Miami Beach, FL – August 4, 2016 – When Basement Miami at the Miami Beach EDITION opened its doors almost two years ago, it single handedly changed the way Miami party goers got down. An ice skating rink, bowling lanes, arcade games and of course a giant dance floor, this nightlife hotspot offers more than what you would see on a typical night out on the town. With the variety of entertainment also came a major addition, an in-house party animal whose main goal is to help set the tone for an epic night, every night. Whether you’ve joined in on his silly antics or have admired his scandalous, jaw-dropping looks from afar, Giovanni “Gio” Profera has undoubtedly stolen the limelight at Basement Miami.

Born and raised in Hialeah, Gio’s art and perception of Miami runs through his veins. He has even referred to Miami as his biggest inspiration. His achievements include winning Miami New Times’ 2016 Master Mind award and his works have been featured locally and nationally on Best of Miami New Times’ 10 Ten people, ABC News, VICE Magazine, Ricky Martin’s “The Best Thing About Me is You”, and 2011 Borsht Film Festival winner, to name a few. Before enlisting as Basement’s go-to entertainer, party goers may have seen Gio out and about strutting his stuff at various nightlife venues around Miami. He also takes on the role of a bearded chongas, aka “HIALEAHZ FINESTZ”, where Profera portrays the character of Juleisy Inbed along his best friend Josue Garcia aka Karla. Profera says these characters have brought Miami “queer culture”. His main goal has always been to ensure everyone in the room is having the time of their life.

When asking why Gio makes such a perfect fit at Basement Miami, the Miami Beach EDITION’s Director of Culture & Entertainment, Josh Wagner, explained “Gio simply makes everything better and his presence lights up a room. He only spreads joy and makes everyone he comes in contact with smile and laugh out loud.” Gio now calls all the shots on Monday nights during his party, Gio’s Total Split Show. Each split show brings a different challenge, including taking a shot, spinning yourself around before bowling, and dressing up like a grandma. What also makes Gio so unique is that you’ll rarely catch him donning the same look. “I have never seen him wear the same outfit twice in the two years I have known him. His creativity knows no bounds and should never be given restrictions,” exclaims Wagner, “Gio is undoubtedly one of the greatest assets that we have at the Miami Beach EDITION. I am lucky to be able to call him my friend.”

World Red Eye snagged a moment with Gio, who gave us a closer look into what goes into his over-the-top looks and what makes him one of the most sought after entertainers in town.

WRE: When did you first realize dressing in drag/performing was something you were interested in?

GP: I have always loved to dress up and be in costume, but I didn’t realize it was a calling until my senior year in college. I found out they did cosplay at Sushi Samba and it was love at first cosplay.

WRE: What message, if any, are you trying to portray when in character?

GP: Have fun bitches! Life is too short, and as RuPaul says, “you are born naked and the rest is drag.”

WRE: How do you come up with all the different characters? Where do you draw the inspiration from?

GP: I am inspired by everything around me: nature, people, art, news, education, and color. I love to be loud and flamboyant.

WRE: You are constantly entertaining at Basement, do they give you free reigns to do what you want?

GP: Basement Miami at The Miami Beach EDITION has always encouraged me to be the best Gio I can be. They give me unlimited creative reigns and an opportunity to test and push both of our artistic limits.

Gio simply makes everything better and his presence lights up a room. He only spreads joy and makes everyone he comes in contact with smile and laugh out loud.

Josh Wagner, Director of Culture & Entertainment of The Miami Beach EDITION

WRE: How long is the process to get ready for an average night out?

GP: The process to get ready for any given night can take anywhere from five minutes to five hours depending on what and/or who I need to be that night.

WRE: What other places can we catch you out and about doing your thing as an entertainer?

GP: I perform all across nation. Miami is home base, you can catch me at Basement Miami on Friday’s, Saturday’s and Monday’s for “Gio’s Total Split Show.”

WRE: What do you like best about your job as an entertainer?

GP: What I like best about my job as an entertainer is the fact that I get to do me 365 days a year. I also feel a sense of nirvana when a fan tells me I bring a smile to their face. There’s nothing more rewarding than making people laugh and forget their worries for a bit.

WRE: How does your drag persona differentiate from your normal self? Are you this outrageous when not in costume?

GP: I am a pretty basic hoe out of costume. I am a caregiver to my 84 year old grandmother and my handicapped uncle; they provide me with a light to inspire others.

There’s nothing more rewarding than making people laugh and forget their worries for a bit.

Gio Profera

WRE: What’s a typical day in the life of Gio?

GP: Wake up, run errands, go to production meetings, come home, nap, get grandmother and uncle ready for bed, beat a face and get into costume, work and repeat it all over again the next day.

WRE: Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

GP: I would like to be more behind the scenes and help mentor young, emerging artists. I also would like to produce more films and screen plays.

I have always loved to dress up and be in costume, but I didn’t realize it was a calling until my senior year in college. I found out they did cosplay at Sushi Samba and it was love at first cosplay.

Gio Profera