THE DIVINE DIVA GALLERY
OUR CHOREOGRAPHER
Tim Brown
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Originally from Clover, SC, Tim attended the College of Charleston, where he received a B.A. in Dance, with a concentration in Performance and Choreography. As a Dance major, he participated in the American College Dance Festival and the Alabama Dance Festival working with artists all over the country. While being the President of the Dance Alliance at CofC, Tim worked with the department head as the Assistant Choreographer, staging “The Greek Tragedy: The Bacchae”. He taught master classes for fellow students at the college and set choreography for the spring concert in 2014, from which his choreography was then taken to the American College Dance Festival for adjudication. Tim was a member the College of Charleston Dance Team, performing at games and special events and has since guest taught technique with the CofC 2016 dance team.
After college, Tim has performed and choreographed for the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization, Charleston Dance Festival, Charleston Arts Festival (formally known as Jail Break), and in a Spoleto Festival USA festival-produced Baroque opera production, “Vermonda, l’amazzone di Aragona”. He continued his love of performing with The Charleston Dance Project, a contemporary jazz performance company (2012-2015). Today he is a member of a new contemporary modern dance ensemble in Charleston, The Movement Union, under the direction of Sara Sumner, and enjoys spreading his passion for the art with all his students.
MEET THE DIVINE DIVAS
NAME
Nick Stayrook
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I was dragged up on stage last year to help raise money and I wanted to do even more this year!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Nick works with Palmetto Community Care thorough the Charleston Beer Fest as the Craft Brand Manager at Lee Distributors. In his free time he enjoys collecting vinyl records and cat memorabilia.
NAME
Topher Larkin
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I support the cause and I am definitely willing to have fun and be silly!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Topher serves on the AFFA Board, the Charleston Area World AIDS Day Committee, the SHAPE Committee, and works at the Ryan White Wellness Center. He is also a well known fixture in the Charleston theater community.
NAME
Chris Deer
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I would do anything to support my friends at Palmetto Community Care and help raise money to support programs and services that help those living with HIV/AIDS.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Chris is the owner of Tideline Aquatics and has been a member of the Charleston Blockade Rugby team for many, many, many years, serving in a number of leadership roles for the only LGBTQ inclusive men's sports team in the state of South Carolina. He has also been a long-time volunteer and supporter of PCC.
NAME
Tim Newborn
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I want to be a Divine Diva because it matters. People are people regardless of circumstance or illness of any kind. Everyone deserves to be celebrated and supported. My goal as a performer is to connect with organizations who need the help the most, bring what I can to the table, and help them across their fundraising finish line while spreading happiness and laughter along the way.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Tim works at Blackbaud (you may already have seen his drag persona on the Blackbaud Pride float) and makes his presence known in the lifestyle and leisure industry locally.
NAME
Christopher Briggs
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I have been a Diva before at Gay Bingo in Delaware and I am excited to join the team here in Charleston!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Christopher works for Wal Mart and you may recognize his drag persona of Kathleen Francis.
NAME
Christopher Zuver
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I love the opportunity to support and promote Palmetto Community Care's mission.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Christopher works at Boeing and serves as president of their LGBTQ organization, as well as VP of Charleston Blockade. He has a sizable Instagram/Facebook following featuring shirtless photos and Gay Dad 101 anecdotes.
NAME
Meg Smith
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I am a huge believer in the good PCC does for our community and I love volunteering for them. Also...any reason to run around in drag is an excellent reason! I've never been accused of being a Diva!...bet I'd be good at it!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Meg teaches at College of Charleston and plays rugby for the only LGBT inclusive International Gay Rugby Union in the nation. Meg also serves on the board of the International Gay Rugby Union and on the City of Charleston's Commission for Women.She is the reigning Little Mister Blockade, so watch out, queens!
NAME
Jonatan Guerrero Ramírez
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
HIV affects anyone. In my Latinx community, this disease is something that is usually not talked about, however I want my community to understand that they need to know their status AND seek treatment!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Jonatan works for We are family, is the editor at BEAU magazine, and does freelance social media and communications work around the Southeast.
NAME
Amy George
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
Because Jason Kirk made me do it!! But really, I care about helping others and making sure our community is aware that HIV still affects far too many.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Amy is heavily involved with Charleston Rugby and also The Citadel, Air Force Reserves and CCEMS. Amy helps to save lives every day so helping PCC is just an extension of that first responder mentality!
NAME
Michael Conwell
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
Well I would be the last person you would expect to do this but I will do anything for a laugh and a great cause – besides everyone has an inner Diva to bring out!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
In Michael's own words: "As CEO of an adult entertainment company it has always been our corporate culture not to judge. We even created our dating site (Heathen Match) just for that reason. Our corporation has always taken a strong stance to support the LGBTQ community and don’t think anyone should be judged or persecuted for who they love or how they dress. From a personal stand point, I have always been around the gay community, from my uncle to my very close friends and I will do anything to help support them."
NAME
Michael Biondi
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
Because i'm not afraid to strap on a dress and raise some money for a great cause!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Michael is one of the owners of Frothy Beard Brewing Company and in his own words, "We have always worked with Palmetto Community Care in different partnerships to raise money for the charity and this is another way Frothy Beard can help the community in Charleston."
NAME
Tripp Accardo
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I want to be a Divine Diva because PCC does so much for the community and I would like to give back to the LGBT community with my time and dedication for a special cause.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Tripp plays rugby with the Charleston Blockade and loves getting out of citations at Kanagaroo Court.He is a James Island native and went to Clemson University.
NAME
Emily Greenway
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
This is an incredible opportunity to let out my sass and support the community I strive to advocate for every day!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Emily works at Palmetto Community Care as Medical Case Manager for clients living with HIV and runs Mindful Mornings Charleston, a llc chapter for "do-gooder" collaboration among individuals who want to see social change in Charleston. She also works on a research grant developing a referral tool for alcohol abuse among individuals who have experienced sexual violence and domestic abuse.
NAME
Kyle Wallace
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I am looking forward to spending a wonderful evening with my friends, and let a little Diva out!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Kyle works in the craft beer community and runs a website (charlestonbrewerylist.com) dedicated to promoting the people, places, and events associated with them. Kyle has been a longtime supporter of the work of Palmetto Community Care.
NAME
Ross Todd
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I want to use my momentum of social media to help out the gay scene in Charleston and be more involved in the LGBTQ community.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Ross is an entertainer and attended College of Charleston. He has participated in a number of educational events for Palmetto Community Care and is dedicated to helping promote PCC's mission to the greater community.
NAME
James Cherry
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I want to to give back to the community that I live in!
DIVINE INSPIRATION
James currently works for Joint Base Charleston in the 628 Medical Group. He has been a longtime volunteer for PCC and a member of the Charleston Blockade. He looks forward to reaching out to friends who are local artists and those at MUSC to get them involved.
NAME
Michael Pound
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
Through working with organizations, I always love to give back to my community by volunteering, doing fundraising, and doing special events to raise awareness throughout all communities in the area. They always have supported me and lifted me up when I needed it and they are family to me.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Michael has served on the Charleston Pride board in the past andcontinues to serve the community. He also serves on the Community Pride Board of Charleston, Inc, Keep North Charleston Beautiful board, The Garden Clubs of South Carolina, and the Council of Garden Clubs of Greater Charleston.
NAME
Brandon Aiton
WHY BECOME A DIVINE DIVA?
I have not had a super close relationship with the Gay community in Charleston but would love to develop a better one. Last year was my first year in the Holy City Pride Parade as a Holy City Twirler. I would love to help raise money for the fam.
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Brandon works at Hawkes Learning (they make college text books) and is a former employee of Apple. He spends his free time with his fabulous bf Will and does exquisite digital design work.
