On December 14, Tittie Toulouse will triumphantly return to the stage to headline Different Strokes for Different Folks. On Facebook, she announced that she is celebrating her “First Re-Birthday” following a stroke one year ago on the same date.
Her partner, Electra City, serves as emcee.
Joining Tittie and Electra are Tiffany Alexander, Aubrey Synclaire, Johnny Passion, and Felicia Phillips (as of press time). More performers are expected to join the cast.
Tittie started her career in drag in the mid-’90s. Her first foray was at a club in the Marigny called “2601.” She said she got the inspiration for her stage name from a straight couple who were drinking at the Golden Lantern. She confided in them that she was competing in a pageant but didn’t yet have an alter ego. At the time, it was trendy to use street names.
When she chose Toulouse, the couple quipped, “Tittie!”
Later, at the Hooker Pageant, she saw the duo in the crowd cheering her on as she was crowned Miss Hooker Queen 2001. That same year, she also reigned as Queen of the Krewe of Amon-Ra.
She has served on the Board of Directors of both the Gay Appreciation Awards and the Gay Easter Parade. Tittie was Easter Grand Marshal XI and Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXV.
Looking back, she said her first real show took place at the Four Seasons in Metairie about 2003. The Chicken & Dumpster Review became her calling card; the show later ran at The Corner Pocket.
Turning serious for a moment, Tittie—born Gary—said she had a brain clot nearly one year ago. She has experienced some paralysis on the right, but has fought against it with a combination of physical rehabilitation and hard work. The desire to perform again gave her the strength and motivation.
Different Strokes for Different Folks takes place at The Corner Pocket on Saturday, December 14, from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. In addition to performances, there will be “boys dancin’ on the bar.”
Tittie told Ambush that she “wants all my friends who helped me stay positive this past year to join me for a night of fun!!!”
Charles Pizzo has only done drag once in his life, and reportedly looked like an overweight Judy Garland. When a carload of men offered to pick him up and take him to Popeyes, he fled.
