Memoir of a drag queen | Jeremy Grimins | TEDxChemungRiver

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Sometimes it’s a seemingly strange journey that helps save our lives and leads us into becoming our truest self. Jeremy Grimins chronicles such a journey after a energetically engaging performance - in 5 inch stilettos.
Jeremy Grimins is a native of Horseheads, New York, who currently lives in the Corning area. Only a young 28 years old, he is a self-employed hairstylist at an exquisite one chair salon in Posh Boutique on beautiful, historic Market Street in Corning, New York. He enjoys traveling, camping, learning about different types of cultures and meeting new people. Being a former model and performer, he was honored to speak at TEDxChemungRiver to share his story.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@brendakipling7733]

Awesome talk Jeremy. It amazes me that some stranger below can comment about your level of happiness. You seem VERY happy to me both in the video and in person. When people are this negative it is a sign of their own unhappiness. Great job.

[@edcupcake88]

It is so nice seeing a fellow drag sister on TED!

[@InnerDecisions]

Jeremy spoke to so many issues, and not the least of which were those where growing up feeling different than one's peers but trying to fit in is wrought with much pain. I am so grateful to know people like Jeremy who are willing to demonstrate and educate us on their differences and perhaps give us permission to be much more inclusive than we were. "When we know better, we do better," as the late great Maya Angelou said. Many thanks to Jeremy for his bravery to bare is life enough to raise our consciousness.

[@jacksonk9600]

maybe the best intro to a ted talk ive ever seen

[@TigerPrawn_]

"Don't be afraid to be who you are, and defend that right. Sometimes the majority will say: "Do this. Do that" It doesn't matter. If it's not for you, then don't do it. Finding yourself may lead you down the path less travelled. I just happened to take my path in sparkly high heels."

[@robinstawasz3394]

Absolutely fantastic job, Jeremy! That took such balls! Good for you!! You are such a brave, talented man.

[@johnnj3858]

So intelligent and talented, beautiful inside and out.

[@troilong4943]

Oh my goodness pure fabulousness!! I loved this talk so much :3

[@minotndguy]

That's right, you tell them Jeremy! It's good to see yet another well adjusted Gay man who can stand up for himself and proclaim that he is happy and proud that he has overcome the obstacles so many of us have to face. It is a sad commentary when some people like those below feel the need to share their hate, stupidity, and bigotry in an attempt to tear down strong amazing people in order to make themselves feel superior. Often LGBT people show ourselves to be of a higher intellect and empathy. Listen up people we will someday receive our due.

[@wendyblue7021]

You are a beautiful soul Jeremy.....thank you for inspiring us with your wonderful journey....

[@fionasedgwick7424]

Great presentation and moving personal story. Thanks for sharing, Jeremy

[@kaseykrav4173]

Perfect! Loved every minute of it. Thankyou.

[@birblover6423]

i absolutely loved this video

[@ellidereo1]

this was inspiring !!

[@nadiacaske7913]

For what

[@nalathekitten3594]

to not be afraid of who u wanna be u dumb fuck

[@RoseTheB]

Thank you for this lecture!

[@robertdelgadillo2829]

I'm gay and still don't really understand why people would want to wear heels voluntarily, but I was amazed how they dance so fluidly in them. Shout out to all my fam out there who can barely walk in sneakers 😎😎😎

[@annemia2953]

This is so good.

[@jorilley80209]

It is awesome. Thank you.

[@Brian-wn2vc]

Darling, that was fabulous

[@MrStormyRainbows]

I need a LOVE button for this!!!!

[@hughbo52]

Really enjoyed your presentation. Bullying is a horrible practice that will be hard to curtail. You look "marvelous"!

[@李国兵-b5r]

I think it's awesome!!

[@schboove2668]

Anyone else feel like they clicked on a Jenna Marbles for a split second?

[@Brian-wn2vc]

Oh my god i love this girl

[@Chartoise]

+Brian Middleton It's a dude....

[@beverleypeacock]

Bravo

[@rumlemis]

The kind of guy, you would wish were your friend.

[@tatianaleal9915]

He is Gorgeous!

[@silker8259]

I have fallen in love...

[@txexmxiii9561]

💚 HearT ❤️

[@gmy33]

note too self .... dont jump for 6 minutes if you have to do a peech ... note too self ... stop smoking ..if you want to have breath ...note too other people ...if you want to be special ? ..cross your own borders..and tell your friends not an audience..note too bullied people ...take care .!!! you have more friends than it seems...peace to all ..

[@Tracy-zj4sr]

I love good drag and this was, well, pretty okay drag. Not the best I’ve ever seen and not the worst. But the message was terrific. I would suggest a much shorter intro for future presentations as the long, long, (did I say long?) intro caused the presenter to huff and puff through the rest of his talk, and that was so distracting as to mitigate his message, and definitely screw up his Ted ‘performance’.

[@atlantic_love]

Try dancing normally. This spazzing out stuff is just bizarre. From a fellow sister.

[@pamelarobinson8214]

Finally, his talk starts at 6 minutes in.

[@pamelarobinson8214]

Nope, I was wrong......it starts at 8:23

[@jonathandpg6115]

I agree 1 would have been a nice opening and although I like watching drag I was curious about the talk

[@FrederickRobertson-g4j]

He is hot

[@elisaplugaru4069]

No cellulite :)

[@KarrennCoffey]

Late bloomer !!!

[@jaimealonzo1528]

Pretending to sing,pretending to be a woman.fulling self!

[@annemarietobias]

+Jaime Alonzo Perhaps you missed it in the video... Jeremy is his name. He is a man, likes being a man, wants in no way to change being a man... and does "Drag" for fun and entertainment... Its a parody and he makes money doing it. Nobody is fooling anyone about anything. He's a gay man. That's all.

[@leonaroysroys635]

ass hole

[@TheNoWayOut85]

F-fulling? REALLY?! And you even have the nerve to judge others??? XD Give mama her ipad back, and go do your homework, c'mon!

[@jbobdaking]

Marie Tobias you can totally tell he's a man's man

[@4himbroken]

Too bad Jeremy can't just be HIMself. Seems to me he might be way happier, inside.

[@olafolson939]

Sounds like you're trying to put him in a box. That doesn't work, hunny.

[@earlolson4850]

Sounds like someone is not happy with herself and is doing a little projecting, maybe it is time you took off the mask Barbara?

[@VICTHEREALEST]

That intro was wayyy too long, WE GET IT YOURE A MAN WEARING WOMANS CLOTHES AND SINGING, bahh.

[@weok-doing-things]

the tradition of today information consuming have make u failed. Sorry, close this page and go to pab for drink and fuck.

[@laurensmith9991]

She's lip syncing, honey

[@TheNoWayOut85]

You try to do that, and then see if you have enough breath (and confidence) in you to spew out that "bahh" (which is exactly the sound a sheep would make, coincidence?)

[@Chartoise]

Like,,, drag... okay... but fcking play backing "I will survive" is REALLY living the stereo type if you ask me. And then "it's raining men"... Shit couldn't get more drag/gay....

[@leuvenfra]

Chartoise Oh shut up. It's y'all straight people who've been making a mockery of it for centuries. Why should we hide? Why should we pretend to be just like you? Why should we adjust to your boring standards? We don't have time for sad people like you who think diversity is scary. Watermelons are delicious and drag is fun. No need to avoid them so that ugly straight white boys don't get confused. It's not our responsibility to promote acceptance, it's yours.

[@Chartoise]

Pierre I'm homosexual, dude... So much for my boring standards... And why do you single out white dudes? As if the black community is so accepting of gays... I beg to differ. There's a big difference between wanting to be a woman, liking your own gender... and being a clown on stage.

[@leuvenfra]

Chartoise So far, the only people who've been homophobic towards me were white. It's a pretty dumb statement to say the black community is homophobic. Also, what's so wrong about having fun on stage? Have you ever gotten invited to a party? Doesn't seem like it. Otherwise, you'd understand people who like to have fun

[@Chartoise]

Pierre Dressing up like a spoof of a female? You call that "a party"... I call it ridiculing transgenders and outright ridiculous. Do you know that the reason to come out is so hard, for gays with normal male pride, cause of these guys? "Are you gay? So do you dress up like a woman at home?" And what about transgenders? Guys that really are female on the inside... You think it's nice to see somebody mocking your life's problem with a circus act? Anyways.... You your opinion, and me mine... I think it's just a weird fetisj and gays get the bad rep for this weird behaviour. But anyways, if you like it... by all means.

[@jonathandpg6115]

you know that it's not only reserved for gay people. Just before mostly gay people would do this because they where already seen poorly. Also the songs are songs that are from women usually powerful songs. It's normal it's the extreme of females. It's an art and is in no way making fun of females. Instead it's glorifying them. Drag kings are less popular but are also a thing.

[@frankkelly205]

Well that was gross.