Story and Photos Courtesy Bianca Paige Foundation
Bianca Paige “The Pantomime Rage” (a.k.a. Mark Middleton) was a prolific drag entertainer beginning in the 1980s and continuing until his death in 2010. After being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, Mark made the courageous decision to publicly tell his story – using his alter-ego Bianca Paige. Through Bianca’s star power, Mark became a champion of the community – encouraging testing and education while working to erode the stigma associated with this diagnosis.
Through his involvement with local HIV/AIDS organizations such as Nashville CARES, Mark became a prominent public figure of support for the LGBTQ+ community. He was known throughout the Southeast as a voice of compassion, support, and encouragement to youth who struggled with their identity or diagnosis.
Throughout his career as Bianca Paige, Mark raised over $1,000,000 – one dollar at a time – funding education, treatment, and research for children with HIV/AIDS. In 2005 Mark began the Bianca Paige Awareness Network, continuing his endeavors on a broader scale until his death in 2010.
Those close to Mark/Bianca have continued his mission and his legacy is still making an impact in our community. Proclamations from Nashville Mayors and the Nashville City Council recognize “Bianca Paige Day” each year as a celebration of Mark’s life, work and advocacy. In March 2021, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County honored his legacy by permanently renaming Carney Street to “Bianca Paige Way,” making it the first street in the United States to be permanently renamed after a drag entertainer.
In October 2022, the Bianca Paige Awareness Network was officially reformed as the Bianca Paige Foundation to further broaden the group’s mission to support our local LGBTQ+ community. Through regular fundraisers and events, the Bianca Paige Foundation supports local LGBTQ+ youth programs, HIV/AIDS education, a scholarship fund, and other financial needs as they arise. Continuing Bianca’s mission, the foundation aims to fill the gaps and remain a pillar of support in the community.
The Bianca Paige Foundation will host the 13th Annual Bianca Paige Day on August 26 at TRIBE. Visit biancapaige.com for more info.
