Kissa is the physical embodiment of Death’s undying spirit - a mistress of the dark, powered by the legacy of resilience set forth by our queer elders. A trans woman and Florida resident for over 15 years, Kissa is the powerhouse behind one of Orlando’s biggest alternative LGBTQ+ production companies, hosting nine 200-person shows in the last calendar year. She has used her experiences of discrimination, unjust job firings, and a lack of family support as the power behind her movement to make Florida a safe space for queer people.

 

In a political climate that tries to push for the erasure of queer identities from representation, Gala of Ghouls has managed to consistently sell out shows while creating inclusive spaces centering trans people of color, trans masc and nonbinary talent, as well as kings and other forms of alternative artistry. With Kissa at the helm, we represent the resilient nature of Florida queer people and next-level artistry found underneath all of the noise. Her message is loud and clear:

 

Florida will always be queer.