Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. | South Florida drag entertainer Anahi Santos went viral after falling asleep during a live Facebook performance early April 14.
Like performers throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay, Santos has shared via social media that she isn’t working due to COVID-19. Venues began announcing event cancellations and closures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus last month, even before bars and nightclubs were closed statewide.
The measures have greatly impacted entertainers financially dependent on performances, prompting a number of social media shows. They allow entertainers to be tipped via digital payment systems like Cash App, PayPal and Venmo, as well as find new fans to support their craft.
Santos did exactly that April 14 after sharing performances throughout the night. “I appreciate [your] support,” she shared. “[I’m] not working, I lost my job last month … Let’s help each other, we’re [the] same!!!!”
Santos fell asleep during a subsequent streamed performance, which as of April 14 has now garnered more than 16,000 comments, 1,000 shares and more than 33,000 views. Watch:
A number of friends and fans shared and commented on the video, dubbing her “Sleeping Beauty” and “Miss Quarantine.” You can click “Anahi Santos was Live” to view comments.
Hours later, Santos shared that “This was the best night of my life.”
The entertainer subsequently addressed her new and old fans with a cheerful demeanor, which you can view in full here.
“How you guys doing? I’m up,” she laughed. “I can’t with this … seems like you guys liked me falling asleep, oh my god … I like the comments – you can say whatever you want because, you know what, I don’t really care.”
“I can’t believe I fell asleep,” she continued, thanking viewers for donations and support. To offer yours, you visit her Facebook page here and tip via the appropriate virtual applications, detailed below.
“I wanna say thank you so much,” Santos shared with Watermark, addressing supporters. “God bless their heart. Stay safe, love you all.”
For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ communities in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage here.
