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BUBBA D. LICIOUS
This year, Bubba D. Licious is finally legal, celebrating 21 years of D-lightful drag performances for a cause. In addition to co-hosting Nickiemoto’s weekly Dragamaki, Bubba D. just marked 180 consecutive gigs (that’s 15 years) as host of the popular PALS Bingo events.
It’s not all dresses and pearls for Bubba though. He’s a former CFO of AID Atlanta and current CFO of the NAMES Project Foundation, which uses the AIDS Memorial Quilt to bring awareness to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
As Atlanta’s Queen of Fun & Fundraising, I use campy comedy; a quick wit & my sharp tongue to bring a smile to a face, a warm feeling for the heart, and hopefully laughter out loud. While I’m lifting your spirits, I’m also pulling at your pocketbook. I try to help the audience have fun – which helps the audience give funds.
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
Well, if the stars have not shifted in the past few thousand years, and the Mayans, Nostradamus & more are correct, we have only two years to gain equal status…but more seriously…I believe we will continue to make gradual gains in our struggle for equality & acceptance.
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
In 1989, two key factors influenced my decision to leave Hilton Head Island for the big city: 1) I was a sports fan & wanted season tickets to the Atlanta Braves; and 2) I was “Looking For a City” where I could be out but not stand out. Within the year, I had become an Armorette; and 21 years ago my life was changed forever. Atlanta allowed me to be out; AIDS called me to help out; the Armorettes shaped me to show out; and when you look like me, one way or another Bubba does stand out.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
Originally from Savannah . . . oldest of 5 boys . . . Presbyterian College (SC) alumni . . . lived 10 years on HHI, SC (tennis daily & golf often) . . . now 22 years in Atlanta . . . season tickets to the Braves for 10 of their 14 title yrs . . . I have Tom Glavine’s autograph on the back of a “Bubba D” business card . . . threw out the 1st pitch at Braves game in 1998, their 1st Red Ribbon night . . . 21 yrs being D. Licious . . . former Finance Director of Grady ID Program . . . former CFO of AID Atlanta . . . currently CFO of The NAMES Project Foundation – AIDS Memorial Quilt since 2001 . . . I have a cat named MuMu . . . I play the piano . . . I attended Tammy Faye Bakker’s Memorial Service in funeral drag – a real-life Brother Boy experienced as I was escorted to the front row to sit with Tammy Sue. I survived a plane crash in 1996. The 2nd Wednesday in January (Jan. 12th) will mark the 15th year of PALS Bingo. Bubba has hosted every one of those monthly events; never missing in 15 years – that’s 180 consecutive months. I played softball for 17 years in HSL, and played in 14 Gay Softball World Series, placed 2nd two times . . . I was a Pitcher! I have 29 nieces & nephews . . . 3 are currently serving tour in Afghanistan. My parents will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary Nov. 6th.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
Don’t Give Up on the Brink of a Miracle by Tammy Faye Baker.
