Story & Lesson Highlights with Giganta Smalls

Giganta Smalls shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Giganta , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Without integrity, intellect and energy have no direction

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Adam Cormier, otherwise known as Giganta Smalls and I’m an entertainer from Connecticut that blends my theatrical training and camp sensibility with my love of all things geek to create memorable and delightful performances.
Currently I’ve been reconnecting with my theatre roots and have been working in the local theatre scene throughout the year on various productions both on stage and behind the scenes

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I’ve been battling with the realization that growing up, I never thought I’d make it this far. Not in a self harm way, but in a way where I thought the world might stop spinning before I turned 35.
I grew up in a small Connecticut town (the town sign said village actually) where there were no openly queer people, or it wasn’t talked about. But I was very much a young girly boy, and always felt out of place.
I’ve always been overweight. And society doesn’t talk about how fat people are set up for failure enough. I was already a part of a marginalized community and to discover the toxicity the lgbt community has towards fat people did not help my confidence.
Through finding the art of drag, I weaponized my body and queerness against the world that made me feel like I was meant to disappear.
Now, at 34, I know that I’m not meant to disappear. I’m meant for big things.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I had a lonely childhood. I struggled with feeling like I could connect with my peers. Seeking solace in theatre and pop media that I enjoyed made me feel comfortable and empowered. Eventually leading me to find people that I did make connections with and I cherish them so deeply

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
With the rise of generative AI, clinging on to our knowledge and creativity are more important than ever. Encouraging people to explore art and the creative process is more important than ever. The arts explore the truth of humanity in a way that mathematics and science could never. Fiction may be pretend, but telling stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and the human experience could never be replicated by technology, and everyone has a unique perspective to share

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I’m only 34, so my legacy is still building. Right now I think what’s misunderstood about me is that a lot of my work was not for personal gain or glory. When I came up in Connecticut’s drag scene, it was important to me to support those around me and cultivate who would come after. I’m a teacher at heart, and teachers are pillars of community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigantasmalls?igsh=eDVkZmp1YjdsZWxj&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/gigantasmalls?s=21&t=4G2V_60Vpr1Uz377_vtJlw
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gigantasmalls7225?si=JODHE4TX_VJNYpz4
• Other: https://youtube.com/@twogaysandadigimonpodcast217?si=HcXucavCKzpJGo1y