By Kevin Ferrisi –

Bubblicious started doing drag while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She dressed as a girl; however, she wasn’t performing in shows just yet. It wasn’t until the mid-90s that she began her performances, starting in New York City at Two Potatoes. From there, she moved on to Lips and several other small venues around the city. During this time, she landed a job at a summer camp, initially as the assistant to her friend, who was the head cook. When her friend quit, she stepped up and became the head cook for the rest of the summer. This is where she met a girl from Germany, who invited her to visit the country. In 1996, she took the trip and stayed in Germany for two years. While vacationing, she met people at a nightclub who, upon discovering she performed, invited her to join them. This led to performances across Germany and the Netherlands, in clubs and at events. Eventually, she returned to Connecticut, where she met Lady Chantel. Together, they performed at Partners Cafe.

Bubblicious also started working at Gotham Citi in New Haven with Lady Chantel after returning to the state. After the first year and a half of employment, Lady Chantel sadly passed away, leaving Bubblicious to take over as head performer up until her diabetes diagnosis that took her out of the game for a while, ending her 7 year streak with Gotham Citi. While reminiscing about the New Haven queer community, Bubblicious recalled a stretch of clubs where the possibility of staying up all hours of the night was pure fun. There seemed to be more venues back then that fostered the queer community, creating a vibrant and tight-knit environment. Even though the lifestyle wasn’t widely accepted socially, that challenge brought the community closer together. These venues served as refuges where members of the queer community could connect and support each other. Bubblicious noted with a hint of nostalgia that the invention of social media and dating apps has diluted that connection, making the once-thriving sense of community harder to find, finding many of the local queer venues closing their doors.

When asked how she came up with her drag name, she explained, “My official name is Bubblicious. Back in the day, when I was living in New York and very thick, my friend Andrew noticed my big butt and named me Bubblicious. I liked it, so it stuck. However, when I moved back to Connecticut, people got lazy and started calling me Bubbles. Over time, it just got shortened to Bubbles. While I still use Bubblicious officially, I’m fine with people calling me Bubbles as a nickname.” So, officially it’s Bubblicious, but Bubbles became a nickname here in Connecticut.

To describe her style of drag, she reflected on her early days, learning from many trans girls rather than traditional drag queens. She began her journey in New York, where she frequented trans bars soaking up the glamorous, feminine aesthetic modeled by her mentors. These venues were vibrant spaces where performers emulated icons like Diana Ross, focusing on beauty and elegance rather than campiness. Even before she started transitioning, many people assumed she was already on hormones due to her natural breast tissue and feminine features.

Her drag evolution continued overseas, where a tall, striking blonde performer gave her invaluable advice. She said that as a beautiful Black woman, she needed to embrace color to stand out on stage and in photos. Initially taken aback, she realized the wisdom in these words, especially after seeing how her black outfits made her blend into dark backgrounds. From that moment on, she adopted a vibrant, colorful aesthetic, learning to highlight her skin tone and ensuring her performances were visually striking. Today, she shares this knowledge with the next generation, advising fellow queens of color to embrace bright, sparkling outfits to enhance their presence. Her journey has been one of self-discovery and learning, always adapting to ensure she shines both on stage and in life.

Looking back on her drag career, she reflected on how it taught her that she has a voice she never knew she had. Initially, Bubblicious didn’t think she was saying anything particularly profound, but simply being herself made a significant impact. Over the years, people have approached her, sharing how much seeing her perform meant to them. Her drag, once focused on being seen and performing, evolved into a platform for being heard. As she grew older, she realized the importance of using her voice to address pressing issues in the world. On stage, she now speaks out about the challenges facing the transgender community, especially the violence against trans women of color and the struggles of young LGBTQ+ individuals. She emphasized the need for the community to use its platform to highlight injustices and advocate for change. She also stressed the importance of political engagement, urging younger generations to vote in all elections, especially local ones, to ensure their interests are represented. Her journey in drag has become a powerful means of activism, blending beauty with a strong, meaningful message, joining forces with groups such as Rainbow Elders and Friends.

As a performer of color, Bubblicious always tries to speak on the importance of recognizing and teaching the history of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up, she wasn’t taught much of this history because those in charge of the curriculum ensured it was excluded. If Black history is omitted, it’s even less likely that gay history will be included. She pointed out that many significant figures, like the Black gay man who wrote the majority of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, are often overlooked. In the Black community, there’s a persistent stigma around being gay, often leading to a culture of secrecy. Bubblicious advocates for acknowledging and celebrating these hidden icons, believing that giving them their due recognition will remove the taboo and allow people to live authentically. Her goal is to foster a world where people can simply be themselves without fear or shame, changing perceptions and breaking down barriers.

Reflecting on her experiences in nightclubs, she recalled the challenges of being one of the few Black individuals in predominantly White spaces in Connecticut. The lack of representation and the discriminatory treatment she faced were constant issues. Drag, a form of self-expression and empowerment for many, was also scrutinized, with restrictions placed on what they could wear or how they could behave. Despite never experiencing direct violence herself, Bubblicious remembered a frightening encounter when a gun was pulled on her and her friend. Growing up partially in New York City, she witnessed the city’s vibrant yet often dangerous nightlife scene. She reminisced about the diverse mix of people who once congregated in nightclubs, creating a sense of community that has since faded. The fragmentation of these communities, she believes, stems from societal pressures to conform to certain identities and the loss of inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds could come together. The disappearance of these spaces has led to the formation of smaller, segregated groups, eroding the sense of unity that once defined the nightlife scene.

Bubblicious spoke about the thrill of roaming the streets of New York City, where every corner held the promise of adventure. However, she mourns the loss of that raw energy and diversity as the city has become increasingly gentrified, erasing the cultural richness that once defined it. The disappearance of iconic nightclubs like Tunnel leaves a void, a stark reminder of better days when people of all backgrounds mingled freely on the dance floor, forming a true sense of community. She reflected on the fragmentation of these spaces, where once-inclusive venues have now become segregated, catering exclusively to specific demographics. The rise of online platforms has further contributed to this isolation, with people opting for virtual interactions over real-world connections. She mourns the loss of genuine human interaction, replaced by the convenience of digital communication, and expresses concern over the safety implications of inviting strangers into one’s home. In this evolving landscape, she longs for the vibrant, inclusive communities of the past, where diversity was celebrated and connections were forged in person, not through screens.

She takes immense pride in the connections she’s forged, as well as the impact she’s had on younger queens. Witnessing their growth and success fills her with a sense of maternal pride, akin to watching her own children thrive. Bubblicious recalled pivotal moments in her career, such as the shift in societal attitudes towards drag, where performers could now strut confidently in broad daylight without fear of stigma. Performing in front of her family is one of her most cherished memories, especially seeing her mom and grandparents cheering her on from the crowd. While acceptance from family wasn’t immediate, she learned to focus on those who embraced her for who she is, rather than seeking validation from those who struggled to understand. Today, she remains unapologetically herself, finding solace in the love and support of her chosen family within the drag community and beyond. She has had a lasting impact on people’s lives. She has brought joy and inspiration to those who’ve witnessed her performances, reaffirming her purpose and fueling her passion for drag.

Bubblicious stressed the importance of kindness and mutual respect in all interactions, urging against the tendency to be mean or spiteful without cause. Reflecting on an experience at the club where a simple greeting was unexpectedly absent, she questions why anyone should withhold a friendly hello based solely on appearance or perceived status. Such behavior is unwarranted and reflects a lack of basic human decency. Everyone deserves respect and acknowledgment, regardless of background or identity. She rejects the notion that being rude is inherent to drag culture, asserting that humor should never come at the expense of others’ feelings. Instead, she advocates for playful banter that uplifts and entertains without resorting to negativity or cruelty.

She emphasized the significance of recognizing and preserving the rich history of gay culture in the city, particularly in spaces like Partners Cafe in New Haven, a longstanding institution that has been integral to the community for over fifty years. Reflecting on her experiences as a young gay boy, Bubblicious recalled passing by Partners Cafe and feeling a mixture of fear and curiosity about the drag performers outside. However, it wasn’t until later, when she befriended some of them, that she realized the sense of belonging and acceptance they offered. Coming from a family with traditional notions of masculinity, she found solace and empowerment in the creativity and diversity of the drag community, discovering a part of herself she didn’t know she needed.

She discussed her ambitious goals and projects, particularly focusing on two main initiatives she’s passionate about. One is organizing a large fundraiser event centered around a big red dress, inspired by her own experiences as a child of diabetes and someone who undergoes dialysis. This event would serve as an annual fundraiser for heart disease awareness. Additionally, she shared her vision for a unique drag competition called Baby Doll Pageant, where participants would physically manifest their favorite dolls on stage. She aims to create a platform where individuals can bring their creativity to life and compete in a playful yet competitive atmosphere. Despite her health challenges and aging, she remains determined to perform and make a difference in her community. She emphasized the importance of safe spaces for everyone, regardless of age, to come together and enjoy themselves.

With pride, Bubblicious reflected on the unwavering support and kindness she has received from a dear friend, whom she admires greatly. This friend, Patrick Dunn (a.k.a. Kiki Lucia), has always been there for her, especially during times when she felt overlooked or obsolete. Despite facing challenges, Patrick ensured that she had the necessary accommodations to perform safely and comfortably, whether it be providing a handicap ramp or assistance with preparation. Bubblicious deeply appreciates Patrick’s genuine care, never allowing her to feel sidelined or less than capable. Despite adversity, she remains committed to treating others with kindness and respect, guided by her principles rather than succumbing to negativity. She recognized the importance of such supportive relationships in her life, including the invaluable lessons taught by her mother, Lynn Waters, about the significance of respect and integrity.

As her upcoming show, Juneteenth JukeJoint Extravaganza, approaches, Bubblicious reflected on the theme which is a celebration of the times when Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ people were marginalized and found solace in their underground clubs and gatherings. These spaces birthed genres like R&B and rock and roll, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. She longs to recreate the feeling of safety and joy these spaces provided, where people could come together to enjoy music, dance, and performance without fear of persecution. Inspired by the sense of community depicted in The Color Purple, she chooses yellow to symbolize happiness for her show, aiming to transport her audience to a time when music was simply about having fun. She plans to serve drinks in mason jars and traditional dishes like fish, shrimp, and chicken, reminiscent of the food served in these historic venues. Despite the challenges faced by people of color in the industry, she remains determined to honor their legacy and pave the way for future generations. Check out her show on June 16, 2024, from 4:00-7:00PM at the American Legion Hall in Hamden, CT.