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October 2008 Edition Of
"The Excellence"
Mikaila's
Mirror
 Well
it is almost that time, "with a week before the pageant, I was practicing
my talent, brushing up on current events and running about 10 miles a day...I
was ready" …story of my life.
I
will say that the last three prelims really impressed me and made me feel at
ease going into the final stretch of the year. Miss
Gay Texas was held at The Rose Room in
Dallas
, a stage home to many National title holders. It was such an honor to be
there and make part of history. The promoters, Michael and Richard did an
outstanding job and I commend them on a great pageant. They had quite a few
rocks thrown at them this year, yet they rose above and made it a great turn
out. It was so great to finally get to meet another former sister I had not
gotten to work with yet, Valerie Lohr-Miss Gay America 1991. She was so funny
and personable… a true gem. I also got to see my first alternate again, Miss
Layla La Rue which she never ceases to amaze me with her beauty and elegance.
After a quick three days, we crowned our new Miss Gay Texas America, Sally
Sparkles, She was a returning new comer to Miss Texas and did an amazing job NOT
to mention I think she lives and breathes rainbows, as she is so perky and
animated… she'll do a great job. Her first alternate has now been appointed
Jelitza Fierce. I met her in
Florida
and she was a delight. They both will do a great job at Miss Gay America.
I
was the, whisked back to
Kansas City
for Miss Tri- States next with Miss Reba and the Fabulous Crew at Tootsies. We
had a great turn out and all three contestants did a great job. I became even
more domestic when Reba was taking pictures of me operating the vacuum and
cleaning mirrors in the dressing room, But as I did all year, anything to help
out and set up… We did however deal with some horrible weather that night…
sort of monsoon like, but the gays still showed up. In the end we crowned Shawn
Tyler Andrews, our new
Miss Gay Tri- States
America
. I look forward to seeing what he's going to do… he reminds me of quite a few
people in the realm of drag LOL. His first alternate is a
lovely young lady from
Missouri
, Deja Brooks. She too, was a delight to get to see again I wish them both the
best of luck at Miss Gay America. Congrats again to Reba, for an amazing job.
She too had to overcome a few obstacles along the way this year. We missed
Symphony Alexander, as she was unable to return to step down but she was there
with us in spirit. She also is returning to Miss Gay America as the first
alternate to Miss Gay Ohio
America
…best of luck boo.
The
one of the most talked about pageants, Miss Gay Mid East America was my last
stop on the prelim adventures. Congrats to Mike Rhinehart on a job well done and
to the staff and management at Night Owls. We had a great time and made my last
prelim memorable. In the end we crowned Coti Collins-Miss Gay Mid East America
and her first alternate Alyssa Edwards. I’m so proud of them both. It was a
very close pageant and they both did and amazing job… KUDOS, girls. The last
prelim was a little sad but I knew it was just another stepping stone to the big
picture, Thank you to my sisters Nicole and Mya who also were on hand that
weekend. They kept me in the game and made me no “loose it”… like a
blubbering baby. But before I left we did a show at Scorpios and it turned out
to be a lot of fun. So, I again thank the Scorpio and Tiffany Storm, along
with the staff and Management.
Well
the year is done. In a week, we will be crowning our next Miss Gay America 2009.
I honestly can't believe how quickly a year goes by… Then, once you get into
the swing of things, it passes before your eyes. I have been through a lot this
year, with being really sick and having to rise above a lot of negative issues.
But I can honestly say it has made me nothing but stronger. I didn't expect to
win Miss Gay America but I was picked to be the next "IT" girl and I
will say that I have become a better and stronger performer. I have more
patience now and I have learned that being humble is one of the best things in
life. If you put your best foot forward and stick to the rules, you can achieve
anything. The journey is what you make of it… It is not set in stone what you
will become or who you have to be like, as many people may think. Larry and
Terry have continued to make this one of the most prestigious titles in the
world of female impersonation. I am so honored and grateful to have had this
opportunity this past year to meet so many wonderful people who I will hold near
to my heart for a long time. Friendships that I made, that will continue to grow
and prosper for many years. Not to mention, I will always be a Miss Gay America
and be able to go back for years to come. I will continue a tradition of making
history with the former Miss Americas as we crown our new sister year after
year. Many people have asked if I am sad to be giving it up… I say, I am
sad… it’s a once in a lifetime journey and experience, and it is what you
make of it. But this is only a
stepping stone… it is not the end for me.
I
have been so proud of all of the Contestants this past year. Many of them have
grown and changed and I am so excited to see what they all have to offer at Miss
Gay America this year. They listened to their critiques and the Judges advice at
their prelims. Ultimately, the Judges will
help you the most. They are there to point out your flaws and make sure you fix,
the little things that other sets of eyes might not see. The judges have been
hand picked and have a tough job ahead of them, this next few days. The system
has been trying to change as far as the typical gown, typical hair and talent
with back-up dancers. I think this year, I helped make that change. I
did my talent alone, as did Luscious and Nicole. Granted, I wore a Coco Vega
gown, but it wasn’t the typical CoCo Vega. Fabric gowns are big right now in
the fashion world and runway world. So with that being said I think contestants
should bring fabric and beaded gowns… after all, its about how you model the
gown and how you look in the gown. Don’t let the gown wear you, YOU wear the
gown. Keep modeling simple yet elegant… make-up soft and hair clean and kept ,
whether it be an up or down style.
Some
things to keep an eye on: HEMS, LINERS, LIP SYNC, ENERGY AND OVERALL LOOK. You
have to think, is this best for me and am I happy with this look or this
package. Don't let other people try to lead you astray from the package you want
to bring if you don’t feel the joy and emotion…because then, you are going
the wrong way. The
America
system is not "cookie cutter"… it is what YOU make it. Be your self
and show people why you are a Miss Gay America. I had to do it... So, I ask you
the contestants to consider what you want to accomplish during your reign. Some
may only want to continue the great legacy and be only as good as those who wore
the crown, prior to him, but some also want to leave a mark on the title of Miss
Gay America…. a mark that no one, in your life time, will ever forget. Once
you are crowned, you have to become selfless…no, you cannot forget who you are
and what you do, but there are many, many others to consider, with your every
action, other than yourself. Your every word and deed must keep in mind, the
best interest of the Miss Gay America pageant system. Almost overnight, you will
have to become a mentor, pageant expert, guidance counselor, grief counselor,
pageant director, and administrator. If you notice, never, were the words
entertainer or beauty queen mentioned.
That
is because, just like L & T Entertainment, the world expects, at minimum, the
basics out of a Miss Gay America, which is to have the look and to have the
talent… the rest, is what the new Miss Gay America must prove, which is that
he is ready for the job and wants to do the job to the best of his ability.
Also, for the continuation of the “best of the best” in female
impersonation…. So contestants, before you arrive to St. Louis, in a few days,
you need to take some “me-time” and honestly ask yourself if you truly have
a basic understanding of the job requirements of a Miss Gay America… then ask
yourself one more question….Are you ready? Read over your hand books you
received from your promoters. If you didn't get one go on the Missgayamerica.com
website, to read my job duties, rules and the regulations that the Miss Gay
America must abide by.
My
best advice: Be yourself, have fun, network, and give your best. But most
importantly be well dressed everyday. Don't just roll out of bed because you
have been stoning all night long. Take the time to get your rest or nap during
the day and BE ON TIME… Be early for every meeting and role call and check in
time. Also keep your dresser with you almost at all times, as they are there to
help you and make you at ease. They need to be by your side, not in the audience
trying to find "trade". Those that are around you and help you, want
you to win so they know you need your rest, food and "you-time"… so
just keep that in mind, as they are there for you.
Lastly
in the end we can only crown one winner out of 50 young men vying for the title
Miss Gay America 2009. Be a gracious winner and a gracious non-winner. I would
say looser but NO ONE is a looser… you all deserve to be here and have worked
very hard to achieve what you have brought to the Nationals this year. Be humble
and greet the winner. If you don’t score as well as you think you should have
then, suck it up and cry in your room, throw a fit in your hotel room, car or
local parking lot. But DO NOT bring that to the stage, its unsportsmanlike and
just plain tacky. So best of luck to every young man this next coming week. Best
of luck to the judges and let’s crown our next representative for the next 365
days....
Much Love
Mikaila
Kay
Miss Gay America 2008
 From the desk of Larry & Terry
A Picture Says A Thousand Words………..
We have recently completed the Miss Gay America Souvenir Program… Next
to being able to witness the growth and satisfactory reign of the reigning Miss
Gay America, the completion of the Souvenir Program is most likely, one of the
most rewarding experiences of owning and operating the nation’s most
prestigious pageant for female impersonation. What a privilege it is, to
witness, behind the scenes, the growth, in only a year, the we are able to
witness… Each Miss Gay America, at the conclusion of their reign, under our
auspice, has certainly not been the same person, as when they were first crowned
Miss Gay America. We like to attribute the growth to two things…1)”The
School of Hard Knocks” and 2)The extensive training and coaching that we
provide to the new Miss Gay America. While it might seem, at times, that we are
being difficult, we hope that in many years to follow, those Miss Gay
America’s who served, under our leadership, can say that, by the conclusion of
their reign, they were better entertainers and administrators, than when they
were first crowned as the nation’s Symbol of Excellence…
The Miss Gay America Souvenir Program is a collectors item to many. In fact, we
were supporters of the Miss Gay America pageant system, long before we purchased
this system, and had collected many of the Souvenir Programs. It is very
interesting to see how technology has progressed, thereby the quality of each
Souvenir Program, certainly improves with each passing year. One of the most
difficult duties we experience, each year, is the countless hours spent to make
the Souvenir Program something that can make each of us proud. And this year, is
certainly no exception. Yes, we get frustrated with the “last minute” ads
received from promoters/ad purchasers and the “last minute” promotional
photos received from contestants but all things considered, when we sit down,
open the box of freshly printed Souvenir Programs,
and first review the finished product, we are filled with pride, to
realize that we have produced a quality product that ANYONE can see, is a work
of taste and professionalism… (which is the very thing that we demand from all
associated in this pageant system). There are many that become offended, when we
decline the submission of their ads and contestant photos however, the quality
we demand is the foundation needed, in order for this contest to continue to be
known as the “best of the best”.
The majority of the ads in the Souvenir Program, are of good quality... We wish
that we could say that about the promotional photos of ALL of the contestants.
Promoters are learning over time, that Microsoft Word and a Kodak camera, do not
always produce the highest quality ad… When
those who have submitted ads, will open the Souvenir Program, they should review
their ads with an unbiased eye, and compare their ad to the quality of the
others… and if found that the ad is less than that of the peers, then plans
should begin immediately, for improvements. While we return ads, if they are
substandard quality, we want to have each contest represented in the Souvenir
Program, so as a backup, our Souvenir Program manager, is able to produce a nice
ad… but the cost is not inexpensive. It takes literally, thousands of dollars
to produce a quality Souvenir Program and we attempt to keep our ad prices as
low as possible, but we cannot afford to absorb the cost to produce many ads in
the Souvenir Program, without increase in ad prices. Therefore, it is imperative
that Promoters, follow ad specifications, in order to ultimately, keep the
pricing of the ads at a minimum.
The overall quality of the contestants photos, for the Souvenir Program is
another story… It is difficult for us to understand that a contestant says
that their “goal in life” is to become Miss Gay America, yet they do not
display that they have the characteristics of a Miss Gay America… Being Miss
Gay America is many things, including attention to detail, and more often than
not, it begins with quality promotional photos that positively sells the
character to the nation. Promotional photos should be tasteful and should not
reinvent the wheel. While we receive many color photos, more often than not, the
photos are always printed in grayscale. Colors, that ordinarily stand out and
look great in color prints, tend to blend, when converted to grayscale. Photos
should sell the image of the contestant as being tasteful, glamorous and
classy… most often, is you satisfy the test of these three things, the other
things that we want to see in the photo i.e beauty, grace, poise, sophistication
and elegance will also be visible. Coincidentally, these words are a few of the
words we use to explain to our Judges, what we look for in a Miss Gay America
titleholder. We do not look for
photos filled with attitude… or backgrounds that distract from the subject of
the photo. Again, the photo should sell the contestant in a manner that will
portray a positive image… It sort of goes along with the old saying, “Class
attracts class… class breeds class and class IS class…” We hope that after
the Miss Gay America pageant has occurred, those who do not win the coveted
title, will regroup and work on the detail that caused them not to win… It is
all in the detail, as those who win Miss Gay America must be well rounded and
well versed…and that begins with a good reputation, both on-stage and
off-stage, including advertisement material…
We trust that each of you cherish the Souvenir Program, as much as we do. We are
proud to distribute the Souvenir Program, as representation of this contest…of
who we are. We want the world to know, that our form of pageantry for female
impersonation, is a tasteful form of entertainment that rewards those who excel
in their craft, and the Souvenir Program is one of many expectations we demand,
in order to pass the “public image” evaluation…
Until next time…
Larry and
Terry
From A
Former- Miss Gay America 1987- Blaze Starr
 To
the incredible group of young men who have been selected to compete for Miss Gay
America 2009:
As
you look around the room, you should realize that one of you will represent each
contestant that not only, who is sitting here, but every contestant that took
part in the Miss Gay America Program this past year. It's a big
responsibility, so be careful what you wish for...... it may come true.
This
legacy has become the training ground for individuals to learn, develop, educate
and understand the importance of preparing yourself in a structured, disciplined
and refined environment. The lessons and knowledge you absorb this
week will advance your abilities to perfect the craft of Female Impersonation
beyond belief. This art form takes a disciplined, intelligent and talented
individual to achieve the coveted title, Miss Gay America. It's one of the
few systems that prides itself in excellent interview skills.
This factor alone will continue to make you a success in every goal you strive
to accomplish, for the rest of your life. And for the one chosen at the
end of this intense, overwhelming week, life will change forever. Each one
will leave a better person for participating and giving it your ALL. The
friends you make, and ideas you share are going to blossom into life long
memories. They will comfort you when the struggles of life becomes taxing
and you need to find joy and happiness. Reminiscing these memories will warm
your heart and make you smile. Cherish every moment…
When the new Miss Gay America is chosen, you should give that person all the
support and encouragement possible. That person will be representing YOU,
so how you view yourself will be reflected in the way you treat them. They
will be added to the chain of remarkable individuals who have become the Symbol
of Excellence. A sorority of winners that are selected to represent
thousands in our community, make up the large network of Gay Entertainment, and
positive role models.
Miss Gay America must be strong, not bossy, encouraging not intimidating, a
negotiator not an agitator and always composed, never frustrated, and the
number one public relations representative for L & T Entertainment.
You are under contract with L & T Entertainment to always have their best
interest, as the top priority. You will only be successful if you work
hard and promote yourself everyway possible. Extend your hand to everyone where
ever you go, and learn to be humble. You will make a difference in
so many peoples' lives. You will be the focus of more love, admiration,
and attention than one can possibly imagine. No matter how tired,
frustrated and bewildered you become, you must do your very best and be proud
above all.
You will have one very special year that you will measure time by. Live
every moment to the fullest and be proud and grateful for this incredible Gift.
Always Proud to Be Part of the Family of MGA
Blaze Starr, MGA 1987
_________________________________________________________________
A
Thank You From
Miss Gay America 2008-Mikaila Kay...
Due
to the length (and space limitations of the Miss Gay America 2009 Souvenir
Program) of the thank-you's that MissGay America 2008-Mikaila Kay wanted to
convey, the original version of the "Thank You Letter" was edited for
print however, below is the complete version of the gratitude from Mikaila
Kay.
The
following are SOME of those that have made my year one to remember….
I
first of all would like to say a huge thank you to L& T Entertainment. From
the moment they first saw me in
Arizona
two years ago they told a few people that one day, I would most likely become a
Miss Gay America. They had faith in
me from the get go. They may have been a little nervous with me being so young
and new to the system but they put their trust in me. I hope I showed that I
have become the Symbol of Excellence that they expected me to be, as Miss Gay
America and made them proud…
A
big thank you to my “former” sisters. Nicole, for being there, for wiping,
my tears as I turned into a raccoon at crowning, being my shoulder to cry on and
our trips to the airport…Catia, for letting me know the best ways to make
positive in a negative situation and remain calm. Rachael, for always keeping me
smiling, checking on me and for sharing a room with me when I felt as if I was
dying.. You kept me company. Dominique, you kept me smiling and laughing at the
judges table with your quirky comments and nudges.
And, that the show must go on even if you’re broken, swollen
or hurt… Charity, you let me know it was ok to eat what I wanted
and that I needed to eat more. Raquel, although you weren’t able to be
there as much as you wanted I will never forget how loved you made me feel and
the wise advice you gave me. Thank you for caring so much and letting me know
it’s a dream to cherish. Patti, what can I say, you make the best pork chops I
have EVER eaten…Maya, all I can say is the new body rocked… And
you know how to have a good time …next time just don’t throw me into a wall
and be so rough! Sabrina…you can paint a mug in 10 minutes, I only wish I
could do that! I’m getting better… down to 30 minutes! Thanks for making
sure on those long nights, that you sent me the 4 am texts. Blaze Starr,
I will forever cherish the star bracelet you gave me. I’ll always have
a piece of one of my sisters with me. Thanks for believing in me… your energy
and smiling face made me laugh and shine even brighter. To those formers that I
might have left out, thank you for the emails, checking up on me and, for making
my moments memorable.
So
many promoters went above and beyond, to make me feel like part of the family.
Sobe Corduroy aka Brian, you always had a comment to make me laugh and who else
would go on 30ft scaffolding for you? Barry and Scott, thank you for having
gummi worms and M&M’s when you were at a prelim… Papa Blanc, (Mister
Roger)… you knew me before I was Miss
America
and formed a bond of girlfriends that I will cherish. You
made me feel loved even though you made me cry, my first year at MGA.
Daniel my promoter, roommate, and BEST FRIEND! Mister GAGA, I will always be
your first Miss Arizona America and second Miss
America
. You have been there by my side, in good and bad. You let me call you at 4 am
and listened when I needed a shoulder to cry on. You kept me sane and stuck by
me. Mike and Rodney, you had to see me at my worst and almost on my death bed.
You made sure I had what I needed, kept me going and made me feel special every
time I saw you both. You let me know that there were people thinking about me.
Brian Alexander, you’re so sweet and caring and I appreciate all you have done
to make my year and easy one. The whole Florida crew and show girls at
Parliament, thank you for all you did to make the whole week a blast and keeping
me entertained, the fried chicken was lovely and I got to see so many old
friends V, Asia Black, and make so many new friends. Zippy, you made me laugh
and always told me, “don’t be a hater”... now, put my business card back
up on your dash. The
Oklahoma
crew, you made me feel welcomed and took care of me. You showed me that
Oklahoma
is a sisterhood and will band together in great times and bad. Thanks for your
help and making my year memorable. Robert and Blake…for my first Fourth of
July in the Nation’s Capital and also my first tooth to be pulled all in one
week. You made me feel at home with the puppies and took care of me. You could
have sent me home but instead you took me in and nursed me back to health, not
to mention making my Fourth of July one to always remember. Michelle, we had a
blast in
Pennsylvania
and the Chinese buffet was the bomb….I love buffets! You let me know it never
hurts to dance your heart out then eat like your starved. Nick, Aaron and all
the
Ohio
Girls…another down home cooked meal and sisters that just are so close it
makes you wish every former was like that. Tumara, you have done so much this
year with helping with the table decorations and opening costumes for me. I am
so grateful for all your help. You always said “at the end of the day we are
boys in dresses and to let the small things roll off the shoulder” I will
always be grateful for all your help this year and making my step down one to
remember for the books! Michelle, from the Grey Foxx, thank you for all the help
in making my props and opening number, a dream come true and for keeping me
laughing in
Missouri
. You kept them alive, even off stage great job. Joe Bradley, you’ll always be
known as my picture guru. Thank you for all your help this year and the memories
that I can put in a frame! Spencer and Dennis, your dedication to the love of
female impersonation keeps everyone motivated. Even buff men can be pretty in
drag…Thank you to all the
Arkansas
formers.. Chris, my first time eating Gumbo and it was AWESOME! I had a great
time in
Louisiana
with you and I will continue to see you for many years to come along with my
sister Raquel. Much love to you! Tiffany Storm, and crew at Scorpios in
Charlotte
, thank you for making my trip a BLAST. You had the most formers and that shows
true dedication and how much hard work can go into getting formers to show
support 15 years down the road. You made me feel like your little brother.
Alexis…my country girl. I had a blast with you. You and Ken made me smile and
really kept me entertained. Connie Jo, thank you as well for putting me up in
your lovely home and letting me hang on the lake. Michael and Richard, my first
time in
Texas
as Miss
America
was a blast. The bar tour and getting to meet so many welcoming people, famous
names in the other systems and getting to show them what Miss America is really
all about was amazing. You took me in and treated me like a guest of honor and I
thank you so much. Reba, you know I love ya when I’m vacuuming the carpet and
smiling for the camera. I had a blast both times I got to see ya!
Mike Rhinehart, your one crazy cat and I’m glad you love Bojangles as
much as I do.
JR
and Jimmy, you guys have been there from the get go, you taught me to be myself
and never change for nobody. You helped me cut my first swirly costume and were
there when the haters wanted to get me down. Tatiyanna, Josie, Tia and all the
staff and crew at the Hippo… I know I can call Baltimore HOME! Barbra Seville
and all the Arizona Family Tori, Devina, Phaedra, Bunny, Pussy LeHoot, and
Claudia B. I would not be here had it not been for all of you. Backing me and
helping me become who I am today. Barbra, you dressed me and kept me calm, on my
toes and on time everyday. You held my hand and made me believe I could do
anything. You taught me to paint a hook eye and change my look… and now I love
it. I love you for all you do even if we fight. You’re my sister and my
friend. Mya Mckenzie., you have taught me so much about life and being a woman.
I don’t know how to thank you. To my mom, I love you and thank you for buying
my first evening gown when I ran for Miss Gay Arizona. You have been my rock so
many times, my number one fan and always by my side if not in person in spirit.
I love you, mom and thank you for giving me all the courage you have and
continuing to be a loving and special mom…Who else can say her son was Miss
Gay America and be so proud. And to
all the others, please know that although I didn’t mention you, I still am
forever grateful. I love you all!
Mikaila
Kay-Miss Gay America 2008
A Note From The Editor
The Excellence strives to be an informative newsletter delivered to the promoters,
contestants, audience and other supporters of the Miss Gay America Pageant System throughout the year. Should there be any issue or topic of discussion a promoter would like to see addressed (or to write an article to be published) in a future newsletter, please contact the editor via
Email.
Please note, any article, comments, or opinions faxed, mailed, (postal or electronics),
or otherwise sent to any of our "addresses" become our property and carry an implied consent of publication should we choose to do so. No articles will be published in which one or more of the following occurs:
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