"The Gatekeeper"
The dictionary defines, “gatekeeper” as one who monitors or oversees the actions of others… sadly enough in this pageant system, it seems as though much of the time spent by the national office is very similar to a gatekeeper.
We’ve spent countless hours working to provide instruments of guidance to those who choose to be part of this pageant system. Such instruments of guidance include but are not limited to:
1. The Promoters Handbook-that contains detail of mostly any and every thing that the world needs to know including:
a. Promoter Regulations
b. Contestant Regulations
c. Judges Expectations
d. Entertainer Regulation
e. Category Descriptions
f. Scoring Procedures
2. The Job Description Summary- which narrates much that a titleholder in this pageant system needs to know to successfully reign
3. The Contestant Application- that documents most everything a potential contestant needs to consider before entering a pageant in this pageant system (on all levels of competition)
For those who wish to become part of this incredible legacy that we call Miss Gay America, the rules are crystal clear… any gray areas are carefully considered but at the end of the day, circumstance reveals the truth that likewise provides clarity to any gray areas. More often than not, common sense, circumstance that is steered by a strong desire to make every decision to be in the best interest of this pageant system, then blended with the clear regulation prevails. Those who volunteer to be part of this pageant system, volunteer to agree and abide by the very regulation that keeps each of us disciplined. Those who don’t will likely suffer the consequence of a “lower than preferred” placement or in some cases administrative sanction(s).
Usually, once this national office makes a decision that may not be so transparent and popular with the masses, the social media “protest” commences. And as usual, those who voice opinion are most always misinformed of information that is usually best kept between this national office and those DIRECTLY involved. While the decision of this national office may not be understood at the time of such decision, more often than not, those involved in such decision will eventually reveal their “true colors”, and the world then says, “ah…so that’s why…”.
Rest assured, this national office is no stranger to common sense, fair adjudication but firm administers of accountability. And yes, contrary to the belief of some (usually the entourage of those directly involved), we sometimes think with our “heart” and make exception, on occasion, to a regulation violation. But we do so, only after thorough investigation. Sometimes, there may reason to make a judgement call based on various factors that are mostly undisclosed to the public, but clearly documented, by this national office. Thus when the benefit of the doubt is considered, reputation of those directly involved weigh heavily.
The efforts of this national office are for the good of all involved because we aim to:
1. Protect Promoters from Contestants
2. Protect Contestants from Promoters
3. Hedge against biased opinion of the Judges
4. Enforce the expectation of professionalism from Entertainers and Titleholders
5. Hold contestants accountable for the actions of those who represent them
Clearly, managing this national pageant system is not easy, but is becoming easier. Why? Because those who know this national office knows that while we have sympathy for certain situations, there must continue to be accountability for regulation infraction, especially when there are many facets of investigation that are usually never known by the public, yet judged by some. Regardless of such public insight, or lack thereof, relative to certain issues, this national office will ensure that EVERY decision made, is clearly in the best interest of this pageant system. Life to date, during the L & T Entertainment administration, we have made each decision to be in the best interest of this pageant system without compromise to the integrity that we (and this pageant system) is known. Recent events are no exception.
We will continue to manage this national contest the best we know how and trust that those who believe in this pageant system (and L & T Entertainment), know that we do our best, though not always popular with everyone (especially the entourage of those who are subjected to enforcement of accountability), to maintain integrity and professionalism as job one. We are not so “cold hearted” that we have no regard for certain situation but again, the investigation process usually reveals that truth, which is how we make decision. Besides, such effort on the part of the national office continues to attract an amazing crop of promoters, contestants and Miss Gay America titleholders… those who cannot conform will eventually fall by the wayside and such true colors eventually show.
With two preliminaries completed, we are convinced, more now than ever, that the Miss Gay America 2016 Pageant season is going to be spectacular. With Miss Gay America 2015 Blair Williams leading the way, we can already see that this year will be exception and that Blair is going to be known as one of the stronger administrators to date, and there have been several very strong pageant administrators, especially those Miss Gay America titleholders who have reigned in the L & T Entertainment administration. We too anxiously await the qualified contestants in the search for the next Miss Gay America and thank you all, for your involvement. Especially those who choose to be involved and choose to always act in a professional manner, as they tend to make the job of this national office, an easier one.
We hope that each of you take time to enjoy the amazing beauty that this spring season has to offer.
Until Next Time,
Larry and Terry
L & T Entertainment
