The eyelashes, nails and wigs are on as History Fort Lauderdale, celebrating 60 years of being the proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, presents “I Am What I Am: A Tribute to South Florida’s Drag Pioneers,” in honor of PRIDE Month (June 2022). This exciting and interactive free experience at Galleria Fort Lauderdale will pay tribute to the drag community who tirelessly entertain and support philanthropic endeavors. Tickets are now on sale for the opening reception, which also serves as the official Stonewall PRIDE Month Kickoff event celebration, on Tuesday, May 31, from 6 – 8 p.m., at Galleria Fort Lauderdale.
It will be a night to remember as six drag pioneers are celebrated – South Florida’s own Nikki Adams, Tiffany Arieagus, Cathy Craig, Daisy Deadpetals, Electra and Latrice Royale. These treasured performers are being recognized for their longevity, entrepreneurship, roles on local television and international fame. The exhibit will include past and present images, videos, costumes and artifacts that tell the story of their illustrious careers.
The entire drag community will also be celebrated and represented with a “Wall of Fame” sponsored by Lips Fort Lauderdale and designed by acclaimed designer Robert Tabor. This tribute space will showcase many amazing local performers who currently grace the stages in bars, nightclubs, casinos and theater productions.
Memorable tribute performances will be done by Joanna James, Velvet Lenore and Erika Norell. Presentation hosts will be Shawn Palacious and Joe Posa as Joan Rivers with DJ Aulden Brown. Lips Fort Lauderdale, Stoli and Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar will provide light bites and libations.
“I Am What I Am: A Tribute to South Florida’s Drag Pioneers” is sponsored by Our Fund, HotSpots Media Group, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Galleria Fort Lauderdale, Hunter’s, OutClique, Stoli, Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.”
Tickets to the May 31 Stonewall PRIDE Month Kickoff and opening reception for History Fort Lauderdale’s “I Am What I Am: A Tribute to South Florida’s Drag Pioneers” are $25 per person which includes one complimentary drink. Visit https://bit.ly/HFLIAmWhatIAm2022 for tickets.
For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online at historyfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ftlhistory, on Instagram @ftlhistory and on Twitter @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at youtube.com/user/FTLhistory.
