Palace Bar, South Beach’s legendary LGBTQ+ venue, is set to celebrate its 37th anniversary with a week-long extravaganza ending on February 17, themed Moulin Rouge. As part of the celebration, Black trans advocate, TV personality, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star TS Madison will take center stage on Saturday, February 15, bringing her signature wit, wisdom, and unapologetic presence to the festivities.
This year’s anniversary takes on new significance in light of President Trump’s recent statement defining Americans exclusively as “he” and “she.” Standing firm as a beacon of inclusivity, Palace Bar continues to shatter limitations and celebrate all identities—because at Palace, the only requirement is to be fabulous.
“Palace Bar has always been more than a bar—it’s a sanctuary, a stage, and a family for everyone, no matter how they identify,” said AJ Prasaguet, General Manager of Palace Bar. “This year, we knew we needed someone bold, brilliant, and fiercely authentic to help us celebrate, and TS Madison was the perfect choice. She’s not just a star; she’s a movement. Having her host is a powerful statement about visibility, pride, and the joy of living unapologetically.”
Never one to hold back, TS Madison had her own take on the importance of this moment: “Listen, honey, if Trump thinks he can erase us with a few tired words, he’s got another thing coming! Baby, we are here, we are queer, and we come in every shape, size, and gender under the sun!”
At what age did you realize that you were trans or that you were different?
I knew I was different very early; I realized I was trans when I was 17 in 1992. When I saw the Crying Game is when I realized what I was.
When did you come out to your family and loved ones?
When I was 19, I was forced into making the out loud statement because I had gotten into it with a queen who tried to attack me about her boyfriend. They came to my birthday party and my family was there and my mom was asking questions and thought I was gay and I had to explain to her he met me as a woman.
Was the plan always to be in entertainment or when did that happen.
Yes, it was always my plan to be an entertainer. I remember being young (about 16) and my mother would have a DJ system and sent me out with the microphone and say go out there and entertain. That lit a fire under me that made me a star.
I met her during Bianca’s Season. I was in the crowd for the finale, and she stood up and said is TS Madison in the room, and she said to stand up, and I did. Ru said “I follow her on vine.” It was great to meet her; it was so much fun. About a year later she tweeted me to ask if I still do music and when I said yes, she put me on her album “Butch Queen.”
You went from guest judge to rotating judge, how did that happen?
After Silky played me in the Snatch Game in season 11, I had a series called “Let me pick you up,” and one of the guests were Ru Paul. When she was on, I asked to be a judge, and she said you will be. A couple years later I started guest judging on season 13. They then asked me, after a few years, to be a permanent rotating judge.
How did Bring back my girls happen, and how fun is that to do?
WOW came to me and asked me to host a reunion. They told me they like it so much and they know how much the girls love me so they created Bring Back My Girls for me to host. We just got nominated for a Queerty for best web series.
How did you get the part in Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black and how was it to film?
I got the part when a casting agent sent me over the script and didn’t tell me who it was from. I passed as it was too ironic as it was about a trans girl doing butt shots. They came back to me and told me it was for Tyler Perry, so I couldn’t pass on the audition, but I honestly didn’t put much into it. They called me back and said to do the audition better and for me to send my personal number and I did it and then I got the part. I think Tyler wanted me.
I love Tamron Hall, and you have been on her show a couple times, how was that?
Many people say they are an ally, but Tamron is an ally and she has been a supporter of mine for a long time. She always wants people to know that I am a voice for different marginalized groups, and to merge both our voices together is a way to make change.
You created A Safe House for Black Trans Women; how did that happen? And thank you!
It happened because I moved and bought a new house, and I didn’t know what to do with the old house. A sister of mine, Dominique Morgan, said you need to leave a legacy for yourself, and you have to do things for the community. And I said to myself, what more can I do for the community and a light bulb went off. I realized then what I would do. My old house was so special as so many important things happened to me in that house. That house was so special to me I wanted that specialness to drip on the other girls that need help.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loud, Live and in Color.
What do you do for fun?
I love going to movies, or stay home watching movies.
Are you excited about being back in Miami for the Palace’s 37th anniversary?
Anytime I am in Miami and have spare time, the Palace is where I go, so I am so excited they invited me to host their 37th anniversary. There are so many talented queens that have come from there and have made it on drag race. It’s amazing I can come and do this in my home base.
What does the future hold for you?
The future holds what the creator set me on this earth to do, and that is something I don’t know. I have a dream of what I want it to be, but my only job is to do what the creator set me up to do.
For more info on TS Madison, go to: Instagram.com/Tsmadison
The Moulin Rouge-themed anniversary week kicked off on February 10, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and official proclamation of “Palace Day” on February 13, featuring the Miami Beach Commissioner—a moment that reaffirms Palace Bar’s enduring commitment to unity, diversity, and freedom of expression. Each night will bring dazzling performances, show-stopping surprises, and the signature fabulousness that has made Palace Bar an institution since 1988.
When I asked owner Tom Donall his thoughts, he said” “For 37 years, Palace Bar has been all about fabulous fun, fierce performances, and welcoming everyone—no matter how they identify! We’re an all-inclusive space where everyone is celebrated, and our legendary transgender showgirls—some of the best in the biz—prove that every night. While President Trump may stick to calling Americans only ‘he’ or ‘she,’ we know the world is a lot more colorful than that. At Palace, we believe in unity, love, and a good time for all. Here’s to 37 years of unforgettable moments—and many more to come!”
For more information on Palace bar go to: Palacesouthbeach.com.
