|
| |
August 2010 Edition Of
"The Excellence"
Coco's Corner
 Wow!! The past two months have been a
whirl wind for me and no matter how much I try to be accurate and document all
the wonderful and trying moments in my reign, I somehow seem to have left out
two of the most exciting adventures last month. I was so emotional with the
passing of my Chihuahua Fendi, God rest his soul, I didn’t write about my
fabulous trip to
North Carolina
and my step down as Miss Gay Heart of America 2009 so here it goes…
I was invited to
North Carolina
to perform at Scorpios and lucky for me my schedule at the time allowed for me
to accept. Tiffany Storm and the crew made sure this was an absolute blast for
me. The community there was one of the most welcoming and accepting communities
for which I have crossed paths. Scorpios is AMAZING!! As I was whisked away to
the dressing room my first night, then given the tour of the club, we passed a
glass incased wall with framed pictures of former Miss Gay Americas from the
Carolina’s and Miss North Carolina Americas as well as past MGA crowns,
scepters, dolls, awards, and other MGA memorabilia. This was breathtaking. I was
so taken back when I realized that my picture was framed and included in there
display case. I was so excited! I was finally going to get the chance to perform
with my MGA sister Luscious. This is so special to me because she was the Miss
Gay America who placed my first city crown on my head and returned back to
Florida
that same year and crowned me Miss Gay Florida America (my first Miss Gay
America state title). We had not had a chance to communicate since my reign had
begun due to both our busy schedules. This was also important because it was the
night before she was to leave for her competition at Miss US of A. The show both
nights were spectacular. All the girls were so sweet including my good friend
Deidra Pinucci, Miss North Carolina America 2009. She is just a doll! Watching
Luscious perform reminded me of why I chose MGA to be my system to compete in.
We performed to a packed house filled with people who loved to be entertained.
After we were done, with the lateness of the hour and a 7am flight to catch to
compete herself (Luscious) at US of
A, Luscious took the time to sit and talk with me sister to sister to find out
how I was doing and to offer me her first hand knowledge and to welcome me to
the MGA sisterhood. To have someone as talented as her tell me 3 years ago that
soon I too would be Miss Gay America, then to sit before her in present time and
embrace as sisters in the system was surreal. Tiffany Storm, Betty Boo, and all
the
North Carolina
clan (or should I say crew) made my stay amazing. I look forward to my return
to
North Carolina
real soon!
This next trip was an emotional
rollercoaster spending most of my MGA journey with these next two individuals
was solely the reason for my success. Mike Divoky and Rodney Brown, owners of
Miss Gay Heart of
America
and permanent residences in my heart were my gift given to me by God. I was
lucky enough to have them as promoters two years of my three year MGA journey.
As Miss Heart of America 2008 first alternate I was given the opportunity grow
and learn what I needed to know about the system to be successful. Win or lose
if you’re a part of their family and you’re treated all the same. They
won’t make the decisions for you but help you develop your vision and bring it
to life. After holding my hand through my 2nd year at MGA they had no
clue as to if I would return to Heart of America, but I knew that I would that
very next year because I don’t know one kid who would give up such great
parents. I returned the following year as if it was my first time just because I
was first alternate the year before I wasn’t going to return thinking they
owed me anything. I came back to win. Focused and overcoming obstacles like lost
luggage that finally shows up the day of the pageant and my most negative trait,
second guessing myself, I show up with my best friend Alexis Mateo at my side
saying “Girl stay still while I’m trying to do your hair” or “you know
you look a mess, you aint winning this pageant mama cause you not pretty
Lenny” all in her Puerto Rican accent. Well she was wrong… I did win and of
course she replied “Girl I knew you was winning dis pageant cause I was doing
your hair!!” I laughed but I was grateful because now I was truly sisters with
formers like Charity Case, Rachael Erikks, Sasha Nicole, Jade Sinclair and Vicki
Vincent just to name a few. Learning the history put me one step closer to my
main goal and I now possessed all the tools I needed to become Miss Gay America.
Just to clarify though, it’s not all that sad
I did end up with another wonderful set of parents, and yes I’ll call
them dads if I want to (chat boards) because my biological parents are deceased.
I even got my own room with my very own TV!! LOL
As usual, the flight touched down in
St. Louis
and they were there to meet and greet me. That’s when it hit me… “oh my
God I’m really giving it up”. Just as eager as I was last year, my first
alternate Sasha Leigh Chambers had been grooming herself and asking many
questions calling me in the middle of the night preparing herself for this
year’s showdown at Heart of America. Thank God I showed up the night before
she as I needed rest, tee hee hee, just kidding.. Instead of a review show this
year (they figured they had seen enough of me performing this year), there was a
dinner in my honor at the beautiful home of Tumara Mahorning, prepared by her
mother whom I have become close to. She reminds me so much of my own mother when
she was alive. This was some of the best home cooked food I’d had in a very
long time. Completely exhausted from the plane ride and full, I decided to
retire back to the hotel and prepare for the next day that was to be filled with
double duties as Miss Heart of America 2009 and Miss Gay America 2010. The next
day was filled with excitement as I was interviewed by Colin Murphy from Vital
Voice and then, Pageant Pageant Pageant Time. All the formers wore their
favorite Lady Gaga attire and the contestants dressed in their favorite
celebrity chased by the paparazzi. It was a great night. As I was speaking to
the crowd during my greeting I began to speak of Mike and Rodney and I became
really choked up and began to cry. Wow! where did that come from? I was telling
myself inside “be a man, don’t cry” ha ha ha. As I spoke, my voice became
deeper and deeper. So much for my illusion lol. This pageant had great
contestants but in the end, my first alternate Sasha Leigh Chambers stood tall
as the new Miss Gay Heart of America 2010 with another wonderfully talented
competitor as her first alternate Sally Sparkles. Chantel Reshae as second
alternate was also wonderfully talented. I passed on my title but will always be
Miss Gay Heart of America 2009.
My stay in
St. Louis
wasn’t over. I was asked by Joe Bradley owner of Miss Midwest
America
and Miss Gay Missouri Continental if I would stay over and judge and entertain
at his prelim for Continental. With my love for all systems, the elegance and
class that Miss Continental represents and the many friends I hold dear to my
heart who have won titles in this system, I was honored to even be asked. It was
a wonderful night of pageantry. Earlier that day I was joined by Ashley Cruz and
Dominique Chapelle, and the reigning Miss Continental Armani, who is a long time
friend. This was so ironic since both of our crownings, we had not had the
chance to see or speak to each other and we both live in
Orlando
Florida
. It was nice to share this moment with my friend Dominique, former Miss
Continental and reigning Miss Black America. She has been a friend of mine since
my college years in Alabama at Club 21 in Birmingham and Ho Johns Montgomery
where we worked together back in 19…well never mind. It was also very nice to
share this moment with Ashley Cruz as well, someone I admired for years and fell
in love with on the spot. I thought it was great that a group of national title
holders from many different systems could sit and have brunch together and catch
up on old times, compare systems in a different but healthy way, asking
questions to better understand each other’s choices and different paths in
pageantry yet still respecting each other’s decisions. That was a brunch meant
for viewing on cable TV. Logo Channel in fact, I think I’ll give them a call.
Thank you Joe Bradley and his partner Howard, of the Complex for taking us to
brunch. That night was filled with excitement seeing old friends like my Aunty
Jodie Santana, Kitty Litter, Camille Simpson, Amaya Mann, and Vicky Valentino
just to name a few. I want to personally say thank you. Jim
Flint who was in attendance for giving me such a wonderful warm welcome. It was
an honor to be in your presence and to judge Miss Missouri Continental. Good
Luck to Fontasia Lamore and Tiffany Hunter at Miss Continental. Leaving there,
heading home to
Tampa
Florida
for one of my biggest birthday bashes ever. I arrived with just enough time to
plan the celebration, a V.I.P. private party at one of the hottest clubs in
Tampa
Florida
, the Honey Pot in
Ybor
City
. Thank you to the staff there as I had everything I needed for one of the
grandest celebrations I have ever had. With only a limited time to party, the
weekend continued at my home bar, the Flamingo Resort.
Before you knew it the weekend was over
and it was time to head back to work.
Harrisburg
Pennsylvania
was my next stop for Miss Gay Pennsylvania America with promoter Michelle
Sterling. This was a grand event. The contestants in this state were hungry for
the knowledge to succeed. The undiscovered talent in
Pennsylvania
was immense. Preliminary nights were so exciting…it made me look forward to
final night. I shared that weekend with all the formers and a few of my Miss Gay
America Sisters like Nicole Dubois, Rachael Erikks, and of course Victoria
DePaula. I knew I was surrounded by family. Special thanks to Liquid in
Harrisburg
for your great hospitality and to Elektra Fierce St. James. It was good to know
you cherished every moment down to your final farewell performance as Miss
Pennsylvania
. At the end of a great weekend Mirage Jolie was crowned Miss Gay Pennsylvania
2010 after a powerful performance that couldn’t be forgotten.
After a beautiful crowning ceremony with
many tear jerking moments, it was time to fly back home not to rest but to
preside over the very first state title I have ever held in the Miss Gay America
system… Miss Gay Florida
America
. Less than 24 hours after crowning Miss
Pennsylvania
I stood in
Orlando
Florida
at the Parliament House resort in the Footlight Theater conducting contestant
and judge’s orientation. It felt weird being in a place called home in this
capacity. Being that I held this very same title and it was my first ticket to
MGA, I stood there as a former contestant and now the current Miss Gay America.
For a moment I became very emotional but had to pull myself together so the
contestants wouldn’t think I was crazy Lol. Promoter Will Pappas from
Knoxville
Tennessee
was on hand making sure this contest ran smoothly. As I looked over the
judge’s panel I saw many individuals who were an asset to my career. One in
particular Darcel Stevens show director at the Parliament House Resort. She
played a major role in my success not only in pageantry but in the business of
Female Impersonation. I owe a lot to her. When others said no she always said
so. With her help that night, Florida America went off without a hitch. It was
nice to see formers Chantel Reshae, Amber Mills, Daphne Ferraro, and Crystal
Chambers entertaining once again. My dresser that night Chris from
Tampa
was amazing. Unpacking, packing and unpacking again the entire overweight
luggage I tend to bring but all without complaint. Chrissy one of the best stage
managers that ever lived was on hand to run the show. Four great contestants
with two great representatives Alisha Coleman Miss Florida America 2010 and
Jessica Deveraux as 1st alternate. Their preparations for Miss Gay
America 2011 started immediately that night after competition. With just only
two days to breathe it was almost time to head to
Ohio
for Miss Gay Ohio America. In my next article I will tell you all about the
city of
Columbus
Ohio
and Miss Gay Ohio America and the emotional step down of Symphony Alexander
Love. In the words of my most accurate assistants Tanya and Christina “do you
need anything, are you ok?” My
response “YES A V8”. Also Miss Gay Missouri America, a grand pageant with
tradition and legacy as being the 2nd oldest preliminary to Miss Gay
America and Miss Gay Arizona America in a heat index of 110 degrees. Until then
my fellow Americans does anyone have any No-doze ?!
Until then,
Much Unity and Respect,
Coco
Montrese
Miss Gay America 2010
From the desk
of Larry & Terry
The Importance of Integrity…
Is
it the beginning of August 2010 already? It is difficult to believe that in less
than in just over 60 days, we will coronate the 39th annual Miss Gay
America. What a whirlwind of a year it has been, but considering somewhat of a
not-so-smooth beginning, the year has progressed nicely and it has been a
pleasure, year to date, to watch Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese in
action…she has had a few issues to deal with, while attending preliminaries
but her level of wisdom, maturity, vision for this organization and commitment
to the contestants has seen her through each circumstance and has allowed her to
exercise appropriate judgment relating to the best interest of this pageant
system. While each issue dealt with
may not have been the easiest thing to deal with, she quickly learned that in
many cases, making the right decision, that is clearly in the best interest of
the organization, is the easy part… Then all the hearsay and hype from the
naysayers that abounds from those who feed off of the drama, can be hurtful, but
it quickly allows one to develop thick skin. Recently, there was issues
regarding a preliminary pageant for which we had to manage. Surprisingly we
received numerous emails, telephone calls, and
text, from people who were offering their support and “well wishes” during
this time of making a “difficult” decision. While we appreciate the support
we can honestly say that while we have a large group of “friends” and people
whom we have grown to love, as a result of this pageant system, when it comes to
managing this pageant system and making decision to be what is in the best of
this pageant system, we have no friends… That is, that our caring for a
person(s) will in no way influence what we strive daily to achieve, which is to
continue to operate this organization on the core values of honesty and
integrity, for which is the cornerstone to the success of the Miss Gay America
pageant system. We are spending the very best years of our life, in efforts to
continue what has been and always will be the icon, in female impersonation
across this country. And, when someone involved with this system, does not
exercise clear judgment in thinking about what is in the best interest of the
pageant system, and their lack of clear judgment results in much greater than
normal efforts on our part, we will make every decision based on OUR opinion of
what is in the best interest of this pageant system…and in the time that WE (L
& T) think is appropriate. We continue to assert that while we have proven
time after time, that we make every decision, based on what is in the best
interest of this pageant system, L & T Entertainment has injected the
overwhelming majority of time, monies
and energy into managing this contest system… and those who agree with our
decisions, we thank you for your support. To those who disagree with the
ultimate decision or timing of our decision, we wish you the very best of luck
in the future… We also learned a long time ago that adversity is the best
source of “free” advertisement. The drama mongrels love to feast off of
rumors and hearsay, but once we squash the rumors, make decision, and then move
on, these “drama mongrels” focus their efforts on devouring the next victim.
But again, as we have proven time and time again, the Miss Gay America pageant
will continue to rise above adversity, especially when we are making the daily
decision to manage this contest, with focus on what is in the best interest of
this pageant system. At the end of the day, the national titleholders gain far
more from their year of reign, than L & T Entertainment would ever begin to
gain, but we can assert, that thus far during 2010, it has been a pleasure to
work with Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese, and are thrilled to watch him
receive every accolade that he so richly deserves.
It
all comes down to integrity. Integrity drives reputation. And, when there is a
competition, such as the Miss Gay America pageant system,
that is so highly respected (yes, even from those who so strongly believe
in the almighty silicone injection needle…), integrity must continue to be the
foundation…otherwise, any obstacles that exist between integrity and actually
doing the right thing, will be removed…without consideration of a friendship!
To
the contestants, please rest assured that between the concerted efforts of L
& T Entertainment, the Miss Gay America Advisory Board, the reigning Symbol
of Excellence and most promoters, you are assured a fair contest…
We
are very excited to see the results of the remaining 13 preliminary pageants
that will reveal all of the qualified contestants for the Miss Gay America 2011
pageant season… this year is one for the record books, but as the theme of the
Miss Gay America 2011 pageant (chosen by Coco Montrese) so boldly states…
“We Are One”…
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:
|
