Women You Should Meet (W.Y.S.M.): Dana Piccoli

Name: Dana Piccoli
City, State: Greenville, SC
Age: Ageless Fairy Gaymother
Profession: Queer entertainment writer and pop culture critic, editor-in-chief of Queer Media Matters
Website: queermediamatters.com

In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
Goofball with a serious side, eternal optimist, and professional queer.

Your favorite hangout spots.
Remember hanging out? Ha! Right now, my inflatable pool, my screened in porch, and in front of my computer.

Favorite guilty pleasure.
Cold shower and beer on a hot day.

Favorite quote.
I have two. The first is Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables. “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” and the second is Cay Rivvers in Desert Hearts, “I don’t act that way to change the world. I act that way so that the goddamn world won’t change me!”

Who is your biggest influence? And why?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without my mom always telling me to follow my dreams. My dear friend, writer Janice Erlbaum has been an influence since we met at a poetry open mic when I was a teen. Both women really pushed me to explore my writing and that gave me the courage to post my first video on YouTube, which ultimately changed my life and direction of my career.

Favorite event.
I had the time of my life at ClexaCon London in 2018. Just so much joy, welcoming people, cheeky Nandos runs, and talking about my favorite things – queer media – on stage.

Do you have any regrets in life?
Doubting myself for so long. Not seeking help for my OCD earlier. Bangs.

Favorite lesbian/queer celebrity.
Hmm, this is tough because I have had a few over the years. Let’s give it up to Anne Lister, who 180 years after her death is hotter than ever.

Any fun facts or anything else you want our readers to know?
I wrote a lesbian romance novel! I have a degree in musical theatre and was a professional vocalist before I was a writer. I can recite nearly every line of Showgirls. I used to have terrible stage fright that kept me off the stage for years, but I kicked that in the ass, ha. Oh, and I love Tagg!