was a transwoman, which few people knew at the time, and was more known as the big girl at the small clubs and rather than the larger nightclubs. She passed away, roughly around 2010. 
Marty Fugate Jr. or known as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to the Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, and Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55. Fugate Jr. has been a cast member of An Evening at LaCage as Patsy Cline and Stevie Nicks, The Footlight Players at Parliament House and The Downtowner in Louisville, Kentucky. Leigh Shannon has won Miss Metropolitan Continental Elite, Miss Kentucky (America and USofA), Miss Mid-West (USofA), Miss North Florida, Miss Central Florida, Miss Mid-Florida, Miss South Florida and has won Entertainer of the Year (The Dixie Awards), The Spectrum Awards and the Head of the Community Awards. In addition, Shannon was 1st Runner-up for: Miss Florida-USofA, Miss Central South-USofA, Florida Entertainer of the Year Nomination and Spectrum Awards of 1998 and 1999. Although known as Mr. Leigh Shannon, he is known for his celebrity impersonations like Bette Midler and Elton John."
​Page King was born on Nov. 28, 1962 in Charlotte, North Carolina and is a drag performer that has lived throughout the United States until settling in Portland, Oregon. King’s career has made a mark within Central Florida’s drag culture through performances, working as a cast member for Southern Nights and for Ritzy Rags, store of Leigh Shannon. King has also appeared on local films with Leigh Shannon such as “My Fair Lidy” and has also appeared on the Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show. Loc Robertson comments during the oral history interview pertaining to the collection of “Men in Heels” calendar, that he had a special relationship with King as he considers her the first performer to accept him as a real photographer; adding that King was responsible for his career. 
John Goodwin or known on stage as Dana Manchester, was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 24, 1956 and moved to Panama City with his family when he was 19. Considered by many as the "First Lady of Florida", Dana Manchester was relentless in his support for gay charity events and regularly attended local fund-raising events for HIV/AIDS. He performed regularly in Ft. Lauderdale but also performed across the United States, such as Atlanta, New York and San Francisco. He passed away on February 01, 2000 from pneumonia at the age of 44.
​Amy DeMilo was born on May 27th and is an entertainer in the Central Florida region.  DeMilo has received several titles such as Miss Alabama Continental 1992, Miss Lakeland 1997, Miss Florida F.L. 2000, Miss Metropolitan Continental 2008, Miss Gay Florida USofA 2010, Miss Heart of Florida 2011, Miss GayBOR 2012, Miss Gay USofA Classic 2013, Miss Gay Gulf Coast 2015, Miss Daytona Beach Continental Elite 2017, Southern Jewel All American Goddess 2018 and Showgirl Supreme 2019. DeMilo has also performed outside of Florida such as Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. 
​Darnell or known on stage as Darcel Stevens was born in Crystal River, Florida and studied psychology at the University of Florida. During his early 20's Darnell was in the army and was also a member of the ROTC where he would commute two hours each to report to his post in the National Guard. Stevens' early encounter with drag was through needing money for books but an interest in performance and art began. Being mentored by other black queens helped Darnell come to terms with his identity as a gay man, but also helped protect him in the early years of his drag career. It was the early ‘90s and the AIDS epidemic was in full swing. Also, being a member of the ROTC, he was prohibited from being openly gay. Drag mothers, like Dede Williams and Diane Adams, took him under their wing and gave him a kind of secondary education. Stevens currently resides in Orlando where she is the MC for Parliament House, holding the torch of Miss P. She has received various titles and awards including: Miss National at Large 1999, Miss Large and Lovely 2007 and Continental Plus 2019.
Natasha Richards was born on November 21, 1972 and was born in Queens, New York but moved to Port Richey and later Clearwater, Florida. In her obituary, it states: “Natasha was a natural born performer who loved to dance and sing as a small child. Her kind heart, generosity, and fantastic sense of humor made her center stage, both in drag and in life. She was truly a light and an icon in the Tampa Bay LGBTQ community and was loved by all who knew her. With the support of her mother, grandmother, and sisters, Natasha began performing professionally at the age of 15. She later went on to become the youngest crowned Miss Gay US of A. Natasha was truly a stunning performer who performed not only in the Tampa Bay area but around the United States and abroad as a result of the many titles she held. She was known for her impeccable appearance, spot on lip synching, dazzling choreography, and hilarious emceeing. She hosted many drag events in the Tampa Bay Area including drag queen bingo at Blur, Hamburger Mary’s, and gay bowling night at Dunedin Lanes. Another passion she had was instructing ballroom dance at Arthur Miller Dance Studio. Natasha loved her community and thrived off of the love of her supporters. She was always happy to take a photo with anyone, even as she performed. She also made time to mentor many young drag queens throughout their careers. Off stage, Natasha lived life to the fullest, never letting a single opportunity slip away. Whether it was flirting with a waiter at a dinner, or bringing a smile to someone’s face. Her generosity was evident through the care and compassion she showed her friends and family. She cherished the times spent with her nieces and nephews, especially on Halloween. This was one of Natasha's favorite times of the year, whether it was dressing up or trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. She would always make sure her beloved Nemo would also dress up and go along to trick-or-treat. Nemo is a Shih Tzu, whom Natasha adored and was her pride and joy. Always traveling with Natasha anywhere she went. Natasha was very active in the LGBTQ community and volunteered thousands of hours for Pride events, the Aids Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP), the Metro Wellness LGBT Welcome Center, and transgender equality.” Richards has achieved the titles: Miss Gay Orlando 1995, Miss Texas Continental 1995, Miss Gay US of A 1996, Miss Krash International 2000, Miss National 2003, and 1st Alternate to Miss Pulse 2005. Richards passed away on December 3, 2016.
​Melony Munro, formerly Melony VonKruz, is an entertainer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Orlando, Florida. Munro is the reigning Miss Florida F.I. 2021 and holds many other titles including Miss Motor City Continental 2019, Miss Renaissance 2019, Miss Heart of America Continental 2018, Miss Gigi’s 2015, Miss Glass City 2011 and Miss Amateur Gigi’s 2010. Melony Munro currently resides on the cast at Southern Nights Orlando and she is a former Footlight Player at the world famous Parliament House Orlando.
​Mr. Cris Cross was a female impersonator and performer at Parliament House Orlando on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Cross also considered himself a "Comedy Diva," as he never held any titles due to lack of pageantry in the 1950's. However he was later presented with the Living Legend Award. Considered by those who knew him, Mr. Cris Cross was filled with love and always maintained a great sense of humor.
​Paul Michael Wegman or known on stage as Miss P was born in Rochester, New York and moved to Florida in 1960's, where he graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Theater at the University of Central Florida. Although known as an entertainer and impersonator for Parliament House Orlando, Wegman was also an actor for the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and an adjunct professor at Valencia Community College. Over the years Paul received many awards and acknowledgements from local civic, charitable, and theatrical organizations. Wegman passed away on August 24, 2004 due to complication resulting from AIDS.
Logan Carter or known on stage as Roxanne Russell was born on November 5, 1954 and was a female impersonator, actor and model. In addition to his titles, he also appeared on Repo Man (1984), Hollywood Vice Squad (1986) and Strangers in Paradise (1984). Carter passed away on June 23, 1988 in Los Angeles, California. 
Tiffany (Tiffani) Middlesex was an entertainer from Toledo, Ohio and Tampa, Florida. Middlesex started drag at the age of 15 at bars such as Phil Coss, and Rocko’s Twilight Zone and would later travel to Detroit and stayed there for 3 years working at clubs and to other states as well. In 1978, she was offered at a job in Ybor City at RJ’s Rendezvous and through the 1990’s, she was working at Rene’s Nightclub, Rene’s Cabaret and Howard Ave. Bar. In an interview she stated that “I became Miss Florida in 1980 and I was Miss Parliament House the same time.” She retired and gave her final performance on her 63rd birthday at Bradley’s on 7th. Middlesex has received the titles: Miss Florida F.I. 1980, Miss Parliament House, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at Miss Parliament House 2012. 
Carmella Marcella Garcia or known as the 'Grand Ole Gal of the South' was born in Brownsville, Kentucky on June 25th, 1962 as George Timothy Reed. Known for his multiple talents such as a Country/ Jazz vocalist and comedian, Reed's career was augmented through drag performance in the 1980's; gaining popularity and being featured in television shows i.e. MTV, Comedy Central and others. While he traveled throughout the United States, he was a regular entertainer at Parliament House Orlando and Southern Nights Orlando. Reed also raised thousands of dollars for charitable organizations such and coached female pageant contestants in his later years. George Timothy Reed died in Bowling Green, Kentucky on October 15th, 2019 due to cancer. Carmella has obtained several titles and awards including Miss Parliament House, Miss Gay Florida USofA 1989, Miss Gay USofA at Large 1989, Miss Universe at Large 1992, Miss Continental Plus 1995 and others.
​Tiffany Andretta Arieagus was born in Mobile, Alabama and currently resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Arieagus has won several pageants having more than 40 titles such as Miss Florida F.I. 1978, Miss Universe 1979, Miss Continental 1982, and Miss Florida National 1995. She is currently dedicating her time as a case manager, as well as helping raise funds for the Kiwanis, the American Cancer Society, and various HIV-related and transgender organizations.
​Heather Fountaine is an entertainer and icon from St. Petersburg, Florida. She has appeared on numerous television specials, magazines, including Female Mimics International, and has won several titles including Miss Continental 1981, and Miss Florida 1995. Fountaine is known for her Marilyn Manroe impersonation and in remembering her youth, she explained that "back then you had to wear three pieces of men's clothing to be in drag or you'll be arrested. Well they almost kept arresting me because I couldn't do it."
​Willie H. King Jr or known on stage as Van Gretchen is a female impersonator and entertainer in Central Florida since the 1980’s. He first encountered drag at Parliament House through talented performers such as Heavy Duty and Miss P. King Jr states in an interview for the Watermark of the difficulty of drag during the 1980’s due to laws against men presenting themselves as female in any context. “If we had to travel, we had to go to the club very early and get dressed inside. When we were done, we had to get out early and make sure we were changed and everything before we hit the parking lot.” Van also faced discrimination in the early days as when booked for performances due to her name, they were shocked it was a black female impersonator and would at times outright reject her. Although King Jr. is a primary caregiver for his elderly parents and works full time as a catering professional, he at times can perform and reminds the audience at Parliament House that disco never died. 
Willie Tillmon or known on stage as Geraldine Jones was born on June 23, 1943 in Orlando, Florida and has remained a prominent figure within Orlando's drag scene and community. Commencing his career as a impersonator in the 1970's, a time where being black in drag was a bold move, Tillmon made his mark through his character Geraldine Jones (based off the Flip Wilson character). Tillmon has performed at the Parliament House Olrando, The New Phoenix, and other venues and continues to influence the new generation of drag performers in the Orlando area and abroad. Tillmon was been awarded Miss Florida F.I. lifetime achievement award. 
Tiffany McCray was born on September 2nd in Virginia and is an entertainer in the Central Florida region. McCray started drag at the Parliament House around 1995 with Loc Robertson and was also one of the regular showgirls at Parliament. McCray is a titleholder of: Miss Southern States Continental 1995, Miss Gay Florida USofA 1997, Miss Florida Continental Elite 2009, 1st Alternate to Miss Continental Elite 2009 (Swimwear Category Winner), Miss Gay Days 2009, Miss Renaissance 2010, Miss Heart of America Continental Elite 2010, 1st Alternate to Miss Continental Elite 2010, Miss Parliament House 2013, Florida Entertainer of the Year, F.I. 2013, Top Ten at National Entertainer of the Year, F.l. 2013, Miss Gay Southern Nights, and Miss Gay Ocala.
Sam Singhaus or known as Miss Sammy was born on July 20th, 1958 in Akron, Ohio and lived in Orlando, Florida. Singhaus moved to New York City at age 19 to study dance and received a job within U.S. Terpsichore Ballet Co. and danced in shows at Radio City for several years, including a pre-Broadway national tour of Steven Brides for Seven Brothers and LaCage aux Folles where he had to perform in drag. Due to its closing, Singhaus came back to Orlando and opened the first “mixed” club in downtown, called Big Bang which facilitated a space for artists, actors, and creative types to hang out around the late 1980’s. When the club closed, he along with a group from South Beach open the Firestone Club, where started to perform in drag on a weekly basis. Prior to his drag persona, Singhaus performed different characters. Due to advertising however, Singhaus would eventually choose the name Miss Sammy in honor to Paul Wegman, who was a friend and MC at Parliament House as Miss P. Although never participated in a formal pageant, Singhaus has helped April Fresh (Loc Robertson) in creating the Comedy Queen pageants and has hosted game shows, karaoke, bingo, special events, and fundraisers all over Orlando. In addition, Singhaus also sings live which allows most of his shows to involve comedy and Broadway musicals. He states that “it’s all about making people laugh and have a good time.” Singhaus passed away in 2020.
Clifford or known on stage as Heavy Duty was a drag performer in the Central Florida region. Willie Tillmon states that in order to make him look twice as large, he would stuff for Clifford’s outfit. Clifford has since passed away.  
Skeeter Hurd or known on stage as Rusti Fawcett was born on June 3rd, 1957 and began performing drag right after high school in 1975. Hurd has received many titles and awards, with the first title as Miss Gay Orlando in 1977. Hurd also received Miss Gay Daytona, Miss Odds and Ends, Miss Memphis, Miss Dixieland, 1st runner up for Miss Florida at Large and first recipient of the Dana Manchester award. His major influence was Miss P in which he states: "Miss P / Paul Wegman was a major influence. When Bob Carr auditorium brought the Broadway series to Orlando he took me to see The Wiz. My introduction to Broadway. He also took me in and watched over me for many years. I refer to him as my drag mom."
​Angel Sheridan was born on June 21, 1963 and currently resides in Central Florida, performing at Hamburger Mary's and other venues. She has won several titles such as Miss Continental Plus 2001, Miss Heart of Continental Elite 2008, and Miss Continental Elite 2008. 
​Stephanie Shippae is an entertainer in the Florida region and has won several titles such Miss Gay Orlando 1991 and Miss Florida 1992. 
​Chris Waldorf or known as Crystle Chambers was born on January 6, 1974 and is an entertainer from Pennsylvania and currently resides in Lakeland, Florida. Chambers has received several titles such as Miss Gay Florida America 1998, Miss Gay Orlando 2000, Miss Gay Florida USofA 2000, Representative to Miss Gay Tampa Bay USofA 2003, Miss Lakeland 2005, Miss Gay Florida USoA 2007, Miss Gay Florida America 2008, and Miss Sawmill 2009. Waldorf states that “I'm just a "BOY" from Lakeland who enjoys the art of female and celebrity impersonation not only as a hobby but as my career.  The illusion of all confusion....The many changing faces of Crystle Chambers!!!”
​Allysia Williams or known on stage as Sierrah Foxx was an entertainer in Orlando, Florida. Known for her performances with 1980’s and 90’s music, Williams was also a freestyle DJ from Tallahassee who would make her own mixes for performances and was a regular at gay nightclubs in Orlando for more than two decades, including Pulse. Williams was living in a house on the same block as Pulse when a gunman rampaged through the club June 12, 2016, killing 49 people. She let two people who had fled the massacre into her home. Williams has obtained several titles such as Miss National at Large and Miss Florida F.I. at Large. Williams was found dead at her home on April 2, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She passed away due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver and kidney failure.
​Danielle Hunter was born on August 19th and is an entertainer based at Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis, though also resided, and performed in Orlando, Florida. Hunter holds several titles such as Miss Gay Illinois USofA 1991, Miss Tennessee Continental 1993, Miss Southern Nights Continental  1997, Miss Florida F.L. 1999, Miss North Carolina Continental 2000, Miss Continental 2000, Miss Gay Orlando 2002, Miss Tampa Bay USofA 2003, Miss Gay Missouri USofA 2006, Miss Continental Elite 2007, Miss Tri-County Legacy 2008, Miss Gay Florida USofA Classic 2010 and the National Entertainer of the Year, Fl. 2018. Her Drag daughter is Venus Envy and was a close friend of Carmella Marcella Garcia. Loc Robertson comments during the oral history interview pertaining to the collection of “Men in Heels” calendar that Hunter worked at Southern Nights during the calendar photoshoot and lived in the same apartment complex. He also commented that her tag line in Southern Nights was “The Bold & Beautiful Danielle Hunter.” 
​Miss Victoria Nicole Harrup Lawrence or known as Vicki Lawrence was a female impersonator and drag performer in Central Florida during the 1970-80’s and was a Miss Florida F.L. 1983 Titleholder. Lawrence passed away in March 1992. 
B.J. Stevens or Steve Brooks began his drag career in Gainseville, Florida while studying musical theatre at the University of Florida. After a 17 year hiatus, Stephens became show director at the bar Attitudes and later a Saturday night host at The Night Zone and continues to perform throughout Central Florida. Photograph taken by Loc Robertson.
Denise Russell or known as “The Voice” was born on October 22nd and is a female impersonator in Northern Ohio. Denise is the only female impersonator to have performed in the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.  From 1995 and through 1996, she was an emcee for the Cowboys LaCage also in Nashville. From 1996 through 1997, Russell was on cast at the Parliament House in Orlando, Florida and her work has also taken her into casinos in New Orleans, Atlantic City, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, Albuquerque, and Biloxi, Mississippi. In 2011, Russell celebrated 30 years of performing on stages across the country and her talent has been witnessed in 40 of the 50 US states including the Jewel Box Revue in Canyonville, Oregon where she is currently an MC. Russell has also been titleholder of: Miss Youngtown 1985, Miss Gay Ohio America 1988, Miss Pittsburgh Big Beautiful Woman 1989, Miss Gay Ohio USofA at Large 1989, Miss Gay Midwest USofA at Large 1990, Miss Gay USofA at Large 1990, Miss Ohio Continental Plus 1992, and Miss Continental Plus 1992. 
Loc Robertson or known on stage as April Fresh is from Orlando Florida. Fresh won her first pageant in 1999 (Miss Comic Strip) held in Port Richey. After realizing that comedy was her forte, she started the Miss Comedy Queen Pageant in 2005. After holding this pageant for several years, the pageant grew exponentially and is now recognized as a National Pageant with preliminary competitions throughout the United States. She has won many awards and is a local favorite within the community. 
Chantel Rashae Miss Continental Elite 2015
Chantel Reshae was born on April 14th, is an entertainer currently residing in Orlando, Florida. Rashae attended Iowa State University and holds a plethora of prestigious titles such as Miss Gay Florida America 2003, Miss Gay Heart of America 2004,  Miss Gay East Coast America 2008, Miss Gay Mid America 2009, Miss Gay Gulf States America 2010, Miss Gay Mid East America 2011,  Miss Gay D.C. America 2012, Miss Gay Western States 2013, Miss Continental Elite 2015, Miss Gay Southern States America 2016, Miss Gay Days 2018 as well as being a former Miss Parliament House. Chantel Reshae has many drag daughters including Ginger Beer and is the drag daughter to Miss Geraldine Jones. Reshae is the current Director of Entertainment at Gay Days Orlando as well as the show director at Savoy Orlando in downtown, where she hosts shows a few nights a week promoting and giving space to the new and younger generation of drag queens.

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The mission of the LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida, Inc. is to collect, preserve and exhibit the history of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community in Central Florida. The museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving memorabilia, providing a documentary record for research, and displaying with pride that community's social and historical contributions, so Central Florida's legacy will always be remembered.