|
November may have wrapped up prelims but the job never slows down! What a whirlwind this year has been!!! December started off with a bang ! Back in October our new Mr. Gay America was crowned. KC and I hit it off last year when he stole my heart with his Michael illusion. I was so starstruck by it. I take pageants, facts, history and numbers very seriously! When he was crowned the actual 2022 King I immediately requested that we have time together before I relinquish my title and he gets a new queen * insert eye roll* We planned a weekend-long pow wow in Vegas along with many of my favorite people. Simba, Danny, Nina, David and Derick. We kicked the weekend off at this amazing food truck convention they call “1st Friday”. There were food vendors and local artists everywhere ! It was super cool! The next day came fast and here we are painting. Simba put everything together for KC and me to do an official “2022” photoshoot. What a surreal moment. As Miss Gay America, I had not been in a promo shot with anyone else. He helped me zip and pin the crown and I helped him with his medallion and all. It is the moments like these that I look at the clock and go wow….it's truly coming to an end. The photoshoot was fun, emotional and got the best sides of us.   After the photoshoot we got out of drag and had a late lunch with the legendary Lawanda Jackson. We talked about old times, good times and shared stories of our beloved Coti. Lawanda and Coti had been friends for a lifetime so it was nice to be around Lawanda. It made us all feel good. KC and myself both took the interview seminar with Lawanda and it fine-tuned our interviews for both Mr and Miss Gay America. We truly enjoyed our time with her.  That night David got us tickets to Barry Manilow! What a treat! My mother wanted to kill me because she couldn't go LOL. It was a fabulous night of all of his classics and Christmas favorites. The cherry on top was Barry was joined with a Children's Chorus at the end of the night and boy that took me back. When children sing or perform musically it moves my soul. That night ended with us all pigging out on David's homemade goodies! Boy oh boy it was good. Thank you David for a fabulous time and thank you for believing in me.  I can never thank Simba enough for all he does not only for his system but America as a whole. I am so blessed to be able to work with him in years to come as one of his official hosts for Mr. Gay America. Thank you Simba for an amazing weekend. I love you more than you will ever know. The next weekend is one that I had waited for my entire life. Me and the owners of Miss Gay America got to spend a weekend at Disney! We also knocked out 2 birds with one stone and did the contestants’ number drawing. Disney was so magical and brought back so many memories of my childhood. MY favorite part was being able to take my crown photo in front of the iconic Cinderella castle. My feet died! Probably the most emotional part of the trip was when we watched the fireworks at night. I looked across the crowd and saw so many children with their families and just remembered my dad all of sudden. It is times like these when we miss our loved ones that left us too soon. It was so dang beautiful. What a night! Me, Michael and Rob spent so much time talking about Miss Gay America, my love for it and what I wanted my legacy to be. It really is hard to put into words how much something means to you when you love it so much. Miss Gay America was always part of me. She(MGA) has been one of the only pillars in my life that kept me grounded and focused when life could have spiraled out of control. To me words can never explain what a true legacy is BUT your actions and how you impacted people and made them feel is the legacy.   I received an invitation back to the White House. Yes, another invite! That makes 2 times as Miss Gay America. What a dream ! I got invited to witness the signing of the Marriage Act by President Biden. Our country is in a true battle. Our communities are being targeted daily. So to be here was not just a “me” being there but an “us” witnessing history being made. I can never explain that moment seeing the actual President of the United States in person…as Miss Gay America …at the White House. Another cherished memory that I will always hold on to. 
The next weekend was back to lots of drag! We kicked off the weekend with our show here at Club Pink and it was a fabulous time with Miss Gay Southern Elegance America2022 Aubrey Sinclair and Miss Gay Louisiana America 2022 Josalyn Royale ! Thank you David, Bo and the Pink staff for an amazing time.
The next day came fast. No sleep and painting for the brunch show with Josalyn and the gang. It was a blast getting to be with her, Sasha, Mattie, Brittani and Paula. And as always a blast with the girls at brunch! I was worn slap out ! After a quick nap and a re-pack I was on my way to Jackson,MS to perform at the new bar called Shade. It was a blast with Fendi, Tara and Leigh! Thank you to John Corey, Andrew and their staff for a wonderful night. That bar is beautiful!  The drag hustle can’t stop and won’t stop! I was then on my red eye flight to Charlotte, NC for the Buff Faye ‘Twas the Drag Show before Christmas. I have never been part of an event like that ever. That crowd was massive! Over 400 seats sold and was a magical night of holiday music and drag. I got to close the event with a sing-a-long with Buff Faye to Love can build a bridge. An amazing night with so many of my favorite NC entertainers! Thank you Buff Faye for all you do to make the world a better place!  And here it was Christmas week! Finally some much needed downtime at home. While traveling and being Miss Gay America is nice, being able to be in one place for awhile is nice. too. Christmas week started with a wonderful visit with my lifelong friends Haley and Anna. We have been pals since childhood. My stomach was hurting from laughing so much. Right before Christmas I found myself at a wedding for two of my dearest friends, Donnie and Brad. I got to do a song of my choosing and what a beautiful moment it was. Donnie aka Sarina has been a sister since I started drag and Brad and myself have always connected on a musical level. What a wedding ! Thank you both for allowing me to be not only part of your big day but your lives. I love you both.  That week was an amazing week of rest and time with family. We did our annual shenanigans and what fun that always is! Our family has grown to be large. It is so crazy. My nieces and nephews are so damn grown. Having jobs and boyfriends and girlfriends really throws me off since they are to always remain children to me LOL It was an amazing holiday with all of them. Here comes the end of 2022. I did take lots of time to rest and reflect on my year as Miss Gay America. Words can never truly describe how 2022 changed my life. We celebrated in Shreveport, LA at one of my home bars called Central Station. Shreveport is very close to home so it's always nice to be there with all of the ladies. That crowd eats up drag! Time and time again they always show me the most amazing hospitality. Thank you Sarina and Central Station for a wonderful end to 2022 as Miss Gay America. A night I will always remember.    With that my friends I only have one more column to write as Miss Gay America. When it comes out though I will be a Forever and a new lucky lady will represent the amazing legacy that is Miss Gay America. And remember, while only 1 person wears the crown, it is a group/family effort that makes MGA what it is today from contestants, promoters and people that love the system and support it. “WE” are “Miss Gay America” not “I” 
0 Comments
While November wrapped up the prelims it was still very busy with lots of planning and preparations that go into the national contest. The first weekend I planned a Gulf Coast tour and was able to go see and perform with some of my favorite people. That Friday night I was at B-Bob’s in Mobile with the lady herself, Jawakatema Davenport ! We have been trying for years to get me there and finally it all worked out! It was a blast with her. If you are ever in Mobile be sure to go check their show out. Their staff and crowd are amazing!!!  The next day I hit the road early to Gulfport for my show at Sipp’s. The show was absolutely amazing with Tiffany and Aubrey! The biggest thanks goes out to Nicole DuBois Miss Gay America 2006 for having me. Nicole holds a very special place in my heart. I have a story and I am sure you do as well when it comes to this remarkable person. I remember when I finally knew what MGA was I researched and saw via MySpace(LOL) that Nicole was the MGA that was always a small drive away and I could go see her in a show and that was at Club Unique’s in Alexandria, LA just south of Monroe, LA. Thank you Nicole for always inspiring me to stay true to yourself. It was an amazing time with her. If there is someone that can make me laugh it's her. She is amazing!  The next morning again hitting the road early I was enroute to New Orleans, LA for my last batch of shows for the weekend! Bistro is always a fun time! I got to be in the show with my sisters, Ladi Phat Kat and Miranda Kelli. Phat Kat and I go way back! She actually crowned me Miss Corner Bar 2010 when I had only been doing drag for 6 months. That show was a blast! Thank you Bradley for all of your help!  The final stop was at one of my home bars, the Bourbon Pub and Parade. I say one of my home bars since this place has continued to support me through the years since I started performing there back in 2010. When you support someone seasonally or if they have a certain status then you are NOT a true supporter of that person. This was a special show considering this was my last time in New Orleans as Miss Gay America. Every performer here in Louisiana knows what an amazing place the Bourbon Pub is and I am no exception. For a Louisiana performer I have ALWAYS considered the Pub the pinnacle venue. This legendary show bar has had top notch shows for years and to be able to be with those ladies is always a huge honor. Thank you Aubrey for an amazing time!  Up next was my last state prelim Miss Gay Ohio America 2022!! I was picked up from the airport by the fabulous Brian Menegay and we laughed the entire way to the hotel and got to pow wow with the promoter Nick for a moment. That night was the kick off party at Union Cafe with all of the Forever Miss Gay Ohio Americas. The place was packed with forevers, contestants and supporters of the pageant and truly was a magical show! Thank you Courtney Kelly MGOA 19/20 for a fabulous time and for the White Russians LOL  The next day started our search for the next MGOA! There were 22 amazing girls. A gaggle of formers, including MGOA 2011/ MGA2018 Deva, all assisted with the running of this contest and I was blown away by how organized and effortless it was at this prelim. The prelim competition got me in my feelings as 22 girls have to be cut down to a 10. The after party show at Toolbox was a hoot and a half with Vivi Velure MGOA 1999 ! These folks know how to have a good time. The revue at Boscoe’s was super cool! Shoulder to shoulder, they were packed in that place. I was offered the mic to host and boy they could barely get it out of my hand. After a fierce battle the crowned victor and our new Miss Gay Ohio America 2022 was Cherry Poppins and 1st alt was Jennifer Lynn. This pageant was the one to be at. It was literally just like a mini MGA. Congrats to Tiffanie on a stellar contest and to Ava on a fabulous and unforgettable reign. My heart was overrun with so much love and appreciation that this franchise has for the America system. Another full circle moment as I am in in the ballroom of the Sheraton which was the first place I competed as Miss Gay Louisiana America 2012 back in the fall of 2012.  The next pitstop was Hollywood for the rebirth of Miss Gay California America 2022!!! We met up with the promoter Kerry and husband John for some sight-seeing and dinner. The last time I got to be here was back in 2005 for the American Choral Directors Association National Honor Choir Convention when I was in high school. It was amazing getting to see so many iconic things such as the Walk of Stars and the Hollywood sign. I even got to get my own star. Yes folks it was fake but let me be great ! LOL We went to the most amazing restaurant that night called Fogo De Chao. So much meat I did not know what to do!  The next morning came bright and early and had 5 eager gals ready to snatch the last 2 tickets to Miss Gay America 2023! The judges panel was absolutely stellar. The pageant was amazing and we got to see some fabulous RuPauls Drag race alumni there Brooklyn, Mo and Eureka! After a fabulous contest the winner was Aria B. Cassadine and the 1st alt was Tia Wanna Ross! Congrats to Babs on her very long reign and huge thank you Kerry and John for taking such good care of us. My love, Simba, was instrumental that night and I appreciate everything he does not only for me but the system as a whole.  There I sat that night in the middle of my hotel room on the floor crying and counting my tips. All of my prelims had been done as MGA. 44 of the best queens from across the US will battle for the crown in January. This will be the pageant of the year!! The next weekend was very low key as I had intentionally taken off from any performing to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. My family as always went all out with a massive feast that ended with all of us in food coma. These are the times to always reflect and be thankful for those that love you. My family has always been so amazing to me. The next day I was enroute to Lafayette, LA to pow wow with one of my best girls Kenli Andrews Miss Gay Louisiana America 2018. Kenli has been one of the biggest supporters during my journey and most especially during my reign. She took on making so many of my costumes/gowns this year and I found it necessary that she should be the one to make my final walk gown. What an honor it has been to work with such a talented person over the years. She was also my dresser many times in lots of different contests including MGA 2016 and MGA 2017. Thank you Kenli for bringing my visions to life this year. I love you more than you will ever know.  Even with prelims being done the job does not stop. There is still plenty of things to be done to ensure that Miss Gay America 2023 is THE pageant of the year.
December will be busy with lots of shows and travel including Vegas with Mr. Gay America KC Sunshine, Orlando with the owners Michael and Rob for the annual contestant number drawing and Charlotte, NC for Miss Gay Southern America Buff Faye’s Christmas/holiday extravaganza!! Another fabulous month it was! October started off with a bang with Miss Gay Maryland America 2022. I was scooped up from the airport by Eric and on our way to Boonsboro to the famous Lodge for the Maryland America review show. It was an amazing night celebrating the reign of Maranda. There were a ton of formers in attendance and it was so much fun.  The next day 5 ladies showed up to become Miss Gay Maryland America, More formers joined us for this amazing night and it was just like a family reunion. After a battle took place Amethyst Diamond was crowned Miss Gay Maryland America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Dezi Minaj. Thank you Tom and Tatiyana for such a wonderful prelim. I truly enjoyed myself.  After being home only 12 hours I was then Vegas bound for Mr. Gay America 2022 !!! 24 handsome and talented men showed up to compete. It was an absolute battle that week. I was blown away. Chris was stepping down and what an amazing week it was to see him in his element those last few days as Mr. Gay America. He is one of the most authentic people I have ever met. I will always hold him in my heart and memory as he was part of my crowning and journey. Thank you Simba for allowing me to host and be part of this event. I am so excited to make this one of my yearly trips. I love you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you Mr. Gay America patrons and supporters for showing me the love. Just wait til next year   At the end of the week KC Sunshine took home the prize and is now Mr. Gay America. For years I have been a fan because I have seen his Michael Jackson illusion a few times. Last year at Mr. Gay America he brought tears to my eyes with his Michael talent. I just knew this man was destined for big things. I saw he was the Missouri title holder with Trixie and I knew that if my sister loved him then we all would love him. His energy and passion that week back in March at Miss Gay Missouri America radiated. He said I really hope to be your king in October. We stayed in touch ALOT during these last months and BAM. He made his dream a reality. I am so excited that he is my ACTUAL 2022 King. We share so much of the same interests and hobbies that it's almost like reigning with my BFF. Get ready America.....this is a year for Mr. that will go down in history as one of the best. Mark. My. Word.  While being on the road is fun I did enjoy getting to be home that next weekend. I was actually booked at a local club Brass Monkey for an all inclusive LGBTQ+ bingo/fundraiser. It was a huge success and I am so happy to be at home entertaining when I have the chance, When my reign is over life will slow down a tad more to allow me to do more at home. Thank you Brass Monkey and the staff for an amazing time. I also got to enjoy the fair while it was in town with my nephew and that was such a blast. I have not been able to go to the fair in years because of my weight but not anymore. We walked and walked and walked ! I was wore slap out!  The next weekend was a busy one. I traveled to Shreveport, LA to watch the new Halloween Ends movie with my sister Sarina and some of our drag family. Seeing a new Halloween movie when it comes out is always our tradition. We loved it! The next night was our show at Central Station. As always it was an amazing time with the crowd and staff at the bar. Central Station is always like home and always a good time with the girls backstage. Thank you Sarina and Brad for a wonderful time ! Driving in the middle of the night after a gig is the LAST thing someone wants to do before they get on a plane super early. There I was Vegas bound(again) but this time for Miss Gay Sin City America 2022! Catia and I grabbed a bite to eat and called it an early night but the next day was pageant mode. We had 2 lovely ladies show up to earn their tickets to the big dance. At the end of the night Alizae Brooks was crowned Miss Gay Sin City America and her 1st alternate was OIympia La’Paige. Thank you John and the staff at Jimmys @ Madison for a great time !!! I cannot wait to come back to Vegas !  At the end of the week I was Pennsylvania bound for Miss Gay Pennsylvania America ! It was a large time ! Saturday night we attended the revue show with a gaggle of formers and it was the best time. Divinity the queen relinquishing is by far one of the best live singing female impersonators EVER. Her artistry blows me away. Just wow ! The next day we had 5 eager ladies ready to become the next Miss Gay Pennsylvania America. At the end of the night Kali Couture was crowned Miss Gay Pennsylvania America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Morgan Morgan Morgan. Yes ! That is her name. She is a queen so nice they named her thrice LOL! Thank you Jeremy, Adam, formers, pageant staff and the hotel for a wonderful night ! It was an amazing contest!  My month ended with my giveup/homecoming prelim as Miss Gay America and that was Miss Gay Diamond America 2022 in Little Rock. Last year this was the prelim that I won to go to Miss Gay America. I arrived Friday night and me and David Pardue had the most amazing steak dinner then ventured to the venue to see the show. It was a blast! Mr. Gay America KC Sunshine joined us for the prelim and it was such an honor to have him there. We had three lovely ladies show up to compete for the crown. At the end of the night Brooklyn Bisette was crowned Miss Gay Diamond America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Dominique DeLorean. Thank you for Miss Windsor for your support on my Miss Gay America journey. While I am a former, Diamonds are Forever.  Well kids, that wraps up another fast and amazing month. I can not believe that in less than 90 days I will be handing over the job to the next deserving lady! Two more prelims to Miss Gay America 2023 and we will have 45 ladies at the national contest !!!!! WOW !!!
The month of September started off with a bang !!!! It was Continental weekend in Chicago! This was my first time ever not only being at the Continental contests BUT also in the city of Chicago. I got to do a lot of sightseeing ! I also got to meet with up with Forever Miss Gay America 2004 Rachael Erikks. She has not done drag in a while BUT if you know her you know she is one of the absolute best! IF you ever get a chance to see her host or watch one of the old videos you will be laughing the entire time. What an amazing moment with her. Continental was outstanding! These contestants sure know how to compete and gets me even more excited for MGA 2023 !!! Congrats to the new court! You all did an AMAZING job! Thank you Jack Nielson for opening up your home to me. Chicago/Continental did NOT disappoint!  The next stop was back to official MGA business. I headed to Memphis for Miss Gay Tennessee America !!! Six incredible contestants showed up and showed out for this prelim. A huge congrats to Barabra Seville on a long reign who is also the current Miss Gay Western States America on her way back to MGA in January! Congrats to Blaze DuVall the new Miss Gay Tennessee America and her 1at alt Paris Brooks Bonet. It was amazing getting to see so many of my Tennessee sisters as it has been YEARS! Thank you Pat and Buddy for bringing back this prelim. It was a weekend I will never forget!  The next week was the most emotional one of my reign so far. It was Miss Gay Louisiana America week. Standing in front of those 7 contestants and sharing my story with them was so full circle. I was in that seat and started my journey at MGLA 2010. Miss Gay Louisiana America was my introduction to America and I am so very blessed to be MGLA 2012. Getting to see so many of the Forevers in attendance was heartwarming. At the end of the night Josalyn Royale was crowned Miss Gay Louisiana America 2022 and her 1st alt was Jazlyn Monae SinClaire Thank you David, Bo and the staff at Pink for a smooth and professional weekend.  The day came fast and me and my friend Wesley hit the plane to New York City for Miss Gay New York America! Me and this prelim have a past. I had competed here twice and never got a ticket, however the main reason I came back time and time again was because of the promoter Thomas. He is truly one of the most giving people. We had 5 girls show up and after a battle Gia Bianca Stephens was crowned Miss Gay New York America and her 1st alt was Fifi DuBois. I got to see a tons of sisters and friends and it really did my heart good to be back in NYC. When I was there last time the world shut down because of COVID and we almost got stuck. Thank you Thomas for a wonderful prelim and to Wesley for always being the best travel buddy.  The following weekend I was en route to Columbus, OH. A quick bite with Deva was very much needed before a long day of cross dressing started. The gigs, the hustle and timing play a huge part with becoming Miss Gay America and you want to seek every oppurtunity. With that lol here me and Deva are painting at 7am to get fish for the daytime events for Miss Gay Great Lakes America. We had a brunch immediately after interviews. After the brunch show at Union cafe we got out of drag to take a breather and then get painted again for the program. We had three lovely ladies there to compete. At the end of the night Ava Aurora Foxx was crowned Miss Gay Great Lakes America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Virena Peppers! Thank you Shannon for a wonderful weekend!  Well that wraps up September. I have one-third of my reign left. The time has flown by. What an incredible journey it has been so far.
Six more prelims left… 12 more girls to qualify for Miss Gay America 2023… October prelims will include Maryland, Sin City, Pennsylvania and Diamond!!! The month of August was in fact one of the busiest months for me. Lots of travel as well as an advancement in my day job with work. It was a month of fast paced changes but I loved it. The month began with me traveling back in the early hours of the morning from EOY. A full work week was underway and then I was in route to Baton Rouge, LA Each year there is an event for Project Lazarus. It is put on by a group of wonderful men: Michael, Jason and Robert. This annual fundraiser raises a HUGE amount of money and I am always so happy to be part of it. I had a blast being able to share this night with some of my favorite ladies across the Gulf States that included Lauren, Mia, Reba, Lady D, Persana, Victoria MGLA 2001 and Jawakatema! It was a magical weekend for a great cause. Thank you Michael, Robert and Jason for always inviting me to be part of this amazing event.  The next week was my birthday week. I can honestly say my 30s have been incredible with career advancement, my health improving and also winning the title of Miss Gay America. I got to spend my birthday in true MGA fashion getting to kick off the Miss Gay Arkansas America weekend! We had the Miss Gay Arkansas America review show and I was star struck. So many wonderful ladies are Forever title holders to this state prelim most especially MGA pageant legend Kelly Cruise! I cannot tell you how many videos I have watched of her over the years. The next night was the pageant! Athena had an amazing step down and I am happy to call her my sister. Congrats to the new 50th Anniversary Miss Gay Arkansas America Savvy Savant and her 1st alternate Melanie Masters!!! I loved getting to see my sisters MGA 1994 Jacquelyn and MGA 1995 Patti! Thank you Norman and Jordan for a fabulous weekend !!
After a short nap and repack of drag it was off to the airport for Miss Gay Southwest America to celebrate the reign of Shelita Hoyle Bonet in Galveston, TX. Todd and his staff ALWAYS go over and beyond to ensure it is a smooth contest! That bar is absolutely beautiful with the beach view. My sister MGA 2001 Charity was a judge and also got to see Jimmy! This was a double prelim so I also got to work hands on with Mr. Gay America Chris and Simba. At the end of the night Dessie Love Blake was crowned Miss Gay Southwest America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Chloe Knox !!! Then a short nap and airport bound again !!! Thank you Todd for a wonderful night!  The next stop was Rehoboth Beach, DE for Eastern States America weekend. I got to spend some time with Mona’s husband John before the crossdressing began! What an amazing person! The first night we held the Mr division and I got to be a judge. That was definitely a change of pace considering I have been the administrator at so many pageants but now judging. Congrats to Tanner Shriver on his win! The next night it was my turn to run the show at Miss Gay Eastern States America. That night Courtney Kelly was crowned Miss Gay Eastern States America America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Jennipher Jameson. Vega was absolutely stunning all weekend for her give up. Getting to know her more this year has been a highlight. HUGE CONGRATS to Mona, Bob, all of the pageant staff and the Pines for an unforgettable weekend.  Wrapping up August was Miss Gay North Carolina America. While I love and respect all state pageants there is a magic about this prelim that completely gives me chill bumps. North Carolina knows how to groom their girls and they always produce top notch competitors.I have mad respect for them as I always have my eye out on who the next Miss Gay North Carolina America will be. My 222888888 sister lol Paris was an absolute joy through the years competing with and being able to see her step down was just remarkable. Fun fact I was contestant 29 this year after her. At the end of the weekend the new Miss Gay North Carolina America 2022 was Kiera Mel and her 1st alternate was Giselle Cassidy Cater and yet again, this contest produced true “North Carolina Magic” as Marsha always says. Thank you Tiffany, Cierra, DJ Bonet and staff for an amazing weekend! Shout out to Kristin, Aria and Kirby for being my Uber  September will sure be a busy one as well!
Continental weekend, Miss Gay Tennesee, Louisiana and Great Lakes America! 6 more girls will get their ticket to the big dance!!! July started off hitting the ground running! The first weekend I was en route to Dallas, TX for a weekend of programs! Upon my arrival, Sally MGA 2013 and I went for a quick bite to eat and cookies! So so so yummy. She had a welcome sign and everything for me. She is always the most thoughtful person with all of the gifts she makes/gives to you. Thank you lady for letting me crash at your place. I also got to have a late dinner with my friend Gerard who used to live in Monroe, LA and that was amazing as we see each other not as often. Those 3 nights at the Rose Room were just amazing with Cassie, Jenna, Krystal, Sasha, Mulan, Layla, Kylee, Barbie and May May !!! Thank you Cassie and staff for always having me and for always making me feel right at home. See you when it gets cold!  One of the highlights of that weekend was being able to have lunch with a handful of MGAs. The stories we told! Sally MGA 2013, Charity MGA 2001, Jacqulyn MGA 1994 and Tasha MGA 1985! It’s moment like these that really sets in stone for me that I am actually Miss Gay America. Just really blows my mind at times to be honest…  The next weekend was business! Miss Gay Mississippi America was underway as well as the Mr. division. Loved getting to see Chris and Simba in action as I think they are an amazing team. We had 5 wonderful ladies for MGMA. At the end of the night Kendyll Michaels of Pensacola, FL was crowned Miss Gay Mississippi America 2022 and her 1st alt was Soy Queen from Columbus, OH. Congrats to Aubrey and Christian on an amazing year! I also got to see Nicole DuBois MGA 2006 as she hosted. Talk about one of the most amazing hosts in the business. You will stay laughing! Thank you John Corey and Christian for having such an amazing prelim! Jackson always shows up and shows out for the programs!!!  The next weekend was a weekend of just shows and no prelims. I got to see a handful of my Miss Gay Louisiana America sisters Sylvia 1998, Victoria 2001, Santana 2014 and Kenli 2018 ! It had been months since I saw my drag mother Tori and that was an amazing visit as well. I got to perform with Roxie, Syria and Nikita London and it was an awesome weekend! Thank you Bolt Lafayette and Splash Baton Rouge for an amazing weekend of homosexual programs!  The next week it was back to official Miss Gay America business. Miss Gay Texas America was here and we had 13 amazing girls. Todd, Dessie and the staff did an incredible job running this prelim! Just wow! At the end of a long week Kylee O’Hara was crowned Miss Gay Texas America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Danielle Whitney! Both of these ladies I know will make Texas VERY proud at Miss Gay America in 2023!!  On the way back from Dallas I made a pit stop in Shreveport, LA and did the show with the ladies of Central Station. I was the fill-in host and it was a large time !!! The dressing room fun there is probably some of my favorites of all times. Getting to perform with my long time sisters Jade, Estara and Mya was an amazing time!!! Thank you Shreveport/Central Station for all of the love. Miss Gay America will be back soon! The next week was very special to me. That Friday I got to perform/judge for our local Drag Idol contest. This is a contest that is a week by week competition in which the contestants are given a theme and have to perform that theme. This was my very first drag competition ever and I won it 13 years ago. It literally was my start in anything “pageant related” and truly did shape me to be who I am today and taught me so much at such a young age. It was very full circle for me as I was wearing the MGA crown and holding my Drag Idol crown from 13 years ago. Never in a million years would I have thought back then that all of this would have ever happened to me. Thank you Bo, David and the staff at Pink for an awesome night. So happy I got to see so many of my sisters/forevers there. Congrats to Stassi Black on your win as Miss Drag Idol 2022!!!!  The next morning started VERY early. I do not think I even slept. I was en route for the Entertainer of the Year contest in Louisville, KY!! I got to room with Nadine Hughes the reigning All American Goddess At Large so you KNOW we cut up! Thank you EOY for allowing me to do the national walk as I feel it is incredibly important not only to show visibility but unity within our pageant systems. Congrats to my very good sister Paris Campbell on an amazing year and a HUGE congrats to the new Entertainer of The Year Shontelle Sparkles  Well friends, that is a wrap for July 2022!!!
August will be a busy one!!! Catch me in one of your cities!!! I will have personal gigs in Baton Rouge, LA but this month we will have TONS of prelims! Miss Gay Arkansas, Southwest, Eastern States and North Carolina!!! 8 More girls will be MGA bound!!!! June kicked off Pride month! As a community, we have so much to be thankful for. We truly stand on the shoulders of the champions that came before us and paved the way for us. Be proud of who you are. You are special. You are a treasure and you are so very unique. The beginning of the month started off with a bang in my hometown of Monroe, LA for Miss Gay Southern Elegance America 2022! That Friday night we had our kick-off show that had myself, Sasha Leigh Chambers MGSEA 2019, Chi Chi Rae Colby MGSEA 2014 as well as Miss Gay United States 2012 Taylor Madison Monroe. It was an amazing show with these ladies ! The next morning it was pageant day and had 4 lovely contestants! Joining us that night to entertain was Miss Gay Louisiana America 2021 Bubblez Alexander, MGSEA 2016 Trixie LaRue, Mr. Gay Louisiana America 2018 Taylor Made and Miss Gay America 2013 Sally Sparkles who won MGSEA 2009. At the end of a close battle that night, Aubrey Sinclaire was crowned Miss Gay Southern Elegance America and 1st alternate was Fancy Rae Douglas. The charity of choice by David Green was Go-Care, a local organization that assists with free HIV/STD testing in our area and we donated 122.00 to them! Thank you David and the staff at Club Pink for hosting us for this amazing weekend.  That next morning I headed down to Alexandria, LA for their Pride weekend finale! It was called the Eat-Pray-Slay Gospel drag dinner so you can imagine how much of an amazing time it was. These Pride events always are so remarkable to me. Seeing so many people of all ages truly makes my heart happy. A trip to Alexandria is never complete without stopping by Mama Janika Weathers house for a nice meal. That lady can throw down ! Thank you Laronna, DC and Cenla Pride for having me for this wonderful event !  My next pit stop was Louisville, KY for the All American Goddess/Gent weekend. SIDE BAR : This city is very special to me even though I have not been back in 14 years. One of my personal accomplishments as a vocalist took place here. For many years I was selected to be a tenor in the National Honor Choir for the American Choral Directors Association. My senior year was held in Louisville, KY. What made it so special was that I was hand picked(did not audition) to be the featured soloist that year for one of our pieces. A HUGE congrats goes out to Mykul, Lindsay and Olivia on having an incredible year. You 3 have always been so supportive of me and my dream and I am so happy I got to see an amazing year come full circle. Congrats to Nikki and the staff of the pageant for putting on a stellar event and allowing Miss Gay America to be there and celebrate! And last but certainly not least to the new court Jovan, Nadine and Kamaree congrats on your win! You all did an EXCEPTIONAL job! It is always such an amazing time with my partner in crime Jack Nielson!  Atlanta, GA was the next stop for Miss Gay America for Southern America weekend. I arrived and then immediately started jumping into drag to take part in the nighttime events for the Mr. Gay Southern America contest. It was amazing seeing Mr. Gay America Chris Johnson in his element and he killed it! The next day was for me and the girls! It was pageant day for Miss Gay Southern America 2022. The ladies that showed up are no strangers to the Miss Gay America stage. This prelim was very special to me as I got to share it with someone that really had a remarkable showing at Miss Gay America and that was my 1st runner up Shelita. For the 1st time in MGA history 2 “big girls” ended up being the top 2. That alone should tell you that all things are possible with hard work and dedication. At the end of the night Buff Faye was crowned Miss Gay Southern America and her 1st alternate was Sasha Leigh Chambers. Monica Mitchells and her staff truly went above and beyond to ensure that this contest ran smoothly. The charity of choice was Lost and Found youth and through my ballad number I was able to raise a total of 137.00 for this wonderful organization! We got to see some amazing places that day before I flew out which really does make you enjoy the city even more.  That following weekend I was headed to Phoenix, AZ for Arizona and Western States America weekend! The promoter Daniel Eckstrom picked me up from the airport and as always it is good catching up with him. That night we got to have a Miss Gay Arizona and Miss Gay America review show at Charlie’s Phoenix! It was so amazing getting to see so many of my sisters. The next morning was all business as we started registration and interviews for Arizona America. Ten wonderful ladies applied for this job. That night we did another review at Charlie’s Phoenix and what amazing time yet again. Saturday night rolls around and we had all of the onstage categories of competition. At the end of the night Janee Starr was crowned Miss Gay Arizona America and her 1st alt was Princess Prozac. Thank you Sicarya Seville for a tremendous year as MGAA 2021!!  Sunday came and yet again all systems are go for Miss Gay Western States America. This pageant has always had a special place in my heart as I did get the chance to represent them as 1st alt in 2018 at Miss Gay America 2019! We had 5 wonderful ladies there to apply for the job. Barbra Seville was crowned Miss Gay Western States America and her 1st alt was Olivia Gardens! Congrats Tatiyanna Voche on an amazing year as MGWSA 2021!! After a long weekend of drag, 4 ladies are now in the Eckstrom roster for Miss Gay America 2023! Thank you Daniel and Nick for an amazing weekend !  That truly wrapped up a very busy month for me. While the job is exhausting and tiring I would not trade this experience for anything. I can’t believe I am almost half way over. Time is truly flying.
In July, we will be having Miss Gay Mississippi America in Jackson, MS as well as Miss Gay Texas America in Dallas, TX! I will also be in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and lastly Louisville, KY for the National Entertainer of the Year FI contest! ****Each column I want to bring up discussions or topics I feel need addressing. This can be anything from category questions/uncertainty to things that may not necessarily be in a handbook but a “good to know”**** ADMIN POINTS-GIVING AWAY YOUR HARD EARNED POINTS Make sure, ladies, that everything you can control IS controlled. Time check/roll calls, submission of music/application, prop set up/tear down etc. These are things that have NOTHING to do with the points you are rewarded by a judges panel. Do not give ANY points away. I know right off the bat that MGA has been determined by 9 points as well as 10 points in some recent years. Again no room for error on things that are within your control. I cannot stress this enough. Also make sure that you and your team are ALWAYS well behaved regardless of the outcome of a contest. Remember they are a reflection of you. The month started off in New Orleans to celebrate the birthday of my friend Bradley Latham! The audience was so fun and engaged the whole time. It was an amazing day full of rain at first and was beautiful after. The brunch was an absolute blast with Bradley, Karli and Ka’Miyah! I am excited to brunch it up again. On the way down to New Orleans I found out some really terrible news. Naomi Judd lost her life. I was pretty upset about this. Wynonna has been a HUGE part of my success as a female impersonator as well as my pageant journey. While I have only performed as Wynonna I do perform lots of Judds music in my shows like hits such as “Have Mercy” and “ I know where I’m going” The tragic loss of Naomi really made me appreciate the music even more. I was fortunate enough at Miss Gay America 2016 to win overall Solo Talent doing “Love can build a bridge” I will always think of Naomi and her family forever when I perform their music. All the emotional stuff about the Judds has a reason for this next part of my column. The Reba Douglas Jubilee was the next stop after the brunch. Reba and her show always have had a way of making me feel so loved and I know that my drag has a place there. The very first time I performed in this show I brought a Wynonna number and Reba was always a Judds fan. We immediately bonded over their music many years ago. Judd music really becomes the anthem of our show when I am there with them. Everytime I think of the Judds/ Wynonna I will always think of Reba. I am sure we all have that certain song or artist that instantly connects you to someone or something. Amber Douglas was also present for the show and made the dressing room the good ole fun it always is. We closed the show in honor of Naomi doing a medley of Judds music. RIP Naomi ! You will be missed. The next weekend I was en route to Florida. Pensacola was my destination for the weekend and I got to perform at the Cabaret. It is a beautiful venue in the downtown area of Pensacola. I got to perform with the king of the south himself Spikey Van Dikey and also got to meet a new friend Kendall Michaels. I really have been wanting to perform there for a while but COVID-19 and life happened so it shuffled the madness around. I got to meet up with my high school sidekick Jessica for lunch and then their gang came to see me crossdress that night. Lauren Mitchell was gracious enough to open her home up to me all weekend and had me a fabulous guest room with all kinds of goodies like skin care products and perfume ! If you ever stay with Lauren please be advised that she has a jewelry addiction. I thought Tiffany Alexander was bad until I saw Lauren’s! A huge thank you to Entertainer of the Year 2007 Dee Ranged for having me with the cast that week! Dee is the one of the funniest people you will ever meet. If you are ever in the area please make your way to their bar and support the show. You will not be disappointed ! After a miserable 6 hours drive home it was off to a very busy work week at my day job. Friday night I was en route to Washington DC for Miss Gay DC America. The promoter Robert York had a wonderful weekend planned! Saturday morning I was off to the WHITE HOUSE yes you read that right the WHITE HOUSE !!!! I got to tour with the incredible Nina West. Never in a million years would I have even imagined that I would get to see the White House but let alone enter it and tour it. This was even more special to do it as Miss Gay America.  After the White House was over it was pageant time ! We had one contestant show up to compete and that was Tatiyanna Voche ! People asked how will it be a pageant? Well she went through all phases of competition and executed as if there were other people in the pageant with her and got a critique session after. She was crowned Miss Gay DC America and is now on her way to Miss Gay America.  It was back home for some work and then to Austin, TX. My good friend Nadine Hughes had me for her give up at Miss Gay Austin America. Fancy Rae Douglas , Miss Gay Excelsior picked me up from the aitport and we had lunch with a gang of Texas America friends. I got to see so many folks in the Texas America family that I adore. MGTA 2017 Violet, MGTA 2012 Kara and MGTA 2014 Dessie got to be part of the reindeer games and it was a blast ! Both contestants did an amazing job and I so excited to see what Team Austin has planned for Miss Gay Texas America in July. Thank you Nadine and Rain on 4th for an amazing night.  The next stop was Dallas, TX for our sister pageant Miss Gay USofA !!! Me and my friend Jimmy got there in time to see the last night of prelims at the Rose Room. The next night was finals and I cannot even begin to explain the feeling of getting to do the national walk as Miss Gay America at Miss Gay USofA. I have always admired this contest as Jerry opened so many doors for so many different types of entertainers. The USofA family is always so welcoming to me. Thank you Jenna, Scott and the USofA family for inviting Miss Gay America to be part of your wonderful contest. Congrulations to Tonica Cavalli, the new Miss Gay USofA !! As always there was a fabulous Saturday lunch with MGA 2001 Charity Case and her husband Jimmy. A HUGE shout out to my sister MGA 2013 Sally Sparkles for letting me crash at her place. It always fun to go to her house and look at her trophy cabinet with her Miss Gay America crown/memorabilia. I also got to stop by the Dallas Love Field airport and took pics with the statue that Norman got inspiration from when he created the “Symbol of Excellence” This was a moment I tell you !     Miss Gay America prelims that will be held in June are:
Miss Gay Southern Elegance America 2022-Monroe, LA-June 4 Miss Gay Southern America 2022-Atlanta, GA-June 18 Miss Gay Arizona America 2022 - Phoenix, AZ-June 25 Miss Gay Western States America 2022-Phoenix, AZ- June 26 ****Each column I want to bring up discussions or topics I feel need addressing. This can be anything from category questions/uncertainty to things that may not necessarily be in a handbook but a “good to know”**** I want to take a moment to talk about tickets to the big dance. As we know each and every pageant is different with who you are competing against and who is judging. This year is looking to be another stellar year most especially at the national level. Contestants if you are reading this I want you to plan accordingly. Competing early and trying to get a ticket earlier is better. Why? What if the later prelim you picked in the season did not go as planned? What if you would have done an earlier one with less girls? The year Pattaya won MGA I had to do 2 prelims that year to get to Miss Gay America and got 1st alternate to her. Glad I did another prelim. Each year this pageant I feel gets harder and harder to win. With this in mind I went into this past season with that plan in mind. What if the prelim I truly have my heart set on does not go as planned? What will my “insurance plan” be for me to secure a ticket? Pre-Covid shut down in March 2022 I did New York America. My Miss Gay America 2022 package had already been underway and in the works. I was not successful in getting a ticket. I was still on pace with MGA prep. Covid shuts the pageant world down and immediately once lifted I was on board for Western States America. This was not my lucky stop either. The week after Western States America I picked up my last pieces of wardrobe for the national level but still no ticket. Lastly, I went to Diamond America and secured a ticket. I did 3 prelims the year I won Miss Gay America. Do not get discouraged if you are told ‘No” at one prelim. Dust it off and give them hell again. I had a goal and that was to be Miss Gay America and nothing was going to keep me from it. I say all of this because if you wait longer and longer you may run the risk of missing your chance to the big dance. I strongly encourage you girls to think proactively as these prelims are going to be battles. Bring your A game and do NOT hold back at your prelims. None of you are playing. Safe does not win any longer !!! While April did not entail any flights and hotels it was still very eventful and busy. The first weekend was very special. I was contacted by one of the pageant directors from the Miss Louisiana Plus America pageant. This pageant has multiple divisions Ms, Mrs and Miss division which are specific to one's age. I was contacted to be a special guest/teacher at their pageant “boot camp”. I provided lots of insight and tips/tricks about my journey to the Miss Gay America crown. It was very special considering this pageant system was brought to life for plus size ladies to be able to compete in pageantry. It was a fun day filled with everyone’s stories, modeling in heels and pageant chit-chat ! Thank you Deidre for an amazing time with you and the ladies.  On that note, pageantry has been a part of my life for as long as I have been alive. Back in the 70s/80s my mother Deb was a promoter for various “little girls-to-teen” pageantry systems as well as the Louisiana USA. Deb also assisted some of these girls with piano lessons and voice lessons for the talent category for Miss Louisiana, a direct preliminary to the Miss America pageant. My oldest sister Dana was also a huge pageant queen growing up and during those same years as well. When I was old enough to walk around and dig into stuff as a baby I would always find my sisters old pageant dresses and wear them. No matter where they tried to hide them in the house I would always find them. So I can absolutely say that I have ALWAYS been a pageant queen and obsessed with it. There was a green one and a purple one that I was obsessed with. Funny how you fast-forward the years and I enter just as many if not more pageants than my sister. Little Rock was the next stop, not for MGA-related activities but for our sister system USofA. I was contacted and asked to be a judge for the MI, MI Classic and Diva divisions at the national level. I immediately took them up on this and was a fast YES. These MI and Divas contestants blew my mind. It was such an emotional rollercoaster having just accomplished my ultimate dream and to be on a judges panel hearing the stories and witnessing the incredible talent these contestants have. I am so blessed to have been part of this pageant. Thank you Victoria, Val and the USofA organization for an incredible weekend. I will see you all in May for the Miss Gay UsofA contest !  Another trip to south Louisiana was next. I kicked it off in Houma, LA at the club Androgyny. Years ago when I started competing the reigning Miss Gay Louisiana America was Bambi Bextor. I immediately became friends with her and her husband Clarence. Clarence for many years was persistent on me doing USofA At large and in 2017 I did and was Miss Gay Lousiana USofA at Large 2017 under him. I have always enjoyed my time in Houma and this time was no exception. The dressing room was a blast with the Ladi Phat Kat, Charai, Connie and Giselle Thank you Clarence and bar staff for making me feel welcome. I promise it will not be this long of a wait ever again. New Orleans, LA was next on my list. My first show of the day was at Bettys Bar and Bistro. It was an amazing show with Eliza, Mohka Montrese and Reba Douglas! Thank you Reba for always showing me a good time ! Then me and Mohka headed to our show at the Bourbon Pub. The show was stacked with AMAZING girls including former Miss Gay Louisiana USofAs Sarina and Britany, Karli, Ka’Miyah, Forever Miss Gay Louisiana America Tiffany and Mercedes, Mohka and Aubrey. One of the highlights of this show was looking in the audience and seeing Miss Gay Louisiana America 2011 in the audience Maybelline Maskara. It had been some time since I have seen her. She was truly a pivotal part in my journey to the MGLA crown. Thank you Aubrey and the Bourbon Pub for a fabulous show! The next weekend started with a small break from drag. I was not complaining. Each year in Monroe, LA my friend Jualea holds the “Unity Jam Session” This is a concert that is made up of all types of entertainers, musicians, vocalists, dancers etc. with all different types of lives/backgrounds. This event started last year and was a hit. It is a night that no matter who you are you are celebrated and accepted for who you are and what you are. Jualea and I met in college and have been good friends ever since. Fun fact : She was in my choir for talent this past year at Miss Gay America on the far right when watching my talent. It is always such a treat to be among such talented people. Thank you Jualea for always including me in this event each year.  The next night was back to crossdressing at one of my favorite places and that is Central Station in Shreveport, LA. This show always hits home as me and these performers have been friends my entire adult life. We have truly become a family and Shreveport always has a special place in my heart. Like Monroe, Shreveport is one of the smaller cities in Louisiana but full of dynamic talent. The community there LOVES drag and they always have a packed house. The dressing room was a blast with all of the girls. Two people that always make my Shreveport strips so special are Sarina Styles and her husband Brad. Sometimes we all get so lost in the make-up and lights but these two have truly become family to me. Brad was instrumental in my success at Miss Gay America this past year. He created all of the music/practice tracks for my choir for Miss Gay America. When I had this vision of what I wanted to do it seemed impossible. Brad made that happen and I am forever grateful that I got to do my final talent as Miss Gay America with a choir. Sarina and me have been thick as thieves since the day we met back in 2009 and actually reigned as Miss Louisianas together, America and USofA. She and love so many of the same things especially the Halloween movie franchise. Thank you Brad and Sarina for another wonderful weekend in Shreveport. Closing the month off I was headed down south again to you know where? New Orleans ! I did have to make a very important pit stop. I stopped to spend the night/have dinner with Miss Gay America 2005 Raquel Chevalier and her husband Chris.These two and I talked for hours and hours from real life stuff to Miss Gay America and more. Chris was actually a judge the year I won MGLA so I love when I have a full circle moment. When I first got involved with MGA I did tons of researching. When I say tons it was literally every bit of free time I had. I put the pieces together and found out that the last person to win Miss Gay America as a Louisiana resident was Raquel. My first time to compete at Miss Gay Louisiana America in 2010 and there she stood as head judge MGA 2005 Raquel Chevalier. I love that me and her share a bond….we are currently the only 2 girls to have ever been Miss Gay Louisiana America and Miss Gay America. I am so happy to watch my crowning and there you see Raquel jumping around happy.These are the moments I will always cherish. In the month of May Miss Gay America will be traveling to Pensacola, Washington DC, Austin, Dallas and Las Vegas !!! Hope to see you in one of these fabulous cities!  ****Each column I want to bring up discussions or topics I feel need addressing. This can be anything from category questions/uncertainty to things that may not necessarily be in a handbook but a “good to know”****
I wanted to touch base on some of tips and tricks that make it MUCH easier for me and I pack for each and every show. 1)travel size garment steamer-good for wardrobe as well as revamping a wig 2)pill case that has days of week-paint fake nails and save money since packs of nails can be pricey and store each finger in a designated day holder. 3)blow dryer-to help style hair/dry lash glue but more importantly to use as high pressure air flow in hot dressing room-try to find dryer with cool button/setting-LIFE SAVER 4)One heavy duty magnet placed in your bobby pin container. This way they never can be spilled all over dressing room. 5) wig stand-plant stand upside down from dollar store-usually around 3 bucks-GAME CHANGER 6)Small needle nose pliers in event a zipper is giving you trouble 7) Small lint roller for black wardrobe 8)Listerine tabs-so you can have fresh breath all night 9)baby wipes/make up wipes for cleaning your hands before you go out for your number 10)extension cord as some dressing rooms are very limited. 11) Back up copies of music-have it on flash drive as well as in email for easy access incase DJ had any hiccups March was an incredible month . I started it off in true Miss Gay America fashion. I packed my bags and was enroute to my first preliminary as Miss Gay America ! I arrived in Oklahoma City and was picked up by Jon Sanchez AKA Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2004 Adrianna. We had always known each other but I can definitely say that our 17 minute drive from the airport to the bar was one of the funniest conversations of my life! #wall LOL(inside joke) We arrived at the Living Room that was hosting the Miss Gay Oklahoma America review show. Headlining the show was Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2021 Azunique who was looking absolutely stunning. I got to meet some of the contestants that night and to see a handful of my Okalhoma sisters along with Miss Gay America 2020-2021 Patayya Hart. What I love is that they allowed contestants that had qualified for Oklahoma America the chance to be in the show. I got to hang out with David Pardue, Rob Morrison and Kelly Howell. One of my favorite parts of the night was getting to have a long conversation with MGOA 1983 Tillie Laine about Miss Gay America. This lady truly loves this system and has always been one of the people I am so grateful that the MGA pageant brought into my life. The next morning started bright and early and it was time for Miss Gay Oklahoma America! I was getting my clothes ready and just began to cry. I could not believe in just a few hours from that moment that I would be having my first contestants orientation. We arrived at Angels which is the venue that MGOA is always held at. There stood nine very eager and hungry contestants applying for the job to become the next Miss Gay Oklahoma America. The judges selected where Jon Sanchez/Adrianna MGOA 2004, Lil Nugg Mr. Gay USofA at Large, Pattaya Hart Miss Gay America 2020-2021, Paul Hall Mr. Gay Oklahoma United States and David Haygood. I loved seeing so many of my MGOA sisters: Shantel MGOA 2018, Alysha MGOA 2017,Carmen MGOA 2015, Roxie MGOA 2011, Londenn MGOA 2010,Lindsay MGOA 2007, Shantel MGOA 2009, Pure Chocolate MGOA 2005 and Adrienne MGOA 2008. At the end of the night the 1st alternate was Ariel Monroe, a first time competitor in the system and our new Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2022 is Gizele Monae. These two ladies really did set the bar high for Miss Gay America 2023. I was completely blown away. Thank you to the Oklahoma family for an incredible experience and perfect way to start off the preliminary season.  I had an early flight the next morning so literally after critique I had to repack, shower and get a nap in before heading to the airport. They do not joke when they state that it is an exhausting job to be Miss Gay America. When I got home I had to repack and head back to the airport four hours later to head to Evansville, IN for a benefit show. When I won back in January I was approached by Kurt with Esther Styles to see if I was interested in assisting with a benefit. This benefit was for Pastor Craig who is someone who lost his job as a pastor when he was part of an HBO television show that was deeply rooted in LGBTQ+ culture and it did not sit well with the church. I got to meet all of the entertainers throughout the day and it was an absolute blast! I got to meet up with our MGA videographer Versage and spend some time with her as well. I can not thank Kurt enough for an incredible weekend !! Thank you Mike and Rob for making this possible! I got to hang out once again with David Parude who brought his son along for the show as well as Forever Miss Gay Missouri America 2019 Vega and her husband Ryan. We had the best conversations about our journeys in drag and most especially what sparked our interest in the MGA system. These are the moments I cherish the most is that we get to make these intimate connections we all make together in this system. Thanks for the endless glasses of orange juice, Ryan LOL The next morning I headed back home to real life. That following weekend I made my way down to New Orleans for my round of shows. My mother and I stopped by Tami Tarmac and Paul Davis’ house and had a fabulous gumbo lunch. I had the best night out that Saturday and ate the best seafood I have ever put in my mouth. Then, Sunday it was time for one of my favorite shows: “The Reba Douglas Jubilee” at Betty’s Bistro. If you have never been to this show, I encourage you to put it on your bucket list of things to do when you go to New Orleans. I rounded out the weekend with my show at the Bourbon Pub and Parade and got to see so many familiar faces in the audience. And you guessed it…..tears again when I did my ballad. Most especially getting introduced by Tiffany MGLA Emeritus and then seeing Gia Giavanni in the audience really struck home for me. Gia was a competitor the first year I did MGLA and just to see her there made my heart happy. To be on that legendary stage finally as Miss Gay America was a full circle moment. The Bourbon Pub to me is still THE stage to be on in our great state of Louisiana. It was a phenomenal weekend full of laughs and tears. I got to reconnect with my Miss Gay Louisiana USofA At Large sister Maraj and Amber Douglas who always keeps me in stiches. Thank you Aubrey and Reba for an amazing weekend! The next pit stop was my official Miss Gay America orientation in Ft. Lauderdale, FL with the bossmen. Me and Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love were met by Michael and Rob at the airport and it was such a long day/late night we crashed. The next day was all business. David Pardue also joined in on the reindeer games and the official Miss Gay America orientation was underway! This was another surreal moment. By the end of my year you all may get tired of hearing that word. The day was filled with going over the rules and regulations of the contest as well as different things that may come up during your year as Miss Gay America. For any contestant that is interested in competing I promise you if you read all of your rules and regulations they all have a reason as to why they are in the rules. We got to spend lots of time together all chatting about not only our involvement in drag but about life in general. It was a wonderful weekend of food, swimming and bonding. Michael and Rob are two of the most open minded and genuine people I know. I can not thank them enough for allowing us to have this incredible platform. The Miss Gay America pageant system is so proud to have you both as the owners and for continuing the legacy not only as the reigning but also as one of your contestants for many years. The next week I was off to Kansas City, MO for my 2nd preliminary: Miss Gay Missouri America. Throughout my years of competing, I have always admired this pageant because of the rich history. Missouri is one of the oldest preliminaries in the country and everyone involved takes this pageant very seriously. I consider them as “MGA Stomping Ground” for consistently producing many successful entertainers in the art form of female impersonation. I can not even begin to explain to you how many tapes/videos I have watched and the time I have dedicated to watching forever MGMAs like Charity, Dieta, Tumara and Kathy. We had 21 fantastic contestants applying for the job to become the next Miss Gay Missouri America. Our judges selected were Korey Childs, Reba Lampkey, Madison Elise MGMA 2011, Marty Newman and Ryan James. The review show was so much fun sharing laughs with all of the forevers. Just wow! I cannot say enough how proud of Trixie LaRue I am. She completely changed the game and was a contestants’ titleholder. She selflessly gave her all this year and not only did Missouri celebrate her but the entire country did as well. A special shout out to all of the contestants for helping each other through the year at benefits and showing support. At the end of the week Tajma Stetson was crowned Miss Gay Missouri America 2022 and her 1st alternate was Misty Meanor. These two ladies will have a wonderful showing at MGA 2023 ! Yall are in for a real treat. Just you wait ! Thank you Jade, Lexxus, Sparkle, Tabbi, Regina and Adria for running an amazing preliminary. I had the best time that next morning on the way to the airport with Melinda and her husband Kirk. Both have been involved with this pageant for a long time. I always love listening to the stories of those that paved the way for us and how much drag has changed over the years. Missouri America was a success !!  That wraps up March ! Four contestants have now qualified for Miss Gay America 2023 !
Some of my stops for the month of April will be Little Rock, Houma, New Orleans, Monroe and Shreveport. Prelims will resume hot and heavy come June !! ****Each column I want to bring up discussions or topics I feel need addressing. This can be anything from category questions/uncertainty to things that may not necessarily be in a handbook but a “good to know”**** Some people have been questioning how in the world did you do a prelim before having your official orientation. I was crowned on January 20th and Oklahoma America was March 3rd. If you have read the job duties for which you are applying for it is not as hard as you think. It also helps if you have experience and I will explain. Back in August of 2012, I was fortunate enough to win Miss Gay Louisiana America. During my reign I oversaw 9 city preliminaries that included contestant orientations, judges orientations, score auditing and making sure that critiques ran smooth. The job duties of Miss Gay America are consistent with those of being a state title holder in the system. That is the beauty about the consistency and structure that the America system has. I feel that being a former Miss Gay Louisiana America really did assist me on making sure my first prelim as Miss Gay America ran smoothly! This by no means indicates that you have to or need to do a state pageant or win it. But if there are girls out there that are wanting to become Miss Gay America I wholeheartedly encourage you to make your 1st pit stop at a state pageant. This will teach you the majority of fundamentals you will need to be an effective Miss Gay America the moment the crown is placed on your head. |
AuthorFrom the Desk of Dextaci, Miss Gay America 2022 Archives
January 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed
