Photograph: "Bruce Ground and Leigh Shannon in Club Firestone" (1998)
Image of Leigh Shannon and Bruce Ground at Club Firestone for the ""Men in Heels" Calendar party.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was 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."
Joey Riedley
Drag Album, Men in Heels 1998 Calendar Album
Joe Riedley
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Bruce Ground and Leigh Shannon in Club Firestone" (1998)
"Image of Leigh Shannon and Bruce Ground at Club Firestone for the ""Men in Heels"" Calendar party.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was 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."
Joey Riedley
Drag Album, Men in Heels 1998 Calendar Album
Joe Riedley
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Miss P as Bette Davis" (1999)
Image of Paul Wegman - Miss P as Betty Davis for the calendar "Men in Heels 2000" by Loc Robertson at Parliament House, Orlando.
Paul Michael Wegman or known as Miss P was born and raised in Rochester, New York and moved to Florida in 1960's, where he graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Theatre at the University of Central Florida. Although known as an entertainer for Parliament House, Wegman was also a performer at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and 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.
Loc Roberston Photography
Drag Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "December- Miss Sammy" (1999)
Calendar of December with headshot of Miss Sammy by Loc Robertson and advertisement for Full Moon Saloon, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Crystle Chambers as Cher" (1999)
Photograph of Crystle Chambers as Cher by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
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!!!”
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "September- Crystle Chambers" (1999)
Calendar of September with headshot of Crystle Chambers by Loc Robertson and advertisement for Encounter Magazine.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Miss Sammy as Barbara Streisand" (1999)
Photograph of Miss Sammy as Barbara Streisand by Loc Robertson. Photograph replicating movie poster format and was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
Sam Singhaus or known as Miss Sammy was born on July 20th, 1958 in Akron, Ohio and currently resides 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.”
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Miss P as Bette Davis" (1999)
Photograph of Miss P as Bette Davis by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
Paul Michael Wegman or known as Miss P was born and raised in Rochester, New York and moved to Florida in 1960's, where he graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Theatre at the University of Central Florida. Although known as an entertainer for Parliament House, Wegman was also a performer at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and adjunt 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.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "November- Miss P" (1999)
Calendar of November with headshot of Miss P by Loc Robertson and advertisement for the 25th anniversary of Parliament House, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Calendar: "March-Natasha Richards" (1999)
Calendar of March with headshot of Natasha Richards by Loc Robertson and advertisement for Club Orlando, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Natasha Richards as Lisa Minnelli" (1999)
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
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 is stated that: “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 passed away on December 3, 2016.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler" (1999)
Photograph of Leigh Shannon as Bette Midler by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Shannon's store Ritzy Rags, Orlando.
Marty Fugate Jr. or known through his female impersonation as Leigh Shannon, is an Actor, Ordained Minister, Stand Up Comic, Narrator, Director, and Business Owner. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky where he also graduated from its university, Fugate Jr. set his business Ritzy Rags Wigs in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. In addition to Ritzy Rags Wigs store, Fugate Jr. extensive work has also produced and directed four films and: Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Wild Wednesday’s at once Revolutions Nightclub, Leigh Shannon’s Studio 55, and was 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."
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "May-Leigh Shannon" (1999)
Calendar of May with headshot of Leigh Shannon by Loc Robertson and advertisement for The Cactus Club, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Calendar: "April- Holly Graham" (1999)
Calendar of April with headshot of Holly Graham by Loc Robertson and advertisement for Cold Keg nightclub, Melbourne.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Holly Graham as Marilyn Monroe" (1999)
Photograph of Holly Graham as Marilyn Monroe by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
Erika Wagner or previously known through her impersonation as Holly Graham, was a newcomer in the 90’s. Loc Robertson comments that Graham was a great performer and fantastic with make-up especially when she started as a newcomer and is also a popular drag photographer.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Cover: "Men in Heels 2000: A Tribute to the Stars" (1999)
Cover page of Calendar "Men in Heels 2000: A Tribute to the Stars" with all 12 headshots of drag performers.
Center image: Holly Graham as Marilyn Monroe blowing a kiss.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Denise Russell as Mae West" (1999)
Photograph of Denise Russell as Mae West by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
Denise Russell or known as “The Voice” was born on October 22nd and is a female impersonator in Northern Ohio for 30 plus years. 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.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "February- Denise Russell" (1999)
Calendar of February with headshot of Denise Russell by Loc Robertson and advertisement for The Jungle, Tampa.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Darcel Stevens as Whoopi Goldberg" (1999)
Photograph of Darcel Stevens as Whoopi Goldberg by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Darcel Stevens whose name is Darnell 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.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "June- Darcel Stevens" (1999)
Calendar of June with headshot of Darcel Stevens by Loc Robertson and advertisement for Mad-Lyns, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Darcel Stevens whose name is Darnell 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.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "China as Madonna" (1999)
Photograph of China as Madonna by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
China Bell was born on March 26, 1975 and is an entertainer, Madonna impersonator and dancer in the Jacksonville region. Loc Robertson comments that China used to be a footlight player at the Parliament House and started drag around 1994. Robertson also comments that her brother is also a drag performer and was charismatic and energetic on stage.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "August- China" (1999)
Calendar of August with headshot of China by Loc Robertson and advertisement for Club 3D, Jacksonville.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Chanaile Solitaire as Patti LaBelle" (1999)
Photograph of Chanaile Solitaire as Patti LaBelle by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
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, broadly speaking, around 2010.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar : "October- Chanaile Solitaire" (1999)
Calendar of October with headshot of Chanaile Solitaire by Loc Robertson and advertisement for Club Dockside, Lakeland.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Calendar: "July-Carmella Marcella Garcia" (1999)
Calendar of July with headshot of Carmella Marcella Garcia by Loc Robertson and advertisement of Yuppy Puppy, Orlando.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Photograph: "Carmella Marcella Garcia as Miss Piggy" (1999)
Photograph of Carmella Marcella Garcia as Miss Piggy by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Southern Nights, Orlando.
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 augmented through drag performance which began in Nashville, Tennessee in the 1980's and flourished throughout several states; 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 at Parliament House and Southern Nights in Orlando, Florida. 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.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
Photograph
Orlando
Photograph: "Chi Chi Lalique as Lucy" (1999)
Photograph of Chi Chi Lalique as Lucy by Loc Robertson. Photograph was taken at Parliament House, Orlando.
Chad Hagaman or known as Chi Chi Lalique was from Topeka, Kansas and is an entertainer in Port Richey, Florida. Starting drag in 1990’s, Hagaman is a hairdresser, though does perform at times.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Photograph
Orlando
Calendar: "January- Chi Chi Lalique" (1999)
Calendar of January with headshot of Chi Chi Lalique by Loc Robertson and advertisement of HairBangers: Hair Studio, New Port Richey, FL.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Calendar: "Back Cover-Female Impersonators" (1999)
Back cover of Men in Heels 2000 Calendar with photographs of the female impersonators and their character. Chi Chi Lalique as Lucy, Denise Russell as Mae West, Natasha Edwards as Liza Minnelli, Sponsored by the Cactus Club, Holly Graham as Marilyn Monroe, Leigh Shannon as Better Midler, Darcel Stevens as Whoopi Goldberg, Carmella Marcella Garcia as Miss Piggy, China as Madonna, Crystle Chambers as Cher, Chanaile Solitaire as Patti LaBelle, Miss P as Bette Davis and Miss Sammy as Barbara Streisand.
"Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Calendar
Orlando
Flyer?: "Advertisements" (1999)
Advertisement page dedicated to local Orlando businesses. Top center: Encounter Magazine
Left hand: Loc Robertson Photography, Parliament House, Ritzy Rags & Baubles by Leigh.
Right hand: Illusions in Revue.
Sponsored by the Cactus Club, "Men in Heels 2000" was a calendar tribute to iconic American stars which featured local female impersonators. Profit obtained was given to The Serenity House Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Loc Robertson Photography
Drag Album, Men in Heels 2000 Calendar Album
Illusions in Revue & Ritzy Rags
Rodriguez, Alexis
Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com
image/jpeg
English
Photograph
Orlando