A woman with tattoos and a rainbow flag shirt.

Galveston’s biggest best friend 


By Forest Riggs 

Did you ever know a person whom everybody knows and loves — a good friend to one and all?  

Galveston is full of characters, and they come in all ages, sizes, colors and a variety of lifestyles. This diversity is what makes the island so charming and welcoming. One does not have to look too far off the beaten path to encounter a Galveston character. These “bright spots of a person†are everywhere and bring great joy to the tight-knit island community. 

On a hot day in July of 1974, Stacey Perrett entered the world, a genuine BOI (born on island) whom, with the guidance and love from her adoring parents, was to grow into a beautiful person that would become known and respected for her honesty, generosity, kindness and superfluous ability to offer love unconditionally. Due to her diminutive size, Stacey became “Shorty†and this has remained the moniker by which islanders know her best. (When at a party or some festive occasion, folks often have referred to the jubilant little lady as “Shortisha,†a whimsical name that reflects being the little princess in the crowd.) 

So far, Shorty has lived a good and happy life on the island, despite having lost both parents in less than a month apart to Covid in the winter of 2020. Their deaths were a tremendous blow and set back for Shorty. Though she was very close to both parents, her mother was her special friend and great support for her. Aside from Shorty, the couple also had a son and another daughter, both of whom have given Shorty much love and support over the years.  

You have heard of “extended families†and just how important these relationships can be, especially in a LGBTQ community. Shorty is living proof that these relationships do exist for everyone and that they do indeed sustain us and enrich our lives. Shorty is loved by all and loves all she encounters. At a club or gathering, folks gather around her like moths to a flame. People love her. She is very generous with her warm hugs and with her puckish smile. She always has a listening ear and shoulder to cry on if needed.  

Shorty is sought-after as a friend and often as a confidant. There is little that makes her sad or depressed.  

“I don’t like to see people hurt or feeling less or abandoned,†she says. “I get upset to see the homeless and those down on their luck. We are all humans and deserve respect and dignity.â€Â Â 

Shorty says when she gets “down†or sad, she watches horror movies or takes in a movie at the cinema.  

“This is where I can go to rest, to leave sad thoughts behind,†she says. 

A huge fan of movies with her favorite characters, Jason Vorhees or Michael Myers, film takes Shorty’s mind far from the sad loss of her parents or other special people she has lost over years. She reminisces about Jimmy Varner, Jesse Kuykendall and Jesse Garza (“Kon Tikki Jesseâ€), as well as others. She thinks about them and recalls sharing many happy times.  

“I try to stay upbeat, think good thoughts and enjoy being out with my friends in the community,†she says. “I also enjoy old sitcoms like Growing Pains, Full House, Mama’s Family and Three’s Company. Those shows make me laugh. John Ritter and Jeff Goldblum — a couple of the best.â€Â Â 

A tremendously hard worker, Shorty currently holds down three jobs. No stranger to hard work, she has been at it forever. She has worked at all the clubs and all their island incarnations — Evolutions to Rumors and all in between. For a few years she was a shift lead at CiCi’s Pizza and at one time, even had her own house cleaning business. 

With not many vices, Shorty lives a good and full life on the island. She does like her vodka shots with Sprite on the side, and an occasional Fireball or a shot of Rumples. 

She’s not one to overindulge but certainly one to toss a few back with good friends. Where there is Shorty, there is sure to be a few hugs, a million smiles, some laughing and loads of good old-fashioned bonding. She enjoys all kinds of music and her favorite song by BEP just might be her mantra “Don’t You Worry.†Worry is something, “I try to avoid. It does me no good,†she says. 

In these very stressful times, it is refreshing to find Shorty and others like her — characters in the best sense of the word. The Universe gives unique blessings and abilities to special people and little Shorty Perrett is one of those people. 

If you are visiting Galveston or are a local, out and about, look for Shorty. She will be around and you can bet a few people with be gathered about her and enjoying the beauty, wit and unconditional love that she exudes. 

Thank you, Shorty, for being you! 

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