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September 2007 Edition Of
"The Excellence"
 The "L" Word! (L for Love, L for Life and L for
Luscious)
Chile
I've fallen asleep 2 times trying to write this Excellence article.
Y'all working me to death. But I can't complain cause the bills still
gotta get paid!
I've
had my most tedious month of prelims to date during August.
Arizona
to
Pennsylvania
to
Louisiana
to
Oklahoma
to
Texas
. I've mastered the art of airplane sleep! But I'm loving every
minute of it. My crown is ready for its 2nd repair and I'm in need of my
5th luggage set! The promoters laugh as they pick me up and see the duck
tape holding the handle of one of my suitcases together. The other
suitcase has had the handle ripped completely off. I have to use the
handle that's on the side to pick it up. Honestly!
I
want to send congrats to the recent list of entertainers qualified to compete
for Miss Gay America 2008.
8/4/07
- I was in attendance for the Miss Gay Arizona prelim. It was a great
time. There were 10 enthusiastic entertainers in line hoping to be crowned
the next Miss
Arizona
. The night was eventful! The opening production was fabulous, Mikaila Kay
in a fat suit!!!! The talents were hot! The most perfect girl of the
night was Mya McKenzie and the 2nd most perfect girl of the night was Jessica
Devereaux. Shout out to A. Dodd who was in the audience supporting
the girls! Hang in there kid!
8/12/07
- The Miss Pennsylvania pageant was a riot. I have to commend all of the 6
contestants for with-standing the extreme heat. They were in an
airconditioned tent, but even the AC couldn't take the heat at the beginning of
the pageant. Finally the sun went down and the place cooled off.
Tequila Daniels earned top honors with Domiana Dupree St. James earning 1st
alternate.
8/16/07
and 8/17/07 was Miss Louisiana America. This was my first time in
Louisiana
. I had a blast. There were 10 girls vying for the crown and
flowers. After the top 5 was narrowed down, Chelsea Delorean Divine
snatched the title with her 1st alternate Haley Alexander eager to be making her
trip to
Memphis
this year.
I got bit by a spider or something *wink* on my outer thigh when I was down in
New Orleans
for a booking after the pageant. I told my mom and she said,
"hmph, that wasn't no spider that bit you" case closed!
8/22/07
and 8/23/07 was Miss Oklahoma America. Held at the Copa in
Oklahoma City
, the host hotel was Habana Inn. Before anyone starts pointing
fingers, I was on my very best behavior, thankyouverymuch! I was still
nursing a "spider bite". Congratulations to Lindsay Paige on a
well deserved victory and another ovation to Melody Michaels who put up a strong
fight to earn 1st alternate honors.
8/26/07
was Miss Southern Elegance. Held at the roundup in
Dallas
,
TX
, I arrived to find 2 contestants at registration. I thought to myself,
"that's odd" being that this is the first of the last 2 regionals of
this pageant season. Well 2 contestants was enough to hold the contest and
Layla Larue won with Amy Nelson, from the Louisiana prelim 2 weeks before as
1st alternate.
Upcoming
September prelims are:
Miss
North Carolina
(closed state) 9/2/07
Miss
Texas
(closed state) 9/4/07 and 9/5/07 final night 9/6/07
Miss
Florida
(closed state) 9/10/07
Miss
Iowa
(closed state) 9/14/07
Miss
Arkansas
(closed state) 9/15/07 and 9/16/07
Miss Heartland (regional) 9/29/07
Miss
Tennessee
(open state) 9/30/07
This
next month will be even more strenuous than last month. I'll most likely
arrive at the last prelim with one shoe on, limping just trying to make it
through the final stretch.
My
embarrassing moment # 2 during my reign happened at Miss Southern Elegance.
I'm gonna blame the Round Up nightclub and say that they waxed the floor the
night before, because I completely busted my tail during my dance number.
The ironic thing is that it happened doing the same song as my 1st embarrassing
moment (Western States). Someone requested Electric Youth yet again, and
on the last beat of the song, I attempted a high kick and both legs went up!
The rest is history....Correction, someone was video-ing so the rest might be
YOUTUBE history. - Umma burn that damn mix and all 3 of my storm costumes.
I
think I learn a little more about myself with the conclusion of each prelim.
When I think back on October 2006 I wondered how in the world I would make it
through the year. I was excited and even more nervousknowing that the drag
community which is a very skeptical and very finicky community, would be
critiquing me. I knew I was going to have to put up or shut up!
Here are some of the things that I've learned about me.
1.
I learned that my listening skills are a lot better than they used to be.
I think it was because I was so extremely focused on "ME" that I
didn't have time to listen and offer myself to others. The title
encouraged me to want to talk, think and worry less about me and more about
others. Frankly, I think I might be more of a nurturer now! lol
2.
I learned that I have a take charge kinda side to me. This is one of the
traits that a good leader possesses. I just have to keep reminding myself
that there is a fine line between taking charge to be a leader and being bossy.
Good thing I have some pretty honest/head strong friends to keep me in check
when I start to straddle the leadership/bossy boundary.
3.
I learned the importance of taking better care of myself. At 29, my mom
still calls me to make sure I'm eating properly and that I'm getting enough
sleep. Between early morning flights and long layovers in the airport you
can sacrifice good healthy eating for quick, overpriced airport fast food.
Promoters also pick you up and try to get you good and plump at their prelims.
lol. I am proud to say that I lost 30 pounds since October.
Whenever I'm home, I'm at the gym. It helps me to escape the internet, and
the drag world altogether. Plus, it's the only time I don't have my cell
phone on me, sooooo finally some PEACE!
4.
I've also learned that no bed is more comfortable than my own bed.
Less
than 2 months away. This year has been crazy. I feel like I'm in
fast forward. I'm in a different city every so many days and I never know
what day of the week it is. It's very overwhelming. However, I hope
this is an experience that every one of you gets to somehow experience.
Hot
Performance Track List
1.
Missy Elliott ft. Monica - Don't Be Cruel
2. Monica - Sideline Ho
3. Jill Scott - Hate on Me
I
took some me time and went to the movies and saw The Bourne Ultimatum. It
was fabulous. If you like action and suspense and you find Matt Damon
desirable, then I highly recommend this movie.
My love to my anonymous
readers,
Luscious
 From the desk of Larry & Terry
The Respect For The Crown….
It is not
the size that matters when it comes to the size of the Miss Gay America system
crowns, on any level (city/metropolitan, state/regional or national). Yes, from
time to time, we hear a complaint regarding the size of the crown, and for those
people who voice the complaint, it is clear that they are not in it out of
respect for the most prestigious pageant system, for female impersonation, in
the world but are most likely in it for themselves. We maintain that a good
entertainer and titleholder has to adapt and this is one area that will not
change. There are hundreds of hairstyles that will compliment both the crown and
the contestant….it is up to the contestants to discover that look. We pride
ourselves on the appearance of the crown in that it is clearly tasteful and
elegant, but most importantly makes a statement, that when you see one wearing
it, you know without a doubt, that they are a Symbol of Excellence in the Miss
Gay America family. But winning a pageant is more than just about prize
money…or at least it is with the heritage of this system. Yes it is true, that
one will have a very financially successful year, by winning the title of Miss
Gay America, but most importantly when the honor is bestowed upon you, to be
called Miss Gay America, it is an honor that will forevermore travel with you as
one of the better things that has happened to you.
If you are a contestant, then we know that you
are anxiously awaiting the Miss Gay America 2008 pageant, for your chance to
become the next Miss Gay America. It is always touching to see the contestants,
as they gaze at the crown, when it is worn by the reigning Miss Gay America
titleholder. As we have traveled throughout the country, this year, attending
many preliminaries, we always take notice to contestants who look at the
reigning Miss Gay America. Yes, the looks might be somewhat “star-struck”
when observing the beauty and talent of the individual, but the looks are also
of hunger to become a Miss Gay America. You have to have a respect for the crown
before your can ever win it. For this reason, it takes many, multiple years to
win. Very few have won the national title on first attempt…we think this is
primarily because respect for the crown is something that you cannot realize
overnight but rather, something that grows within you, each time that you see a
Miss Gay America wearing it. No matter how many new “national” pageant
systems are created each day, there is only one Miss Gay America system, that
began it all. Every other “system” in one way or another, was created out of
duplication of what this system does and stands for, but all know, that when you
think of the pinnacle in the art form of female impersonation, you think of the
Miss Gay America pageant system. You have to believe in the crown, and the
values it represents before you can become it. And if in the rare instance, you
win the crown without totally believing in it, you will likely spend your reign
acquiring the respect for the crown. The Miss Gay America pageant system, just
like the Miss America pageant system, is known for its conservatism, elegance
and professionalism and L & T Entertainment is privileged enough to ensure
that the tradition of excellence continues. With efforts to attempt to carry on
tradition of excellence, comes many trials and tribulations, not to mention
sometimes unpopular decisions but we make every effort to act in the best
interest of the Miss Gay America pageant system. We, L & T Entertainment
(Larry and Terry) carried a deep respect for the crown, long before we decided
to purchase the pageant system. We were always aware of the outer aspects of
winning the crown (the talent, the beauty, the glamour), but it was not until we
actually purchased the system, that we realized the true respect for the crown,
not only from the perspective of the public, but also from our perspective as
businessmen as well the continuation of “carrying the torch”.
The beautiful work of art, commonly referred
to as a crown, is symbolic of the heritage that many years of headache and
heartache have pioneered. The crown represents many things to many people
including talent, class, dignity, beauty, sophistication, elegance,
professionalism, taste, glamour and reputation of being the “best of the
best”. When the world looks at the crown, they immediately realize respect and
admiration for the reigning Miss Gay America, for they can only imagine the
obstacles that are required to be hurdled, before you are ready to win including
all of the hours of physical and mental preparation. The road to the most
respected title in the world has already been paved, and the intense level of
respect for the crown will never change, in fact, it will only deepen, so before
you volunteer for the selection process, we recommend that you ask yourself one
question…. Are you ready?
Until next
time……
Larry and
Terry
From
A Former-
Patti Le Plae Safe-Miss Gay America 1995
 Greetings
from Fantablorous Dallas!
I
am so excited to return to MGA this year. As you know I have been caring
for my 82yo Mom who has Alzheimer's for the last 2.5 years and of
course she is declining with the disease and age. Luckily, she knows
me, so my heart and soul will be devoted to her until the day she passes on to
her higher place. She truly is the happiest and sweetest person I have
ever known. I hope that if I ever become an incapacitated person as she
is, that I would be just like her. The light in her eyes dance like stars
when I visit her each day. I stay with her until she falls asleep every
night. I feel like I am supporting her last days on earth with total love
and devotion in the manner that she so deserves, unconditionally.
I
may have been in and out of MGA over the last few years and not nearly as
available, but my heart has always been here with you. I have wanted to be
with you each step of the way. I have judged a few pageants this year so I am on
my way back. I have missed each and every one of you. I really
appreciate all the letters and emails from my friends all over the Miss Gay
America Pageant system. I have always been an emotional fool about the
serious things and have learned to let the silly things slide off my back.
I want you to know you have been my strength over the last few years. Some
days, I wonder where I find strength and here comes a wonderful note from friends
that were "just thinking of you". You must know those notes mean
the world to me in ways that words would never be able to express.
Once
you become a MGA, the life you have for that year does not end. You
continually support your new sisters and the MGA family forever. It
becomes a way of life with second nature reaction to every step you take from
that day forward. You are always observed on every level. It is a
special life with incredible opportunities that will present themselves to you
daily. You will be touched so many ways with unseen gifts only you can
appreciate. You will grow beyond your dreams. You will be proud of
who you are and what you have become. In short, you will be completed by
competing and ultimately winning, but you are never finished.
My
3 best friends have been by my side from day one and they never falter to
support me with unconditional love. They have kept my emotions in check
and helped with the silly things. I wish that everyone could feel the
unconditional love I have felt since I have become a member of this family.
Yeah, I was new and very green when I became MGA 95, but you believed in me and
I became a highly respected MGA. I showed during the hardest of times that
I too could make a difference. It was my only time to compete on a
national level and I became a winner that had to prove my worth to some, be
myself to most and merely held high by those that knew all along that the winner
was in me all along.
I
want each and every contestant this year to know, you have it in you. People
can see it even when you don't. Kindly set your ego aside, just be your
true self and let your heart and soul envelope the package you are bringing to
MGA. I assure you the judges and the audience will see the winner immediately.
You are fresh, you are real, and you are a winner! I am walking
proof. All you have to be is honest to yourself and everyone around you.
Have fun and let the highs of emotions from competing take you over the top. I
promise, rewards will be given to you fairly and rightly. Not everyone
gets to go home a winner, yet only the chosen few get to come to MGA.
My
favorite quote is Impossible is a word only to be found in the dictionary
of fools...by Napoleon. and if you think about it
Impossible means I'm Possible! Yeah, I am always in a positive mood, and I try
my hardest to "be nice or else".....most of all be REAL! I
believe you will go farther in life if you are real.
I
can't wait to see you........
Love
always!
Patti Le Plae Safe
Miss Gay America 1995
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A Note From The Editor
The Excellence strives to be an informative newsletter delivered to the promoters,
contestants, audience and other supporters 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:
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