By Kevin Ferrisi –

It’s been a year today since the Connecticut drag community said goodbye to Bubblicious (Tia Lynn Waters), and her presence is still deeply missed. For nearly three decades, she lit up stages across the state with her sharp wit, magnetic performances, and her fierce love for the community she helped build. As a proud Black trans woman, she never shied away from speaking up for queer, trans, and people of color, using her voice and her platform to push for visibility and respect. Those who knew her remember her warmth, generosity, and the way she made everyone in the room feel seen. A year later, her influence still runs through the heart of Connecticut drag, proof that Bubblicious didn’t just perform on stage; she helped shape the stage itself.

“I miss her and think of her every day. Tia was probably the first drag performer I met here in New Haven. Eventually, we became friends and performed at the (old) Gotham, throughout CT, and NYC, wow, almost twenty years ago; the stories I could tell… I was there when she was 30, 40, and for her 50th. Hopefully, I make it to sixty in a few years, but it won’t be the same without her. So much laughter and so many tears we shared over the years. She was a showstopper and always had the spotlight. I was content to be seen, but she was a brilliant spectacle, and people would flock to her! She will always be my sister, and I will treasure her memory until we meet again.” – Laiylah A. W. Laiylah Tintanabulah

Bubblicious, known to many as Bubbles or simply Tia, was born and raised in New Haven, where she spent her 56 years filling the city with color, laughter, and compassion. She was more than a performer; she was a friend, an artist, and a force of love. Through her work with the New Haven Pride Center and the Elder Club, she made everyone feel like they belonged. Tia poured her perspective and heart into everything she created, seeing beauty where others might overlook it. Her art, her kindness, and her light continue to echo through the community she helped shape, reminding everyone that she never truly left.

“I think of Bubbles almost every day. We would have multiple conversations and interactions daily and attended events together on weekends, including road trips to the Miss Fire Island pageant, Pride events, and shows. She was my ride or die. She took Dixie’s secrets to the grave with her. I love her, and I miss her deeply and dearly. She truly was the best.” – Dixie Normous

The story of Bubblicious still inspires those who knew her and those who wish they had. Her drag journey began quietly while she was studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she first started experimenting with feminine expression before ever stepping on stage. By the mid-90s, she was performing in New York and quickly earning attention for her natural charisma. A spontaneous trip abroad changed everything, after meeting a friend at a summer camp job, she moved to Germany in 1996 and spent two years performing across Europe, from Germany to the Netherlands. When she returned home to Connecticut, she found a sister in Lady Chantel, and the two became staples at Partners Cafe in New Haven. That partnership marked the beginning of her lasting legacy, one that continues to shine in the heart of Connecticut’s drag community today.

Despite facing health challenges, including diabetes and dialysis, she never let that stop her from performing or advocating for others. Her drag became more than entertainment, it was a platform for her voice, speaking out on issues affecting trans women of color and young LGBTQ+ people. She encouraged her community to fight injustice and to participate in local elections to make sure everyone was represented. If she were here today, her words would still hold true, especially in a time when the rights and protections of trans and queer people are under attack. Bubbles would want the community to fight, persevere, and never back down. She would want everyone to continue living their truth with love and purpose. What started as simply being herself grew into powerful activism, showing that authenticity combined with courage can inspire real change. 

“What I admired about Tia Lynn ‘Bubblicious’ Waters is how she challenged victimization and oppression olympics. She understood that our plights are not a contest for who’s trying to identify as the most marginalized, and that instead we need to organize. She would tell you this all while performing from her wheelchair.” – DJ Ephraim Adamz

Bubbles left behind a legacy of power, strength, and love that continues to shine bright. Her mother, Lynn Waters, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and affection from the community, near and far. She had never fully realized the profound impact her daughter had on so many lives. Even now, Lynn says she could not be prouder of Bubbles and the mark she left on the Black community, the trans and queer communities, the drag community, and beyond, not just in New Haven or Connecticut, but beyond the state’s borders.

“Bubs, my daughter, I never knew until her passing how much her presence affected so many people. I am so grateful and appreciative, even though things may have been hard. Her life really mattered to so many. Bubs, I love you.” – Lynn Waters, Mother

The late icon’s words and actions still resonate deeply with those who heard her speak or saw her perform. Bubblicious believed in the power of visibility and education, especially when it came to honoring the overlooked histories of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up, she noticed how schools left out stories that reflected her own identity, and she made it her mission to change that. She often spoke about the Black gay men and women who shaped history but were erased from it, reminding others that queer people have always been part of the fight for justice and equality. As a proud Black trans woman, she understood the weight of stigma and the importance of breaking silence. Her voice encouraged others to live openly, love proudly, and carry forward the truth she spent her life teaching.

“I always tell people the story of when I first moved to New Haven and didn’t have many friends. Bubbles took me under her wing, and she always told me, ‘It’s impossible to help somebody if you don’t know that they need help,’ because I refused to ask for help. And as we’re saying that and walking down York Street on our way to Partners, this woman walks by us with a 36-pack of toilet paper. Bubbles goes, ‘Can I have a couple rolls?’ and the lady opens the pack and gives Bubbles like four rolls. Bubbles goes, ‘See? If I didn’t ask, I never would’ve gotten it.’ And we cackled our whole way down to Partners about it, as she’s hiding four rolls of toilet paper in her purse.” – Tiana Maxim

A year after her passing, Bubblicious is remembered not just for her performances but for the warmth and integrity she brought to everything she did. She embraced her true self fully, finding strength and love in her chosen family within the drag community and beyond. Her shows weren’t just entertainment, they were invitations to joy, laughter, and connection. She believed that kindness and respect were at the heart of drag, rejecting the idea that sharp edges or cruelty were necessary. Her humor lifted people up rather than tearing them down, and her example helped shape a more inclusive, positive community. Even now, her legacy continues to remind performers and fans alike that drag can be fierce and fun, without ever losing its humanity. 

“My most cherished memory of Bubbles was not the shows or the many spotlights we shared. My most cherished memory was our chill moments on the phone, thinking, ideating, creating, vibing, or just deeply talking about everything plaguing the world. We also had deep talks about bright things like travel and fashion. We had this thing where we would watch films and come together to analyze the meaning behind them. That’s what I miss most about her. She was simply a genius.” – Sparkle A. Diamond 

Friends recall her as a constant presence, someone who shared daily conversations, weekend trips, and countless moments of laughter. She had a gift for making people feel seen and supported, whether guiding a newcomer through New Haven or sharing her art and performances with thought and intention. Her colorful outfits and radiant smile could light up any room, but those who knew her best remember the quiet moments too, the deep conversations about life, fashion, travel, or films, the laughter over small adventures, and the love she gave freely. From her family to her friends and the wider community, Bubblicious left a legacy of care, creativity, and connection that continues to inspire and uplift everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

“I met Bubblicious around Christmas time about five years ago. She was the second person to ever give me a platform to perform when I first started my drag journey. She didn’t know what I could do, she just went off word of mouth and decided to give me a chance. From that one opportunity, she told me, ‘Baby, we’re gonna take this to the next level,’ and she did everything in her power to get me seen and heard everywhere she could. She had me sing at her annual Mother’s Day show, helped me get into different Pride events, and even included me in her local show at Yale University. After that, she encouraged me to take an even bigger step, she’s the reason I decided to audition for the Apollo Theater. I didn’t know I was going to win, but she was right there in the audience with my mom, both of them being my biggest supporters. Ever since then, she told me, ‘Baby, whatever you put your mind to, you can make it happen.’ I’ve been traveling in and out of the country non-stop ever since that day. I will miss you, Bubbles.” – Songbrid AngelLove

“Whether you knew Bubbles for her paintings as an artist, her performances as an entertainer, or just as the person herself, you would have experienced her caring and giving heart. Bubbles was full of love and more than willing to share it. Her genuine love for the community was evident through her support for everyone. She lit up every room she walked into with her colorful outfits and sweet smile. Everything she did through her expression was always done with thought and intention. Her time may have been cut short for us, but her spirit lives on through the legacy she left behind.” – Ricky Mestre

Read Bubblicious’ exclusive interview here.

Share your favorite memories of Bubblicious in the comments below and help celebrate the love, joy, and light she brought to us all as a community.