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July 2005 Edition Of Excellence
Raquel's Reality By Raquel Chevallier (MGA
2005)
Greetings out there in the world where dreams come
true! I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the scorching summer.
After months of non-stop traveling, this past month has kept me in my home area.
I was very lucky to be able to celebrate my birthday at home with my family and
friends.
I’m so happy to welcome back to the MGA family, the Miss Gulf States pageant.
Gulf States was my second prelim to win. New promoters David Chevalier (no
relation), Jason Jarreau and Shane Trahan brought the pageant to Baton Rouge,
LA. It was a very special occasion as my MGA sister, Maya Montana came in for
the event.
Two Louisiana girls took the top spots. For the third time in pageant history, a
former Miss Gay Louisiana America won Miss Gulf States. I’m so happy to welcome
back to the system, Victoria Valentine, as the newly crowned Miss Gay Gulf
States. A newbie and very eager Cassidy St. Delorean captured first alternate.
The funny thing is that Cassidy and her husband had already made their plans to
attend MGA, then she decided if she’s going to be there, she might as well get a
ticket and participate! My congrats to them both.
It’s been great to see so many new promoters in the system and especially to see
that after their pageants, they start to plan on how they can top their hard
work for next year’s pageants.
Maya stayed around a while and came down with me for a weekend of shows and fun
in the fabulous City of New Orleans. This was Maya’s second visit to New Orleans
and the Bourbon Pub/Parade, my home bar, was super thrilled to see her return!
It was really so special. The last time she was here we were trying to figure
out what I need to do to win Miss Gay America. This time we were reminiscing
over the history of former MGA’s and were joined by Brandi Alexander. For those
of you who don’t know, Brandi lives here in New Orleans now. It was an exciting
moment and not that often when you get so many MGA’s in a room together!
Speaking of, this year’s Miss Gay America will be an impressive family reunion
of former MGA’s. I can’t let it slip exactly who will be present, but I can say
that some I haven’t seen in many years, and some I’ve never even met before!
Most of this past month has been spent with me in front of the computer
preparing for MGLA. Since my husband and I are the new promoters, I needed to
get as much MGLA preparation done while I was home and my schedule was low key.
I’ve also been working on costumes, gearing up for the busy last few months of
my reign.
I’ve enjoyed the phone calls from you and have appreciated being able to help
you along your journeys. Every prelim I go to I give all the contestants my
business card. This isn’t just a fake invitation. I always have time to talk
with you and help you bounce off ideas and work through your preparations.
Please feel free to give me a call, it’s great to hear from you!
Finally, it’s in “Raquel’s Reality” that it seems like my reign is almost over,
yet still, only part of my travels have begun. There are many more prelims to go
and many more memories to make. I look forward to seeing you in each of your
cities.
All my love,
Raquel Chevallier
Miss Gay America 2005
From the desk of Larry & Terry
The reach of the Miss Gay America
System or The many forms of Pride!
Happy Pride. It is with great pride that we
write to you. Pride with what we have already accomplished with the Miss Gay
America system, in such a short time. Pride in the excitement across the country
regarding the revitalization of this system. Pride in the way the current
titleholders (and former titleholders) view this pageant system, as still the
most prestigious system in the world.
As we rapidly approach the crowning of Miss Gay America 2006, there is much
preparation that is already in process. We want to make the Miss Gay America
2006 Pageant, the greatest event in the history of Miss Gay America for the
contestants, promoters and audience therefore we are working hard to produce
such a quality event.
We had the opportunity to two pride celebrations this past month. The Memphis
Pride event and the St. Louis Pride event. It was nice to see so many people
celebrating diversity in such a positive way. It reminds us of Christmas Day, as
it is one of the few days of the year that most everyone seems to get along…..
The Memphis Pride event was much larger than we had expected and we look forward
to an even bigger event next year. Congratulations to the Mid-South Pride
Committee for a job well done. As usual, the St. Louis Pride Committee did
another phenomenal job. From the many vendors to the fabulous parade, the two
day celebration was consistent with past years, which has been a great success.
At both events, we were surprised at how many people, most of whom we have never
met, greeted us with congratulations and well wishes for continued success in
the Miss Gay America system. Many people thanked us for continuing such a great
tradition of excellence in female impersonation. The reach of the Miss Gay
America extends far beyond the clubs on a Saturday night. Miss Gay America is in
the community and the roots run deep. From many of the supporters of this great
system producing or entertaining at benefit shows within the community to riding
on a parade float in 95 plus degree weather, this system reaches out to the
community and the community depends on many within for the support.
During our trip to St. Louis, we were able to visit with many associated with
this pageant system including the reigning Miss St. Louis America and the
reigning Miss Missouri America. Both individuals were very entertaining to the
audience but when they stepped onto the stage in crown, our hearts swelled with
pride to see how honored they both are to be wearing the crown. In fact, each
time that we have seen a crown worn by a current titleholder of the Miss Gay
America system, (MGA, MHOA, etc)
We, as owners of this national system, are extremely proud of those affiliated
and what you do to help the community. For whatever this system is to you, a
hobby, profession or another form of entertainment, we are proud of what YOU
have made this system to be. It is highly respected by most and many have
contributed to its success.
Until next time...
A Note From The Editor
The Excellence strives to be an informative newsletter delivered to the promoters of the Miss Gay America Pageant System throughout the year. Should there be any issue or topic of discussion a promoter would like to see addressed (or to write an article to be published) in a future newsletter, please contact the editor via
Email.
Please note, any article, comments, or opinions faxed, mailed, (postal or electronics),
or otherwise sent to any of our "addresses" become our property and carry an implied consent of publication should we choose to do so. No articles will be published in which one or more of the following occurs:
- complete identity of the author is not known
- plagiarism
- defamation of an individual or company
- false or misleading information (as we are able to determine)
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