Pride of place in a silver lining
— a photo essay, South Beach (Miami) Esme Hotel Drag Brunch
A glorious Saturday, joyfully spent with my dear client Eric, in South Beach Miami, as we took in all of the pleasures & poses that was one of the pride weekend’s celebrations — the debut Drag Brunch at Esme Hotel in the Art Deco quarter.
NOTE: all photos were taken with permission by all parties involved. Ass shots and all.
It’s hard to believe now — though I have the constant reminder in my voice that has altered entirely (nodules on the chords)— that only a few weeks ago I was suffering terribly from re-infection of Covid. But, I personally believe in silver linings and making lemons out of lemonade — so a rearrangement of my travel plans to begin in Miami to see Eric and enjoy a few extra days recuperating in the sun before the chaos of NYC, turned out to be somewhat of a genius plan. To unintentionally land here during the Pride Festival, was an unexpected twist of delight and one that has given me memories that will last forever, but also precious time with someone who I have only ever zoomed with for two years. Nothing beats hilarity to build a friendship within a business relationship.
First of all, let me set the scene…
After our warm-up work lunch where we traversed all the possible subjects that zoom just was never going to afford us, I boldly asked him to the pride lunch my hotel was putting on. I mean, who can turn down an invite to a Drag Brunch — especially in South Miami.
Our host…CC Glitzer, the German Queen, an icon on the rise — she was LIT and hilarious. What a dame.
She was joined by the delightfully versatile and extremely flexible Jah’Syra who absolutely slayed. The make up, the hair, the moves, the outfit changes, the ass on her — but also, most importantly — that smile. Love at first sight.
If you want to see just how low she can go — check out this little video of the exceptional splits she can pull off. I mean, honestly, it was next level.
Introducing…
…the incomparable, divine Miss Erika Norell. How she didn’t get that amazing red glitter lipstick on her nose and teeth is beyond me. I might need tips. Whatever the staying power was, I need that in my life. Plus that whole outfit would be right at home in Piha. We are definitely going to be putting on a drag brunch soon, Piha needs more pride.
Finally, a little video of Tayanna in action….
What a glorious day, it makes it all worth while. A silver lining, a moment I would have missed had the universe not lined up as it did. Gotta roll with it, right?
My summary: South Miami rocks. Put it on your bucket list. Come for the party, make random friends, try all of the delights and soak up the ‘you do you’ vibe. Leave your preconceptions at home, bring your dancing flats.
Thanks Eric, next time we are hosting YOU in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
xx
Next essay, I promise, will be the art deco / architecture scene. x