ABOVE: Tiffani Middlesexx. Photos via Middlesexx’s Facebook page.
TAMPA | Gerald J. Mayes, widely known as local drag legend Tiffani Middlesexx, died Jan. 11 in his private residence. The longtime entertainer was 73.
Middlesex captivated audiences throughout Florida for decades, including as headliner of the long-defunct Rene’s Club Cabaret, one of Tampa’s pioneering LGBTQ safe spaces. She retired at 63 with a farewell performance at Bradley’s on 7th, where she returned last November for a 10-year reunion benefit held by peers “to support a true legend.”
The performer remained active throughout the community in other ways as well, including as a congregant of MCC Tampa. Mayes had previously served as a board member for the LGBTQ-affirming church.
MCC Tampa Senior Pastor Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw shared news of Middlesex’s passing via social media.
“It’s hard to find the words,” he wrote. “Tiffani Middlesexx (Gerald J Mayes), has gone to be with God. And the amount that we all grieve is as big as the amount of love we have for her. So this hurts terribly.”
Hero-Shaw noted that he received a call early Jan. 11 and rushed to her home, greeting supportive Tampa Police officers. “They let me go inside and sit with her, pray with her, and bless her with holy water,” he noted.
“Tiffani died peacefully. She looked like she was resting,” Hero-Shaw continued. “There were no signs of distress, no signs of a fall. Just our girl, Tiffani, in her bed, her beloved dog, Piper, by her side. She was at peace.”
The pastor also shared words of encouragement for those mourning Middlesexx.
“To all who love her, I offer this: may the glitter of her love stick to you like all the glitter she’s left behind after church drag shows,” he added. “This magical person who changed our lives is in God’s embrace and her love still shines on us.”
Central Florida entertainer Bob Taylor, the patriarch of the celebrated Haus of Taylor, was discovered by Middlesexx in 1986. He says his mentor “gave me the life that I have had for the past 35 years,” something he also reflected on via social media.
“This is one of the hardest post that I’ve ever had to make,” Taylor wrote. “I am saddened to announce that the person who gave me my career and some of the best moments of my life died peacefully in his sleep last night.
“On behalf of the House of Middlesexx we ask that you give us time to understand what has happened,” he continued. “There will never be another one like the legendary Tiffani Middlesexx!! R.I.P. Mama T. I love you and always will! My life will never be the same without you.”
South Florida’s Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System also reflected on Middlesexx, who won the pageant in 1980. “The entire Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System mourns the loss of Miss Florida F.I. 1980, Tiffany Middlesex,” Pedro Perales shared in the system’s public Facebook group.
“We are devastated and at a loss for words,” he continued. “Her most favorite thing was being a Miss Florida, and WE LOVED HER! Rest in peace sweet ANGEL!”
Bradley’s on 7th owner Bradley Nelson also reflected on the news.
“The entire staff and myself are sadden by the passing of a true legend, Tiffani Middlesexx,” he wrote. “I am so grateful that we were just recently able to hold a charity benefit for her, where she performed her last numbers on this earth. She was so happy that night. I am sure she is celebrating now with all the friends and legends who have gone before her.
“If you knew Middlesexx, you would know she would not want us to be sad,” he added. “Life is for the living. And she lived her life to the fullest.”
Multiple celebrations of life are expected for Middlesexx. Watermark will update this story or follow up with additional news features once details are available.
