Miss Gay America
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  • Home
  • About MGA
  • MGA 2023
    • Contestant Presentation Requirements
  • PAGEANT
  • Qualified Contestants
  • Preliminaries
  • The Excellence
    • Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It
  • MGAZINE (blog)
  • Promoters Portal
  • Forever Miss Gay Americas
  • The Excellence Foundation
  • In Memoriam
  • MGA Store
  • Contact Us
  • Social Media Links
  • Mr Gay America
"Where Boys Are Boys and Female Impersonation is an Art"

Column 7- Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It!!!

8/1/2022

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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!


 
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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…
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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!!!
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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!
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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!!
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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!!!!

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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
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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!!!! 


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Column 6- Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It!!!

6/30/2022

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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.
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​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 ! 
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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! 
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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.
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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!! 
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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 !
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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.

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Column 5- Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It!!!

6/1/2022

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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.

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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. 
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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.
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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 !
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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 !!!
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Column 4- Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It!!!

5/1/2022

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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. 
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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 ! ​
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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.
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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!
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****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
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Column 3- Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It!!!

4/1/2022

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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.
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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.
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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 !!
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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.
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Column 2- Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It!!!

3/8/2022

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The month of February started off with a bang! 

People say that the job starts when the crown is placed on your head but I feel the job starts the moment you sign up and step foot into your first Miss Gay America pageant at any level.

With that I feel that preparation and being ready to hit the ground running is one of the most crucial parts in being an effective Miss Gay America. The first order of business was to get a promotional photograph done and out as soon as possible and to make contact with as many promoters as possible. My win occurred on a Thursday night so me and my drag daughter Savannah found ourselves on that Sunday night shooting my first promotional photograph. Sitting in the mirror painting I just kept thinking to myself that this will be a photograph that will follow me and be etched into the history books forever. This will be on the website and Facebook page for all of the world to see. It is moments like this when the emotions really hit hard for me as I have been in love with the Miss Gay America pageant system from the moment I learned what it was and here I am finally getting to embark on my journey. I remember being a young, eager young man memorizing the names and year of each Miss Gay America on the website and here I am not FINALLY getting to have my picture added to the legacy. Thank you Ansell, Taylor and Gerard for assisting us with the photo session !!



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One of my favorite parts about the Miss Gay America pageant is getting to learn the men behind the make-up. I got to do a good bit of interviews including one with my local newspaper and news channel which was really fun. One of my favorite interviews was with the RuPaul Drag Race superstar Ginger Minj! She is the real deal and was genuinely interested in what all Miss Gay America stands for. Thank you Ginger!

The night that I won Miss Gay America my mind was really racing with one thing. That one thing was where in the world am I going to have my first walk? I was asked by the pageant promoter for the Miss Gay Louisiana America system David Green if i would like to have my first walk there. I immediately took him up on this as being able to do my first walk here at home would be so special. What made this night so special was that this was the actual bar I started doing drag in 2009 previously named Rhythms. As David announced “Welcome to the stage our Miss Gay America 2022…..Dextaci” I got goosebumps. This was a full circle moment from when this journey in female impersonation started many years ago. Thank you Bo, David, Pink staff and everyone who attended. That dressing room was a blast with Eliza, Taylor, Angelica and Savannah. A huge thank you to my friend Rodney for dressing me. 

That next week I wanted to get some more photos out of the way to have an assortment for the next few months. Savannah did an amazing job and I cannot wait to see these! Thank you Eliza and Ansell for being the dressing and light crew. Thank you Amanda Lyons, owner of Empire  Media and Management for always supporting me. 
​

The following weekend I made my way down to Lafayette, LA for some Mardi Gras fun. Since 2011 the Krewe of Apollo Lafayette has invited me to sing the national anthem at the bal. This is always an honor but even more so this time since I am now Miss Gay America.  I cried after it was over. It just really hit home for me. Lafayette has always felt like home to me for many reasons. My drag mother is from there as well as the queen that told me what Miss Gay America even was and why I should compete. The year that lead up to my win as Miss Gay Louisiana America 2012 I won my city prelim Miss Gay Lafayette America here. So many of my MGLA sisters are from that area that I  got to see: MGLA 2001 Victoria Valentine, 2014 Santana Savage, 2015 Delanie Valentine and 2018 Kenli Andrews. Thank you Lafayette for the best year yet! 

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The following weekend is always one of my favorite weekends of the year and that is Mardi Gras in Monroe, LA. People travel in from far and wide to attend the parade and it is always an amazing time. I got catch up with Miss Gay Arkansas America 2018 Chloe Jacobs and she is always a hoot! Miss Gay America 2015 Blair Williams was also in town for the festivites. My time with Blair was wonderful ! We celebrated, laughed and she even gave me alot of Miss Gay America travel tips. Lord knows the last thing I need to do is get to the airport and have to throw out a wig. 

Well my friends that is about it. The month of March kicks off our Miss Gay America 2023 season. We ill crown a new Miss Gay Oklahoma America as well as Miss Gay Missouri !! Four lucky girls will get their tickets to the big dance.

****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”****
The beauty in competing for many years is that you become very observant in many ways. This truly allowed me to get to know contestants better, venues/bars better, supporters and promoters. Choosing your preliminary to qualify to the next level is one of the most critical parts of the competition process. There are many things as a contestant you need to consider. 
​

1st-BUDGET-ensure that you budget your money properly to determine your best plan of execution as early as possible. I always started and planned my new budget the moment a new Miss Gay America. Proactive is always the way to be! 

2nd-PHYSICAL LAYOUT-Make sure that when you are selecting gowns, talents etc. that you are taking into consideration ALL of the entire physical layout of your quest. For example if you are flying to a regional ask yourself these questions;
*how does this massive costume/prop get there? 
*can the venue even accommodate such a wardrobe/prop?
*is the dressing room big enough for my items/things?
*is the ease of props moving and dancers set up easy?
*if you are a live singer does a bar atmosphere fit the caliber of your talent or would an event center/theater work better?

Ask yourself these questions each time you manifest a concept. These things may seem weird to ask but it will allow you to find unique ways to think outside of the box and know how to withstand any cards you are dealt. 

3-PRIZE PACKAGE/PROMOTER-it is common knowledge that we spend way more out of our own pocket than a promoter gives us. DO NOT RELY ON PRIZE PACKAGE or a promoter to foot your bill. I have been in this boat a few times. Make sure that when you are brainstorming your package that you are NOT factoring in what a prize will or will not do. This way if the prize package/promoter falls through you are safe as you have your plan B in place. Think smarter not harder.
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Column 1 - Dextra ! Dextra ! Read All About it !!!

2/4/2022

3 Comments

 
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I cannot even begin to explain the incredible feeling it is to finally be Miss Gay America 2022. I have dreamed of this moment my entire adult life and it is finally here. 

This column will allow me to give you some of my background and my journey to the Miss Gay America crown.

​My monthly excellence column will be called “Dextra! Dextra! Read All about it !!”

My given name is Andrew but everyone calls me Dex. I am thirty-three years old and live in West Monroe, LA right across the bridge from Monroe, LA which is the original home of Delta airlines. Professionally, I work as a Quality Assurance Manager for a private collections company and by night I bring to life the illusion of Dextaci. 
​
Growing up I was heavily involved in choir, vocal and theater competitions. I was selected many times to be a member of district, state and national honor choirs from the years of 2002-2008. In the spring of 2008 I was a featured soloist for the American Choral Directors Association during their national convention. The highlight of my singing career was singing in Carnegie Hall in 2008. My love of music and performance is what really got me started in female impersonation. 

In this spring of 2009, Dextaci was born and started competing in local pageants. Miss Drag Idol and Miss Corner Bar really ignited my passion for professional pageantry. In 2010,I met a performer named Stephanie Stephens who told me what Miss Gay Louisiana America was as well as Miss Gay America. After becoming obsessed with the Pageant documentary, learning each one of these pages verbatim along with the history of both Miss Gay Louisiana America and Miss Gay America I was ready.  I started competing under the reign of Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrose and have competed at some level of Miss Gay America pageantry each year since then for 12 years.

It took me three attempts to win Miss Gay Louisiana America. That dream became a reality in 2012 and at Miss Gay America 2013 ,the America bug bit me hard. 

I am a former Miss Gay Southern Elegance America 2013, Miss Gay Gulf States America 2014, Miss Gay Southern States America 2015, Miss Gay Mid-America 2016 and Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic America 2019.

On January 20, my dream came true. I was crowned Miss Gay America 2022 as the reigning Miss Gay Diamond America 2021.
​
There are so many people to thank that got me here over these crazy ride : 
Deb Hart, my entire biological family, Trent Rogers, John Gilland, Marty Utter, Tori Taylor,Daron Ables, Karl Black,Jerry Laing, Tina Anzalone, Jimmy Gray, Micharles Gray, Ben Evans, Jim Hendrixson, Katie Anzalone, Dave Maxwell, The Corner Bar family, Delanie Valentine, Victoria Valentine, Dominque Delorean, Bambi Bextor, Clarence Denenea, Jordan Williams, Chance Dupree ,Terry Ford,David Green ,The Ladi Phat Kat, Hunta Downe, Vea Teasely, Robbie Patrick,Spencer Smith,Ed Spillmon, Ronda Spillmon, John Spillmon, Michelle Sullivan, Zoe Valentine,Dottie Grice,John Booth,Blake Hagan ,Alisa Nelson,Sasha Black,Michael Freeman,Charlie Bass,Maxie Lonadier ,Athena Campbell, StormiRayne, Maybelline Maskara, Paul Davis ,Tami Tarmac,Charity Case ,Jimmy Bogle ,MGLA SISTERHOOD,Sally Sparkles,Hollie Day,Wesley Winnon ,Renee Roberts ,Santana Savage, Kenli Andrew ,Ben Boudreaux, Lakari Fontenot,Roxie Black ,Jade Summers,Cassidy St. James, Roy LeCompte, Jack Nielson ,Athena Sinclaire, Mary Hern,Taylor Michaels ,Gerard Babin, Daniel Eckstrom ,Nick Ray,Thomas John,Heath Barnes,Betty Thomas,Sarina Styles,Brad McCollum, Aubrey Sinclaire, Reba Douglas,Patrice Turner, Treyvin Aucoin ,Lake Area Independent Winterguard, Mallory Thornton , Joli Neal ,Kelsey East, Rodney Smetak, Jualea Hayes, Clayton McCarty Judy McCarty, Eric Gabbard, Nick Amsbaugh, David Robins…..and if my mind forgot anyone I truly apologize !!! 
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****NOW LETS GO DOWN TO BUSINESS****
As we all know, the reigning Miss Gay America is allowed to select the theme for the year that she relinquishes and crowns a new Miss Gay America.
Presentation scared me for a long time for many reasons. The first being that I was a great competitor in the solo talent category so the thought of something going away “talent” based and something being added “fashion” wise did not sit well with me. 2nd being that the reigning Miss Gay America can select any theme and we are just stuck with it. No way around it and it is what it is. Some themes were much easier than others and then others were difficult for me to conceive an idea on. With this I wanted to have a meaningful theme that is true to me BUT also allow the contestant to have a much more broad way to express themselves. 

My theme is Dream in Color……yes the famous old drag classic ballad by Regina Belle.

Very similar to Pattaya this will work on a first qualify basis in order of the preliminary. For example the ticket holders for Oklahoma America will have first dibs before Missouri tickets holders. 

Each qualified contestant will choose a color from the following for their presentation:
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.

Now you are probably thinking with only 6 colors and 40 girls how will this work or be creative ?

Well here’s how it is mapped out…..
If there are 60 contestants…..we will have 10 red slots, 10 orange slots, 10 yellow etc…….
If there are 36 contestant we will have 6 red,6 orange, 6 yellow….

You will provide me with your color during your critique session at your prelim, this way you have complete control over your time management over you color of choice and can hit the ground running creatively for the national completion.

I will keep tabs and post publicly on how many of each color have been taken….this way…..if you are getting close to your prelim and you see all the reds are taken then you know what colors you are left with.

When you get/select your color you have complete creative control…..you portray to us how YOU dream in that color. For example if you are red you can range from anything being a coke can to a HIV/AIDs awareness ribbon….purple could even be a Prince purple rain costume. The possibilities are truly endless. You can go all out for this.

Your costume should be 90% of the color you chose. However, accent colors can be used to get point across…….like if you are red and doing a stop sign…..red is the primary color and the white letters are accenting. 

You must stick to the primary version of the color……no light/neons of that color or variations. If you are purple you cannot do fuchsia. If you are blue you can not be baby blue . 

Well friends, I think that sums it up for now. I am so excited to come to your states and cities throughout my year. I am so humbled and appreciative of this opportunity. As Miss Gay America I will work than in hand with Michael and Rob to ensure that this pageant season is on for the books. Next month will be a busy one as we kick off preliminary season with Miss Gay Oklahoma America. I will be traveling to Oklahoma, Indiana, New Orleans and Missouri. 

Until next time….
​
Keep singing!!
Dextaci
Miss Gay America 2022
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