Paulee Mekdeci

Board Member
he/she/they
paulee@keenepride.org

Growing up questioning my sexuality and gender identity in a small town in the late 90’s was extremely difficult. I was bullied severely in school to the point of attempting to take my own life at 16. Luckily I survived, but my high school experience left me battered, with little self confidence and no self love. It took me years and many wonderful people coming into my life who truly embraced me and taught me that I was enough; that I deserved love not just from other people but from myself. It completely destroys me to think that in 2022 queer kids are still facing this kind of brutality. We need more safe spaces and events like Keene Pride that show all of us that we are loved, and enough just being who we are.

It's hard to believe that it’s been almost 17 years since I first moved to the area. It was love that brought me to Brattleboro, VT from a small town in Berkshire County, MA. It didn't take long before the vibrant surroundings and active community made me call it home and before I discovered the beauty and magic of surrounding Keene. My husband, Patrick Brown, and I also lived in Swanzey for a number of those years. We were very involved in our community and fought for marriage equality in both NH and VT. One of the highlights of that hard fight was receiving a hand written note from the governor of New Hampshire at the time thanking us for our efforts in getting marriage equality passed. My Husband ’s business, Brown Computer Solutions has locations in both Brattleboro and Keene and we’ve always stayed very involved and active in both communities.

I’m a gender-fluid drag queen and actor. I've had the great joy of performing with the drag troupe ’The Ladies of The Rainbow’ as my drag alter ego Miss Ginger Soulless for several years. We’ve performed dozens of benefit shows for many local nonprofits over the years in Keene, Brattleboro and the surrounding areas. I’ve also done many solo gigs including taking part in Drag Queen Storytimes, where I go to local libraries and events and read progressive children’s book to kids while in drag. This is a great program I wish had been around when I was a child. I’ve acted in many local and regional theater productions and films throughout the years. My love of all things creative and passion for the arts has always been a wonderful grounding force for me. I also currently serve on the board of The AIDS Project of Southern Vermont. As a gay, non-binary person it’s a great honor to serve on the board of Keene Pride and bring this much needed first time event to fruition.