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May 2010 Edition Of
"The Excellence"
Coco's Corner
 I'm
going to start this article of this month by telling you about the wonderful
friendships I've made throughout the years at MGA… these friendships can
sometimes develop into life long relationships and this month I had the
opportunity to visit a friend, Celebrity Starr, as she gave up her city
preliminary title to Miss Gay Arizona America, Miss Metropolis America in
Phoenix Arizona. It was an honor to actually be asked by Celebrity to be in
attendance because she asked me less than two weeks after Miss Gay America 2010
competition was over… I was invited just because of our friendship. It really
means alot when someone which you've competed against, along the way, personally
flies you in to share in the memory of their give up. Thank you.
In
Phoenix
, ArizonaI had a blast… My very first show was in
Tucson
at "COLORS" with Lucinda Holiday, who invited me into her home and
allowed me to transform along side her as we prepared for the show. Thank you
Colors for such wonderful hospitality and allowing me to be apart of a great
night of entertainment. Then, after the show we went back to Lucinda's home
where she presented me with my beautiful prize package jewelry set. And then we
celebrated by taking Waffle House by storm… and yes I do eat. The next show
was with Mikayla Kay (MGA 2008) Barbra Seville, Celebrity Starr and myself at
"FORBIDDEN" an amazing venue as well with warm welcoming staff,
management and patrons. This show was a lot of fun and high energy. What I
enjoyed most about these venues in Arizona is that they allowed me the
opportunity to address the crowd and say hello and thank you for coming, then
also talk about Miss Gay America, the history, the legacy and the competition
October in Columbus Ohio. I had a great time…
The
next day it was back to Tucson for what they call " STREETFAIR"… yes
I was up early for what we call a "DAYTIME FEMALE ILLUSIONIST SHOW"
with many familiar friends like China Collins, Shea Shae Larese (former Miss US
of A Classic), Janee' Starr and many of the local titleholders and showgirls in
the area. I got to see an old friend very familiar to the MGA system Claudia
Foster, who congratulated me on accomplishing my goal. All in all , Celebrity
and I had a grand ole time! I was really enjoying my time in
Arizona
. I wouldn’t dare write this part of this article with out mentioning a few of
the people who really made my stay amazing, Celebrity/Carl's mom Carolyn, such
and amazing and supportive mother… (she took me to lunch as soon as I arrived
in the city), my personal assistant all week long, city prelim owner of valley
of the sun Dominique, I never lifted a bag or opened up a door the entire time I
was in Arizona, even when I was just Martin he treated me like a queen, and that
took a lot of getting use too. Daniel Eckstrom the promoter for Miss Gay Arizona
America, although he was going through a major life altering event in his life
and his families lives, he still found time to have a very nice dinner with me
and talk with me personally to get to know where I stand and who I am… We were
joined by many city preliminary owners and bar owners from the area. I'm still
eating my red, white, and blue M&M's… Daniel thank you so much. Afeelya
Bunz, Ron and his partner Lee, co promoter of
Western States
America
, and my new found friend Edward (arizonadrag.com), they were all in attendance
and wonderful company to keep. TC Yaylor Miss Gay Arizona although she is a
beauty, she's more than just a pretty face, she is such a hardworker and
advocate… she's done many fundraisers for great organizations during her reign
and she raises money beyond belief, although we weren't able to spend a lot of
time together, but was not at all offended as she was doing her duties as Miss
Gay Arizona America…which because she was doing her job accurately, it didn't
allow for much social time. TC Taylor is just another great friendship I made
along the way at MGA.
The
Miss Gay Metropolis review show at "The Rock" was great, the formers
were stunning as I got to sit and watch them take the stage with familiar faces
like Angela Dodd, Mya Mckenzie, Chantel Douglas and TC Taylor. It was a pretty
cool night… thank you Mike for welcoming me into your establishment .
So
as this trip was winding down we came to the day of the city preliminary Miss
Gay Metropolis
America
(promoters Afeelya Bunz and Johnny/Stasha did a wonderful job with this city
prelim). This was my reason for being brought into
Phoenix
. It was held at another wonderful establishment called "CHARLIE'S". I
got to sit back and watch TC and Daniel at work and they were awesome.
Performing and assisting them in anyway I could was my job. My friend Celebrity
Starr had a wonderful step-down and my encouraging words to her were, “never
give up on your dreams and do not change from being the kind, caring, and giving
person that you are. Smile through it all and your reward will be great!” I
parted
Arizona
with great memories.
Then
it was on to
Baltimore
, for Miss Gay Maryland America, with Roger Dimick and the reigning Miss Gay
Maryland Sue Nami. I arrived a few days early and stayed at my home away from
home with Phillip and his lovely partner. CHRIS (yes I know his name is Roger)
and MY little dog Maddy. Roger was an honor to work with and I could easily make
Maryland
my home because of him and many other reasons.
We
had a blast with all the activities that Miss Gay Maryland has to offer, bingo
night, in which all the contestants were in attendance, Sue Nami's wonderful
Thai dinner (inside joke), where Sue Nami gave one of the most emotional
speeches I've ever heard… it rivaled the Martin Luther King Jr. “I have a
dream” speech. The Miss Maryland review show had many legends in attendance
and it was amazing!!! Roger Dimick runs an amazing contest and it was well
organized to perfection with former Miss
Maryland
’s Ashley Banks, Akasha Cassidine, Joanna Blue,
Brooke Lane
. Sabrina White, Tatianna Voche', Lauren Mitchell and Andora Te Tee. The guest
list of emcees and entertainment was stellar… also attending were: Kofi
(former Miss Texas everything) and a good friend whose presence made me more
relaxed than anything, and then there were all my sisters, Sabrina White
(MGA2002)- we bonded right away, Nicole Dubois (MGA2006)-so elegant and down to
earth, Raquel Chevallier (MGA2005)-sweet spirited and fun, and Catia Lee Love
(MGA2000)- almost like a blood sister or should I say brother (another inside
joke) after all the time we've spent together this month. The entire Oklahoma
Crew, Tillie, Steven (Pure
Chocolate) and Bridget Lee all former Miss
Oklahoma
's (and The Oklahoma Suite was nice.) It was also wonderful to see other
preliminary owners, bar managers and promoters from other states there as well,
showing their support for the system in Maryland (to include John Kane and his
partner Matt (Patty Lovelace) Atlantic States Promoters, Jon Parks of Ziegfields
in DC and Robert York Miss Gay DC America Regional_.
The
Staff and Owner (Chuck Bowers) of the Hippo are some of the best people I know
when it comes to how a guest should be treated. This was a well managed
establishment and has a long list of characters… I'm sure I'm going to leave
someone out so please forgive me if I do, but Tia Chambers-from day one you were
amazing to me… thank you. Josie- I wanted for nothing when you were around, to
Jason-(Peaches) and every bartender who knew that the current Miss Gay America's
idea of a drink is Red Bull served to her in an unopened can with a straw and a
glass of ice thank you. The contestants who made me tear up at the dinner when
they one by one brought me gifts. Sue Nami, a wonderful Miss
Maryland
and friend, it's just an honor to know you. The over qualified judges panel who
allowed me the opportunity to exercise my skills as an administrator without
question, all the people in
Maryland
who showed their support through attendance, the 10 contestants who worked so
hard and followed every direction when I asked them to help each other. To Onyx
Revlon, you are now the new Miss Gay Maryland… make us proud and keep up the
tradition... I felt the love... Shawn you made me look my best each time I hit
the stage and packed me up while I was in critiques (sorry) but thank you. Sushi
Nami/Justin (Sue Nami's daughter), our trips to Walmart were eventful!! I
learned the meaning of true family in
Maryland
and I look forward to my return. Roger, you had me spoiled, staying in a castle
(Hotel Brexton) which was fit for a princess.
As
if I didn't get enough love in
Maryland
, Catia and I headed over to the nations capitol, DC. for Miss Gay DC
America
Regional with Robert York and his reigning Miss DC Jessica Jade. I can truly
say the love there continued and if anyone knows Robert York, they know he loves
and respects his MGA's and treats you like a queen! Catia
and I spent our first few days in DC shopping which is my favorite past-time.
Robert was our tour guide and just like a little kid seeing DC for the first
time I was overwhelmed by the monuments, and federal building all around me. It
was just like I remembered it as a child only this time the city had running
water and electricity (that was an age joke if you didn't get it). I sat in the
backseat taking it all in and since our first few days in DC were suppose to be
about rest and relaxation we had the pleasure of staying in Robert and Blake's
beautiful condo in VA… yes I know its confusing VA, DC it's all the same to me
and then my new babies Wilson and Madison but don’t tell my puppy Maddy in
Baltimore as it would be a fight.
So
we spent the rest of the day winding down and then it was time for boys night
out at Zeigfield's/Secrets with Tatianna Voche', Robert, Catia, and Victoria
DePaula, Due to a gag order placed on me by former MGA's, that is all I am allow
to say about "Secrets" in DC. it's like Vegas and you know the slogan
" What happens in.......... yeah yeah. Dining in DC is always eventful as
we went to a few cute places but one stood out from all the rest and it was
called Duplex Diner. We were joined by John Kane Promoter of
Atlantic
States
, Lee,
Eric
,
Chad
and Justin.
So
as time for Miss DC regional started to draw near for Catia and I, itt was time
for us to take up residence in our accommodations for the rest of the weeks
festivities… as we pulled up we realized we weren't at a hotel but at a
beautiful modern building kinda like a home off of MTV's season running show,
“The Real World”. We were handed the keys and as we opened the door to our
new home just for a few days, it's was really like a reality TV show… well
with Catia and I it would definitely be interesting!! So as Robert said his
“see ya laters" he then said by the way. “be ready Miss Gay America in
your illusion at 6pm as you have an engagement”. Well if you know Robert York,
you know you don’t argue with him and you also know that he is full of
surprises. This was a surprise I would never forget. Many times in my career
I've dreamed of this year in my life and there are certain things you dream of
doing well and Roberts surprise was
just one of those dreams. Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron was at the Whitman
Walker Annual black tie gala at the Mellon Auditorium (the Whitman Walker
organization is a HIV/AIDS awareness and client assistance program in DC) and
this affair is a fundraiser to help support the program. I was invited and
allowed to have photo op with Caressa which I am sure will go down in history.
Miss America 2010 and Miss Gay America 2010- both African American, both in the
same building and photographed together… WOW, our society has come a long way.
Thank you Robert for making that part of history happen for me.
Then
it was off to the review show, but wait, Robert had one more stop in mind… it
was the White House, and just by coincidence, our president was on his way out
in a helicopter. It's surreal and I can't believe it all happened within the
same hour, meeting Miss
America
and seeing the president leave his home. I was on cloud nine.
When
that was done I joined my sister Catia, Jessica Jade (Miss Gay DC America 2009)
and Mistyque from Rupaul's Drag Race Season 2, for the review show at EFN
Lounge. It turned out to be a great night.
The
turnout for Miss Gay DC America was great. Seven lovely contestants and a great
line up of entertainment. It was a night to remember, especially for Coti
Collins and Kristina Kelly. They both qualified to compete at the 2011 Miss Gay
America Pageant. I was especially proud of all the contestants that night, (both
new school contestants and old school veterans were back stage working together
to put on a great show… and that is what the MGA sisterhood is all about).
I
had two more days left in DC and they were filled with performances. I finally
had my return to Freddie's in
Virginia
. It's always a good time with the girls there and they are so down to earth and
fun… and bonding with Catia was the best. Last but certainly not least I
performed my final night in DC at Omega's, and they were awesome... The dressing
room was decked out for the arrival of Catia and I, the warm welcome and thank
you card from Big daddy was very nice. I had a great time meeting all the
entertainers there. These girls were all very beautiful and sweet. The show was
fun and the people were all so accepting. I love DC! As we left Omega's, we
headed back to the condo but my very last stop was at the Lincoln Memorial at
2am… it was so moving and touching to stand on the steps where Martin Luther
King Jr. made the " I Have A Dream" speech and I closed my eyes and
said to myself, “we all have dreams , but it's up to us to follow our dreams
and see them through. As my journey as Miss Gay America continues and a
wonderful journey it is, I am thankful to all those who have supported me along
the beginning of my reign”…
Be
sure you read my next article where I will give you the latest on Las Vegas NV
and the Miss Western States America pageant, and lets just say what happens in
Vegas is NOT gonna stay in Vegas… until then, think excellence!
P.S.
Thank you Pete.
We Go On,
Coco
Montrese
Miss Gay America 2010
 From the desk of Larry & Terry
We are writing to you with great excitement about
the very many positive things that are occurring within the Miss Gay America
pageant system. First and foremost is that Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese
is doing an incredible job.
Coco
is proving to the world that she is certainly capable and willing to do the
duties of Miss Gay America and willing to be the Symbol of Excellence that the
country expects. With every appearance, both pageant related and non-pageant
related, we receive many compliments of how professional, elegant, beautiful,
talented, glamorous, sophisticated, friendly, dedicated and detail oriented, she
is… all these things are the very things that we (and you) expect from a Miss
Gay America. Coco Montrese is showing that her goal is to reign with excellence,
in that she is in it for the right reasons, which is for the contestants,
promoters and audience…and by having the goals in the proper perspective, she
will be much more respected, well received and rewarded. And if this great
beginning of having yet another incredible Symbol of Excellence is not enough to
make you excited about this pageant season, the fact that the number of
contestants across the board, relative to city preliminaries, state
preliminaries and regional preliminaries have increased. And, we continue to
receive many new inquiries from prospective promoters. All this to say that the
Miss Gay America pageant system, has once again proven that we can overcome
challenges, grow from them by growing stronger, and still remain the “best of
the best” in the eyes of the world of female impersonation.
This year is going to be another great year and we
hope to see many of you, as we make effort to attend as many preliminary
pageants, as our schedule will allow. Obviously,
we would attend all but unfortunately, we have very demanding day job schedules
that consume a large portion of time, therefore making it difficult to attend as
many as we want. This month we saw 6 contestants qualify for the national
competition… congratulations to Miss Gay Maryland America 2010 Onyx Revlon,
Miss Gay Maryland America 2010 1st alternate Chi Chi Ray Colby, Miss
Gay D. C. America 2010 Coti Collins, Miss Gay D.C. America 2010 1st
alternate Kristina Kelly, Miss Gay Western States America 2010 Monica Moore and
Miss Gay Western States America 2010 1st alternate China Collins. We
look forward to seeing you at the national competition.
We hope that each of you have a great remainder of
the spring season and we look forward to seeing you in Columbus, Ohio for the 39th
annual Miss Gay America pageant, if not before.
Until
Next Time!
Larry and
Terry
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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