Mark Middleton/Bianca Paige passes away

UPDATE: The Bianca Paige Memorial Fund has been established at Regions Bank; anyone wishing to contribute may do so at any Regions Bank in Middle Tennessee.

Gravel-voiced Mark Middleton, whose alter ego Bianca Paige was a longtime local favorite on the drag circuit, has passed away.

Middleton died Friday evening of an undisclosed illness. He was with his father, stepmother, a representative from Nashville CARES and other friends,including performer Veronika Electronika. He had been hospitalized several times in recent years with a variety of ailments, often joking about his physical condition from the stage.

Middleton moved to Nashville more than 20 years ago from his hometown of Paducah, Ken., and in the ensuing years honed and perfected Bianca Paige, “The Pantomime Rage,” making her a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Equally talented as an emcee, he also lent his talents to countless fundraisers and charities as both performer and mistress of ceremonies.

The titles were plentiful; more than 20 at last count, among them Miss State of Tennessee, Miss Music City, and favorite drag queen/drag performer in dozens of reader polls. If a Nashville bar had a stage, she likely called it home for a while, and was always in demand both here and on the road.

In addition to performance work, Middleton also donated his time and behind-the-scenes talents to Nashville CARES, Nashville Pride, Vanderbilt’s AIDS/HIV vaccine studies, Vanderbilt Children with AIDS, The Conductors, Human Rights Campaign and the Comprehensive Care Center. He also served as spokesperson for “The Bianca Paige Awareness Network,” an organization dedicated to AIDS awareness and prevention.

His theater work included productions of “Torch Song Trilogy,” “Sitcom” and “Ain’t We Got Fun.”

A benefit will be held on June 20 at Play Dance Bar from 10 p.m. onward, with all proceeds going to meet Middleton’s final expenses and any remaining funds to be disbursed, as he wished, between Nashville CARES, the Comprehensive Care Center, the Conductors and the Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.

Within minutes of his death, tributes began popping up on Facebook and other social media as Nashvillians learned the sad news.

“This is truly a sad day for the Nashville gay community,” said Brad Beasley. “I’ve always though the world of Mark, and will miss his smile terribly.”

“Really heartbroken to hear about the Pantomime Rage, Miss Bianca Paige, passing,” added Mike Smith. “One of the best comediennes I've ever seen. Mark was a sweetheart and a friend. I'll miss him. Rest in peace.”

Funeral arrangements are pending; however, Middleton had made known he wished to be cremated, and funds are being raised to cover expenses. A benefit will be held on June 20 at Play Dance Bar from 10 p.m. onward, with all proceeds going to meet Middleton’s final expenses and any remaining funds to be disbursed, as he wished, between Nashville CARES, the Comprehensive Care Center, the Conductors and the Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.
 

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less