Name: Ellie Brigida
City, State: Boston, MA
Age: 29
Profession: Podcaster and Musician
Website: www.elliebrigida.com
In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
Outgoing, optimistic, creative, compassionate, and imaginative.
Your favorite hangout spots.
I love hanging out at a friend’s house. I love nothing better than a good backyard hangout or a board game night. If I go out, I like to go to queer bars. In Boston, I go to Queeraoke at Midway Cafe and in New York, I love to go to Henrietta Hudson.
Favorite guilty pleasure.
Wendy’s double stack with fries and a chocolate frosty. I get one pretty much every time I’m on my way home from a gig.
Favorite quote.
“When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.”
Who is your biggest influence? And why?
My mom is my biggest influence. She is kind and compassionate and never takes life too seriously. She taught me how to lean on your family during the hard times and how to savor the good times. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and support.
Creatively, Lucille Ball and Carole King are my biggest inspirations. Lucille Ball because I have always wanted to make other people laugh and she’s also one of the most incredible businesswomen who ever lived. She was the first woman to own a major television studio. And Carole King because she is one of the greatest songwriters to ever live and I always want to be as honest and authentic as she is when she performs.
Favorite event.
Global Citizen Festival. It’s a music festival in Central Park. I’ve gone twice and seen the most incredible musicians like Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Queen and, Alicia Keys. I love any event where I can listen to great live music.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I wish I learned how to say “no” more often and take care of myself sooner in life. But ultimately, I don’t regret any of the things that I said “yes” to in life because they brought me to where I am today.
Favorite lesbian/queer celebrity.
Queen Latifah.
Any fun facts or anything else you want our readers to know?
I can do a killer Cher impression, I was almost on a reality TV show on Lifetime right after college, and I had my face on a Billboard in Times Square this year, which was the highlight of my entire life!
