Column 11- Dextra! Dextra! Read All About It!!!

While November wrapped up the prelims it was still very busy with lots of planning and preparations that go into the national contest. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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!!