October 01, 2025 | Bjorn Olaf Nasett

Lecia Sams: from "Cherry Bomb" to chosen family

Soaring above the challenges of her youth with resilience and strength, Lecia became a champion for her community.

Lecia Sams

"Never doubt what you know is true to you."

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Lecia Sams eventually moved with her family to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she attended West High School, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), and Western Wisconsin Technical Institute.

This future performer, who identifies as a “lipstick lesbian,” initially worked in the service industry. After taking control of her own life, she became an AODA (alcohol and other drug abuse) counselor, helping others find solutions to their addiction challenges.

Lecia began to question her sexuality at the age of 13 while growing up in a chaotic home. She ran away from home while she was still a teenager. To cope with her anxiety, she turned to drugs and alcohol. After struggling for years, she achieved sobriety and came out of the closet at age 23.

“As I dealt with my addictions, it was like coming out from under a cloud,” said Lecia. “I realized that I was running away from being a gay woman.”

Lecia Sams

Lecia and Becky

Lecia Sams

Lecia developed a close friendship with JoAnn Rush, a part-owner of The Loft, a gay bar in Green Bay. JoAnn took Lecia under her wing, introducing her to the local community.

“I remember my first gay bar was Trixie’s, where I met Shelly, the owner. I think she saw ‘fresh meat,’ as they used to say, which I immediately challenged. My boldness sent the whole bar into fits of laughter as Shelly exclaimed, ‘you are going to be just fine, Lecia.’”

Lecia became an integral part of the community. After meeting her first girlfriend at Trixie’s, she became a regular at Who’s and the Pivot Club. She also made regular trips to Milwaukee

“It felt so much closer and tighter as a community,” said Lecia. “We were truly a chosen family. We knew we had to stick together to survive the hate and threats we faced daily. I don’t think younger generations understand the fear we felt every day. Just walking to your car at closing time was approached with caution. I also don’t think they understand the unity we had together.”

“I was always referred to as one of Michael's girls,” said Lecia, “and so were Becky and Janet. We didn't care. While we hung mostly at Who’s, we loved the boys as much as the ladies. We felt that we all belonged together. We were a FAMILY. Women’s bars were men’s bars, and men’s bars were women’s bars. All of us were together.”

Her journey into performance began when she was persuaded by her dear friend, Janet (Planet) Friestad, to participate in a lip-sync contest.

“My first number was Joan Jett’s ‘Cherry Bomb,’” said Lecia. “I was dubbed the ‘Cherry Bomb Girl’ for quite a while afterward at the clubs.”

Soon, she and Janet were performing all over Green Bay and throughout the region. They loved the Pivot Club in Appleton, which featured a massive stage, impressive sound and lighting technology, and a location ideal for performances.

Lecia was hooked! She took great pride in producing major shows in the past at clubs in the area, with titles like “Hot Wax on Cold Vinyl,” “Toy Box,” and “Love, Lust, and Hot Wax.” These titles reflected her persona as a hard-rocking lipstick lesbian. Lecia would incorporate table props, signage, clothing specials, and performances that matched the themes.

Those days were a time of celebration, not just for her showbiz talent, but for her hard-won sobriety. Maintaining her sobriety was a significant accomplishment, even as she became known for being the shot lady, performing and bartending wherever she was welcomed.

Lecia also distinguished herself by competing in women’s pageants, earning titles like Ms. Who’s 1987-1988, Ms. Wisconsin USA 1992, and Ms. Emerald City 1993.

Today, Lecia finds it difficult to find the same show quality that her generation produced. She believes the mindset of “how are we going to top that last show?” has faded. Her favorite performers in Wisconsin include Janet "Planet" Friestad, BJ Daniels, Todd, Greg, Gloria Holloway, Cassie & Kevin from Appleton, Ginger Spice, Sage La Rue, and Holly Brown.

Lecia met her wife Becky in 1986.

“We were playing volleyball together, and she asked her friend Mickey who I was,” said Lecia. “And Mickey said, ‘what, you don’t know Lecia? She’s a performer! She’s in shows all the time.’ I laughed at that. OK. Wow!”

“Becky and I spoke later that night at The Loft. We met on February 5, 1987, for a date at Who’s. And that’s where it all began! We have been together ever since. Like all couples, we’ve had a lot of ups and downs over the years, but commitment is a big word for us.”

Lecia’s love of her gay family, combined with Becky’s renowned culinary talents, led the couple to become business owners a decade later.

“We knew that combining our talents would produce something incredible for all of us,” said Lecia.

In 1996, Lecia, Becky, and a third partner opened Club Cheeks (232 S. Broadway,) a new type of Green Bay nightspot. Lecia remembers a very busy and exciting grand opening, which coincided with the Green Bay Packers return to the Super Bowl.

“Our goal was to have a restaurant, bar, and dance club all in one building,” said Lecia. “We had a local artist come in and paint tarot cards throughout the space. It was very, very cool – and it was always very, very packed. Becky is an amazing chef, and she had big plans for that kitchen.”

“There was nothing in Green Bay quite like this.”

Unfortunately, the partnership collapsed after six months, and Club Cheeks was forced to close.

“We never really had the chance to bring our dream to life,” said Lecia, “and that’s sad. We were quite proud of what we were building together. It would have been mind-blowing. It broke our hearts when we closed.”

Lecia is concerned that the LGBTQ community may lose the rights gained during her lifetime, especially with the current state of the nation.

She believes that educating oneself about the changing world and its politics is the best way to address this concern. She finds inspiration from Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and Jasmine Crockett.

Despite the challenging times we live in, Lecia has faith in the future.

What advice would she give to her younger self?

“Be you. Take care of you. And never doubt what you know is true to you.”