This past Sunday, the Patriarch of The Rocky Horror Picture Show fan club and phenomenon, Sal Piro, passed away peacefully in his home in NYC. All that you know of RHPS...the fans, the callbacks, the party, the cast, the props...they were launched and managed by this man starting in 1977.

Sal helped to provide a safe haven and home for so many in the LBGTQIA community and other outsiders. He encouraged us all to Don't Dream It, Be It. He was the president of the Rocky Horror Fan Club that eventually went global, he was well known for answeing letters from fans with is own written letters. Sal appeared in a famous episode of the 80s TV series Fame, cameoed in the 2016 television remake of the movie, authored 3 books, an album, and countless conventions over the years. He directed and emceed many Fire Island events and was a fixture in the Cherry Grove community. Finally, he holds the world record for the number of times that he has watched the movie.

On a personal note, I was lucky enough to be in his cast from 1991 to 1993. He barely spoke two words to my silly, early 20 year old neo hippie self, but I had mad respect. What he created literally changed my entire life. I discovered that I was bisexual in 1991 and came out during that year's Pride Parade while walking with the cast. I met and married our Frank n'Furter (it lasted 27 years, but he really was just like the character! Lol). I would not have attempted to graduate from Columbia University, but my mantra was Don't Dream It, Be It. I perform currently in the DC cast as it is still an incredible energy! Finally, I have three wonderful amazing young men, who would not be alive today if I didn't go to see Sal's cast for my 100th show and meet my now-ex husband.

There will be a Celebration of Life for him on Thursday that will be live streamed and recorded for those around the world who can't be there in person. I am saddened that he is gone and forever grateful for his impact on my life.

toabsentfriends