My Life on the "E" List
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins
November 2010
Once in every lifetime you experience a moment that will define your for life. Mine happened in Columbus Ohio , October 17, 2010. A goal I set for myself long before Coti Collins existed. A dream that has never faded and a desire to achieve it that has never vanished. The journey was long, but the rewards along the way were priceless. I would like to invite you to share my experiences over the next 365 days. I want to be known as a shining example of a person that never gave up, that always believed in his self and that his goals and dreams were attainable.
I will never forget my first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant. With a hundred dollar budget and a dream, I walked away placing next to last... Determined to redeem myself, I used the system to improve my craft and to network throughout the country. I knew each year there would only be one winner, but the knowledge and friendship once could gain would forever change one’s life... It changed mine.!
I have decide to call my article "My Life on the E List". When I look at the former Miss Gay America's, each had their own definition of the word EXCELLENCE. During the next year, my goal is not only define it in words, but more importantly to illustrate it in my actions. As my Grandmother always said...... “actions speak louder than words”… I'm so excited to travel throughout the country and share my experiences and to take time for you to share yours with me. My newsletter will also include an interview with a past Miss Gay America each month. I am excited to be able to share the rich history and to illustrate why this pageant means so much to me.
I would like to take time to thank a few people that made this all possible...Each one holds a very special place in my heart. I can only imagine what I put them though the last 25 years, but none questioned my motives and only supportive of my dream.
Norman Jones--for your vision and guidance over the years...
Larry Tyger and Terry Eason--for their continued effort to promote and preserve the system...
Coco Montrese--for your grace and talent that set a standard for us to follow...
Robert York and Brian Alexander-- for believing in me...
Kirby Kolby-- for being an inspiration , a true friend and making me feel beautiful...
Jeff Coble, J.D.Martin and Jonathan Kayne—for dressing me with class...
Viki Williams, Travis Guy,--for bringing out the best in me....
Reba McEntire--for trusting me...
51 fellow dreamers who were in this journey with me...
Randy Fenoli, Larry Edwards, Victor Espiritu, Lawanda Jackson, Denise Russell, Scarlett Dailey, Tim Hickman, Mike Travis, Mike Rhinehart, Gigi Monroe, Paige Passion, Phyl Craig, Bridget Nichols, Legends House Cast and to everyone over the 25 years of the quest for the crown...
In closing, I am still shaking... humbled to be your 39th Miss Gay America. I was asked this week if it was all worth it and my reply was absolutely. I encourage each and every person to never lose focus and believe that all things are achievable. Now that my dream has come true, its time to make history.
At Last…
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
I will never forget my first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant. With a hundred dollar budget and a dream, I walked away placing next to last... Determined to redeem myself, I used the system to improve my craft and to network throughout the country. I knew each year there would only be one winner, but the knowledge and friendship once could gain would forever change one’s life... It changed mine.!
I have decide to call my article "My Life on the E List". When I look at the former Miss Gay America's, each had their own definition of the word EXCELLENCE. During the next year, my goal is not only define it in words, but more importantly to illustrate it in my actions. As my Grandmother always said...... “actions speak louder than words”… I'm so excited to travel throughout the country and share my experiences and to take time for you to share yours with me. My newsletter will also include an interview with a past Miss Gay America each month. I am excited to be able to share the rich history and to illustrate why this pageant means so much to me.
I would like to take time to thank a few people that made this all possible...Each one holds a very special place in my heart. I can only imagine what I put them though the last 25 years, but none questioned my motives and only supportive of my dream.
Norman Jones--for your vision and guidance over the years...
Larry Tyger and Terry Eason--for their continued effort to promote and preserve the system...
Coco Montrese--for your grace and talent that set a standard for us to follow...
Robert York and Brian Alexander-- for believing in me...
Kirby Kolby-- for being an inspiration , a true friend and making me feel beautiful...
Jeff Coble, J.D.Martin and Jonathan Kayne—for dressing me with class...
Viki Williams, Travis Guy,--for bringing out the best in me....
Reba McEntire--for trusting me...
51 fellow dreamers who were in this journey with me...
Randy Fenoli, Larry Edwards, Victor Espiritu, Lawanda Jackson, Denise Russell, Scarlett Dailey, Tim Hickman, Mike Travis, Mike Rhinehart, Gigi Monroe, Paige Passion, Phyl Craig, Bridget Nichols, Legends House Cast and to everyone over the 25 years of the quest for the crown...
In closing, I am still shaking... humbled to be your 39th Miss Gay America. I was asked this week if it was all worth it and my reply was absolutely. I encourage each and every person to never lose focus and believe that all things are achievable. Now that my dream has come true, its time to make history.
At Last…
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
December 2010
The holiday season is upon us and I'm so excited to be writing my second news letter. The month of November was an incredibly busy month for me. My travels lead me to such exciting destinations as Albuquerque NM, Charleston SC, Fort Wayne IN, Indianapolis IN and Huntington WV. Between all the traveling, I also found time to stay home and join the cast of Legends in Raleigh NC. One of the most rewarding bookings was to assemble a cast to raise money for the Caritas House by bringing a casino show to several West Virginia's college theatres. I want to take time to thank so many friends and colleagues for sharing my dream with me.
Before the pageant season begins, I would like to take this opportunities to tell you my story and why Miss Gay America means so much to me....
Long before Coti Collins existed, I often call it BC.. (before Coti ). I moved from a small town in Ohio to Huntington WV to attend Marshall University. It was an exciting time for me. I think it was the first time in my life that I could be myself. Living for the weekends was a way of life for myself and for many of my friends.
One certain weekend, we traveled to Charleston WV to see a pageant. I remember sitting on the staircase of the Grand Palace to watch the competition. Between many dance numbers, productions and ballads we heard the emcee announce Miss Gay America. I remember waiting for music to play, but instead I watched Jennifer Foxx walk out holding the microphone. As Jennifer spoke, a hush fell upon the room. He spoke very clearly and elegantly. I was so impressed with how passionate he conveyed his message. After the pageant was over, I walked up and introduced myself. He looked directly in my eyes and thanked me for supporting the pageant as if I was the only person in the room. It was suddenly clear why so many contestants wanted to wear that crown. At that moment he changed the perception I had of a female impersonators. My goal was set, not only did I want to become an entertainer, but I wanted to be Miss Gay America.
Several years passed before I was brave enough to attempt any type of entertaining, but never lost sight of my goal. My first year, as a contestant, at the Miss Gay America pageant, was an eye opener to say the least. Using the pageant as a learning experience, I listened and watched everyone around me. After 4 years, I was selected as a Top 10 finalist. Much more than just a pageant placement, it gave me the ability to interview and the skills to work in any venue. From Cowboys LaCage in Nashville to An Evening at LaCage in Vegas I give much of the credit to the Miss Gay America pageant system. I since have worked with the best of the best, been on numerous television shows and toured with Reba McEntire. It has given me a career one can only dream of.
I look forward in traveling this year, sharing my experiences and helping every contestant to fulfill their dreams. My journey was long but so rewarding…
As promised, I would like to present my first interview. This individual defined the word “excellence” for many years. He is someone that changed so many lives... our first SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE.....Norma Kristie…
MGA2011-Coti Collins: Norma, how was your experience at the first Miss Gay America Pageant?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY FIRST EXPERIENCE, AS I SAID IN MY BOOK THAT SHOULD BE READY BY SUMMER, (WOW WHAT A CHORE) WAS GOING IN TO THE DRESSING ROOM AND SEEING ALL THOSE GORGEOUS DRAG QUEENS AND SAYING TO MYSELF AND TUNA STARR, MY BEST FRIEND AND MY DRESSER, "WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING HERE. LET'S GO HOME, I CANT POSSIBLY COMPETE WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES". I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND I MOVED TO A LITTLE CORNER AND HAD A SMALL MIRROR AND DRESSED OUT OF MY SUITCASE. THE ONE THAT SCARED ME THE MOST WAS CHARLIE BROWN, WHO WAS EVENTUALLY NAMED FIRST RUNNER UP. HE WAS JUST ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IMPERSONATORS I HAD EVER SEEN, AS I HAD NOT SEEN MANY AT THAT TIME EXCEPT IN WASHINGTON DC WHEN I WAS IN THE MILITARY... WHEN IT WAS OVER, HE WINKED AT ME AND SAID CONGRATULATIONS. I DON'T KNOW IF HE MEANT IT, AS HIS HEART WAS BROKEN, OR IF HE WAS JUST BEING EVIL, ALTHOUGH AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT EVIL WAS… I STILL RESPECT CHARLIE FOR HIS CHARACTER DURING THE PAGEANT, AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM FOR THAT WINK.
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: As traveling as Miss Gay America, what was the greatest obstacle you experienced?:
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: WHEN I WAS TRAVELING, I FOUND OUT THAT A PERSON ALWAYS HAS TO CARRY HIDDEN AND EXTRA MONEY AND PLENTY OF PANSTICK. I LOST MY MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET AT A GAS STATION ONCE AND WHILE DRIVING WITH MY MAKEUP IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, IT ALL MELTED. I ALSO FACED MANY JEALOUS DRAG QUEENS AS WELL AS PEOPLE JUST WONDERING WHY A SMALL TOWN QUEEN COULD WIN THE PAGEANT WITH ALL THOSE FAMOUS DRAGS IN THE COMPETITION. AS SO MANY MISS GAY AMERICAS HAVE HEARD. WHY DIDN’T ONE OF THE OTHERS WIN? AT LEAST THEY WERE KNOWN. I WAS APPALLED AS TO HOW MANY PEOPLE CAME UP TO ME AFTER THE SHOWS AND SAID, NOW WE KNOW WHY YOU WON. YOU MAY NOT BE THE BEST ENTERTAINER, BUT YOU JUST MADE US FEEL SO GOOD ABOUT BEING GAY AND THAT THINGS THAT WE THOUGHT WE COULD NEVER DO CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IF WE JUST TRY
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: During your reign, what was your most defining moment?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: I DID NOT WANT THE FIRST MISS GAY AMERICA TO BE A SHOWGIRL, OF WHICH I DEFINITELY WASN'T… IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE IMAGE OF WHAT THE PROMOTER, JERRY PEEK, WAS LOOKING FOR THAT YEAR. HE SAID "YOU WERE A BREATH OF SUNSHINE UNDERNEATH THOSE DEMILASHES AND THE WATERBASE FOUNDATION, AND YOU LOOKED REAL." I WAS ALMOST IN TEARS AND THOUGHT THAT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST COMPLIMENTS THAT I HAD EVER HAD
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: After seeing so many opening productions, does any stand out in your mind?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: THE OPENING PRODUCTION THAT MEANT MOST TO ME WAS IN DALLAS TX. I SPENT A FORTUNE RENTING THE STAGE SETS FROM A LOCAL STAGING COMPANY. BEAULAH LAMONT, OUR EMCEE, WHILE IN FRONT OF THE CURTAIN, CAME BELLOWING OVER THE MICROPHONE, QUOTING A THEME THAT I HAD WRITTEN SALUTING THE SOUTH. NAOMI SIMS, CHERRY LANE AND ONE MR ALL AMERICAN DANCED AN OPENING NUMBER AND CURTAINS WENT UP AND SHOWED ONE OF MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN MANSIONS THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN WITH THE OAK TREES JUST LIKE TWELVE OAKS IN GONE WITH THE WIND… IT DISAPPEARED GRADUALLY INTO THE SKYLINE AND ALLOWED CONTESTANTS TO PARADE ACROSS THE STAGE WITH NAOMI AND COMPANY PERFORMING AND DANCING… TOTALLY OUTSTANDING AND MADE COLD CHILLS RUN UP AND DOWN MY SPINE, AS TEARS CAME TO MY EYES AS THEY ALWAYS DID AT THE OPENING AND THE ENDING OF EACH PAGEANT.
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: Any advice you would like to share with me?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY ADVICE IS THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO BE THE BEST AT WHATEVER YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO DO. NO MATTER HOW ILL, NO MATTER THE CONSEQUENCES, ALWAYS PRESENT ONESELF AS A WINNER AND A TRUE CREDIT TO THE ART FORM OF FEMALE IMPERSONATION… MOST WILL NEVER ACHIEVE THE CROWN, BUT THE MEMORY OF BEING SO NEAR IT WILL REMAIN FOREVER.
In closing, I would like to thank you Norman Jones a/k/a Miss Gay America 1973 Norma Kristie for setting the standards and allowing me to follow in your footsteps....
Until next month,
Happy Holidays...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
Before the pageant season begins, I would like to take this opportunities to tell you my story and why Miss Gay America means so much to me....
Long before Coti Collins existed, I often call it BC.. (before Coti ). I moved from a small town in Ohio to Huntington WV to attend Marshall University. It was an exciting time for me. I think it was the first time in my life that I could be myself. Living for the weekends was a way of life for myself and for many of my friends.
One certain weekend, we traveled to Charleston WV to see a pageant. I remember sitting on the staircase of the Grand Palace to watch the competition. Between many dance numbers, productions and ballads we heard the emcee announce Miss Gay America. I remember waiting for music to play, but instead I watched Jennifer Foxx walk out holding the microphone. As Jennifer spoke, a hush fell upon the room. He spoke very clearly and elegantly. I was so impressed with how passionate he conveyed his message. After the pageant was over, I walked up and introduced myself. He looked directly in my eyes and thanked me for supporting the pageant as if I was the only person in the room. It was suddenly clear why so many contestants wanted to wear that crown. At that moment he changed the perception I had of a female impersonators. My goal was set, not only did I want to become an entertainer, but I wanted to be Miss Gay America.
Several years passed before I was brave enough to attempt any type of entertaining, but never lost sight of my goal. My first year, as a contestant, at the Miss Gay America pageant, was an eye opener to say the least. Using the pageant as a learning experience, I listened and watched everyone around me. After 4 years, I was selected as a Top 10 finalist. Much more than just a pageant placement, it gave me the ability to interview and the skills to work in any venue. From Cowboys LaCage in Nashville to An Evening at LaCage in Vegas I give much of the credit to the Miss Gay America pageant system. I since have worked with the best of the best, been on numerous television shows and toured with Reba McEntire. It has given me a career one can only dream of.
I look forward in traveling this year, sharing my experiences and helping every contestant to fulfill their dreams. My journey was long but so rewarding…
As promised, I would like to present my first interview. This individual defined the word “excellence” for many years. He is someone that changed so many lives... our first SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE.....Norma Kristie…
MGA2011-Coti Collins: Norma, how was your experience at the first Miss Gay America Pageant?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY FIRST EXPERIENCE, AS I SAID IN MY BOOK THAT SHOULD BE READY BY SUMMER, (WOW WHAT A CHORE) WAS GOING IN TO THE DRESSING ROOM AND SEEING ALL THOSE GORGEOUS DRAG QUEENS AND SAYING TO MYSELF AND TUNA STARR, MY BEST FRIEND AND MY DRESSER, "WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING HERE. LET'S GO HOME, I CANT POSSIBLY COMPETE WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES". I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND I MOVED TO A LITTLE CORNER AND HAD A SMALL MIRROR AND DRESSED OUT OF MY SUITCASE. THE ONE THAT SCARED ME THE MOST WAS CHARLIE BROWN, WHO WAS EVENTUALLY NAMED FIRST RUNNER UP. HE WAS JUST ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IMPERSONATORS I HAD EVER SEEN, AS I HAD NOT SEEN MANY AT THAT TIME EXCEPT IN WASHINGTON DC WHEN I WAS IN THE MILITARY... WHEN IT WAS OVER, HE WINKED AT ME AND SAID CONGRATULATIONS. I DON'T KNOW IF HE MEANT IT, AS HIS HEART WAS BROKEN, OR IF HE WAS JUST BEING EVIL, ALTHOUGH AT THAT TIME I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT EVIL WAS… I STILL RESPECT CHARLIE FOR HIS CHARACTER DURING THE PAGEANT, AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM FOR THAT WINK.
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: As traveling as Miss Gay America, what was the greatest obstacle you experienced?:
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: WHEN I WAS TRAVELING, I FOUND OUT THAT A PERSON ALWAYS HAS TO CARRY HIDDEN AND EXTRA MONEY AND PLENTY OF PANSTICK. I LOST MY MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET AT A GAS STATION ONCE AND WHILE DRIVING WITH MY MAKEUP IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, IT ALL MELTED. I ALSO FACED MANY JEALOUS DRAG QUEENS AS WELL AS PEOPLE JUST WONDERING WHY A SMALL TOWN QUEEN COULD WIN THE PAGEANT WITH ALL THOSE FAMOUS DRAGS IN THE COMPETITION. AS SO MANY MISS GAY AMERICAS HAVE HEARD. WHY DIDN’T ONE OF THE OTHERS WIN? AT LEAST THEY WERE KNOWN. I WAS APPALLED AS TO HOW MANY PEOPLE CAME UP TO ME AFTER THE SHOWS AND SAID, NOW WE KNOW WHY YOU WON. YOU MAY NOT BE THE BEST ENTERTAINER, BUT YOU JUST MADE US FEEL SO GOOD ABOUT BEING GAY AND THAT THINGS THAT WE THOUGHT WE COULD NEVER DO CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IF WE JUST TRY
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: During your reign, what was your most defining moment?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: I DID NOT WANT THE FIRST MISS GAY AMERICA TO BE A SHOWGIRL, OF WHICH I DEFINITELY WASN'T… IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE IMAGE OF WHAT THE PROMOTER, JERRY PEEK, WAS LOOKING FOR THAT YEAR. HE SAID "YOU WERE A BREATH OF SUNSHINE UNDERNEATH THOSE DEMILASHES AND THE WATERBASE FOUNDATION, AND YOU LOOKED REAL." I WAS ALMOST IN TEARS AND THOUGHT THAT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST COMPLIMENTS THAT I HAD EVER HAD
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: After seeing so many opening productions, does any stand out in your mind?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: THE OPENING PRODUCTION THAT MEANT MOST TO ME WAS IN DALLAS TX. I SPENT A FORTUNE RENTING THE STAGE SETS FROM A LOCAL STAGING COMPANY. BEAULAH LAMONT, OUR EMCEE, WHILE IN FRONT OF THE CURTAIN, CAME BELLOWING OVER THE MICROPHONE, QUOTING A THEME THAT I HAD WRITTEN SALUTING THE SOUTH. NAOMI SIMS, CHERRY LANE AND ONE MR ALL AMERICAN DANCED AN OPENING NUMBER AND CURTAINS WENT UP AND SHOWED ONE OF MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN MANSIONS THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN WITH THE OAK TREES JUST LIKE TWELVE OAKS IN GONE WITH THE WIND… IT DISAPPEARED GRADUALLY INTO THE SKYLINE AND ALLOWED CONTESTANTS TO PARADE ACROSS THE STAGE WITH NAOMI AND COMPANY PERFORMING AND DANCING… TOTALLY OUTSTANDING AND MADE COLD CHILLS RUN UP AND DOWN MY SPINE, AS TEARS CAME TO MY EYES AS THEY ALWAYS DID AT THE OPENING AND THE ENDING OF EACH PAGEANT.
MGA 2011-Coti Collins: Any advice you would like to share with me?
MGA 1973-Norma Kristie: MY ADVICE IS THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO BE THE BEST AT WHATEVER YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO DO. NO MATTER HOW ILL, NO MATTER THE CONSEQUENCES, ALWAYS PRESENT ONESELF AS A WINNER AND A TRUE CREDIT TO THE ART FORM OF FEMALE IMPERSONATION… MOST WILL NEVER ACHIEVE THE CROWN, BUT THE MEMORY OF BEING SO NEAR IT WILL REMAIN FOREVER.
In closing, I would like to thank you Norman Jones a/k/a Miss Gay America 1973 Norma Kristie for setting the standards and allowing me to follow in your footsteps....
Until next month,
Happy Holidays...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
January 2011
Happy New Year!!!! I want to extend my happiest wishes for everyone this New Year. I have to be honest and tell you that I'm still in shock. Being announced Miss Gay America is very emotional for me. I have always dreamed it but now its reality.... The most (well maybe the second most) question Ive been asked is "HOW DOES IT FEEL"...And I reply...”It doesn't feel bad at all...”
The month started off at one of my favorite places...Club One in Savannah . I truly love the cast and I consider them family. Several girls there, have competed for Miss Gay America, so I was excited to share my stories and encourage them to follow there dreams. If you are ever in Savannah , stop in and tell them Coti sent you.....
Next weekend I was off to Memphis to spend time with Larry and Terry. I didn't know what to expect, but excited to get to know them. It is very evident to me that they love the system as much as I do. The wall in their office has all 40 Miss Gay America pictures hanging in order. As I stood and scanned each one, I was so proud to be apart of such a royal family. So much history on one single wall...The weekend went so quickly, between studies and eating every 30 minutes, I had a blast. We also stepped out Saturday night and I performed at a benefit show hosted by former Miss Gay Tennessee America Anita Cocktail. Also performing was the reigning Miss Gay Tennessee America Ashlyn Tyler and former Miss Gay Maryland AmericaAkasha Cassadine. I met so many great entertainers and felt like I was home. Thank you Crossroads for such a great night. I also want to thank Larry and Terry for such great hospitality. As I left Memphis , 30 pounds heavier and hopefully more knowledgeable about the coming year, I reflected on how I wanted my year to be. My goal has always been to challenge myself and challenge the ones around me. I am a true example on never let anyone determine your self worth…
I actually spent Christmas at home. It was so good to perform at my home bar Legends. I'm so lucky to be able to come home and fall right back into place. On Christmas day, Raleigh got pounded by a snow storm.....What a perfect Christmas.....It has been a good year.....
My interview this month is with Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx from Detroit . As I often stated, He was the first to inspire me and he still does to this day..... I am so honored that he took the time to chat with me.....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Colliins: How did you first hear of The Miss Gay America System?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: In 1977 I was employed at Bookies Club 870 in Detroit Michigan and one of the performers who started in the business a few years before me was Miss Dani Daletto-Miss Gay America 1976. I was unfamiliar with the system but although it was in it's fledgling stages I was amazed that it a time where impersonating a woman was a criminal offense someone had the bravery to try to legitimize the art form. After a few phone calls, some donations from well-wishers, and some assistance from my Lady Kenmore sewing machine, I was on the plane headed for Houston , Texas . The contest was held at the Old Plantation ...a huge cavernous place filled with some of the most beautiful and talented impersonators in the United States ...47 to be exact. My dressing station was pre-assigned. I was placed between the stunning Miss Angie DeMarco and my Goddess Miss Naomi Sims- Miss Gay America 1985.... Ouch! I remember looking in the mirror and saying to myself. "Fool! What have you gotten yourself into?". My objective became not to embarrass myself, learn all I could and hi-tail it back to The Motor City. I placed 40 out of 47 and flew the friendly skies home with my tail between my legs...BUT the seed had been planted and I said to myself, " Someday I will achieve this goal and be Miss Gay America...."
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins- As Miss Gay America what was your " defining moment ?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Shortly after I won Miss Gay America in 1982 the nationally syndicated talk show Tom Snyder Tomorrow invited my parents and I to make an appearance to promote the pageant. This was unprecedented! No female impersonator had ever been invited to speak on national television! My father had to work but they were kind enough to fly my mother and I to New York and limo us to Rockefeller Center . When they ushered us in to the set after prepping us, they wired us with microphones and began to count down coming out of a commercial. In THAT moment I remember looking around at the crew, my mother, and Mr. Snyder and saying to myself ," I have been chosen to do this... to speak for all that came before me...to represent all that did not have a voice or a platform.... to those that had fallen trying to be heard..." I made my appearance in male attire to re-enforce the image (which I received great criticism for by many of my peers)… The lights came up… Tom did his salutations and it was on......He was a lovely man, the interview was great and light… and they whisked my mother and I to the Shubert Theater where "Evita" had opened just recently. I remember watching the great Patti Lapone and thinking... "Oh my God! I just made history! ". I captured the crown in Dallas , Texas ... I passed on my title in Charlotte , North Carolina . The political and religious atmosphere was light years away from Dallas where when I won. Television coverage was permitted and UPI and the wire services placed my mother and I on the cover of the New York Times and 100 other publications in the United States the next morning. As I prepared to go to the convention center for the final evening, I received a phone call from an anonymous caller "advising" me not to appear that evening. Against my mothers wishes the limo transported us to the venue. As we approached I saw the hooded figures brandishing bibles. I was terrified but could not let on to my Mom. I took her hand, we opened the door, and stood.... not eight feet from us was the Ku Klux Klan in their white robes. They did not speak but tightened up shoulder to shoulder as if to challenge us to pass....I could only say, "God Loves You " as I put one foot in front of the other. No violence occurred...BUT the fear and intimidation was so strong. It truly defined my growing character. The rest of the evening and my " give up " is a blur...I was a mess...but it rewarded me with a more important gift...after that night and the resolution it granted me, I would NEVER be intimidated or frightened of anything again! "... And of course I would be remiss if I did not include being on the receiving end of The Norma Christie Lifetime Achievement Award presented to me at Miss Gay America 2011. It brought everything full circle and validated all I feel I have devoted to my art form as an actor. I will forever be indebted to Mr. Larry and Mr. Terry for considering me for such a prestigious honor and I place it as the crowning glory of my 35 year career in female impersonation. Thank You, gentleman!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What obstacles did you overcome during your year as Miss Gay America?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Well I have already relayed several...but one is particular I still wrestle with. I was hell-bent on representing myself as a male in many instances when I was not performing or when I appeared on what turned out to eventually be 60 television programs. I continued to re-enforce the image that Miss Gay America will ALWAYS be a male in appearance that possess the unique artistic ability to re-create the visual presentation and the idiosyncratic mannerisms of biological women. The more I stressed this the more widely it became accepted until the media began to ask me to come in male attire and just drop in clips of performance.... my platform was simple...I wanted their respect for my profession and this was the way to earn it… and low and behold, it worked!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What changes have you seen in the pageant over the years?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Mainly organization. Enough could ever be said and many of you will never know how unselfishly Mr. Norman Jones worked to see this dream realized. In the early days man-power was short and technology was slow, much unlike today. Norman did almost everything himself. I remember being raved up and getting to nationals and seeing exhausted almost broken Norman speaking low and slow just trying to get through the week. Mr. Jones NEVER did this for the financial benefit. He pushed on and guarded Miss Gay America because it was his calling. He had the rare foresight to see what this was to become.... You will never understand the debt we all owe to Mr. Jones....and I personally for allowing me this wonderful career. ......That is why every time as a contestant you walk across the stage, or as a promoter you also put in endless hours, remember you are an extension of this one mans' vision and that you carry on a legacy that was forged many years ago.....Today it is still an extremely difficult venture to run......BUT with the astute skills of L and T Entertainment, a more well-informed promoter, and better networking between contestants and the system, we are seeing a sleeker, stronger Miss Gay America. I swell with pride when I see the progression
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advice would you have for me, Coti Collins Miss Gay America 2011?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Three pieces of advice, my friend.....!) Remember to try to live in the moment as much as possible... make an effort to be present for all the wonderment that is around you. Sleep will be a rare commodity and flying into the next venue with renewed vigor and sincerity is extremely difficult but draw from that fire inside that drove you to be amongst the best in your profession.....first and foremost I suggest prayer.... 2) Do not make the fatal mistake of believing your own press.....so many are adoring you, day to day and you develop a false sense of reality...the year goes by fast and the adjustment can be brutal when you are no longer the soup of the day....keep your feet on the ground.....3) Always remember your tenure as Miss Gay America is part of a much bigger plan.......NOW it is you job to figure out how your piece fits in the Miss Gay America Puzzle! Don't worry... when your head clears, it will come to you... you're Coti Collins!!!!!!!... I can't tell you again how much I have enjoyed spending this time with all of you and how important you have made me feel about how I have lived my life. It means the world to me to know that I am not alone in my strong belief in what this system has been and the scope of what it is to become. The future of The Miss Gay America Pageantry System lies with you.........the contestants, the promoters and the supporters......But I am not worried....As a judge at Miss Gay America 2011 I had NEVER seen such a group of more accomplished, educated, well-mannered, and articulate contestants only to be matched by the great presentation and commitment of the promoters from across our great land and ALL of the supporting staff of each. I thank all of you for your input and hard work. I look forward to seeing you next year as I celebrate my 30 Anniversary as Miss Gay America in Columbus , Ohio and wish all of you a safe, healthy, and happy 2011! With Much Respect...Bobby Bruno a.k.a. Ms. Jennifer Foxx
I hope you can see why Bobby Bruno changed my life..... Who would you like for me to interview next month, let me know at [email protected]
Until next month,
Respect and Love...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
The month started off at one of my favorite places...Club One in Savannah . I truly love the cast and I consider them family. Several girls there, have competed for Miss Gay America, so I was excited to share my stories and encourage them to follow there dreams. If you are ever in Savannah , stop in and tell them Coti sent you.....
Next weekend I was off to Memphis to spend time with Larry and Terry. I didn't know what to expect, but excited to get to know them. It is very evident to me that they love the system as much as I do. The wall in their office has all 40 Miss Gay America pictures hanging in order. As I stood and scanned each one, I was so proud to be apart of such a royal family. So much history on one single wall...The weekend went so quickly, between studies and eating every 30 minutes, I had a blast. We also stepped out Saturday night and I performed at a benefit show hosted by former Miss Gay Tennessee America Anita Cocktail. Also performing was the reigning Miss Gay Tennessee America Ashlyn Tyler and former Miss Gay Maryland AmericaAkasha Cassadine. I met so many great entertainers and felt like I was home. Thank you Crossroads for such a great night. I also want to thank Larry and Terry for such great hospitality. As I left Memphis , 30 pounds heavier and hopefully more knowledgeable about the coming year, I reflected on how I wanted my year to be. My goal has always been to challenge myself and challenge the ones around me. I am a true example on never let anyone determine your self worth…
I actually spent Christmas at home. It was so good to perform at my home bar Legends. I'm so lucky to be able to come home and fall right back into place. On Christmas day, Raleigh got pounded by a snow storm.....What a perfect Christmas.....It has been a good year.....
My interview this month is with Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx from Detroit . As I often stated, He was the first to inspire me and he still does to this day..... I am so honored that he took the time to chat with me.....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Colliins: How did you first hear of The Miss Gay America System?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: In 1977 I was employed at Bookies Club 870 in Detroit Michigan and one of the performers who started in the business a few years before me was Miss Dani Daletto-Miss Gay America 1976. I was unfamiliar with the system but although it was in it's fledgling stages I was amazed that it a time where impersonating a woman was a criminal offense someone had the bravery to try to legitimize the art form. After a few phone calls, some donations from well-wishers, and some assistance from my Lady Kenmore sewing machine, I was on the plane headed for Houston , Texas . The contest was held at the Old Plantation ...a huge cavernous place filled with some of the most beautiful and talented impersonators in the United States ...47 to be exact. My dressing station was pre-assigned. I was placed between the stunning Miss Angie DeMarco and my Goddess Miss Naomi Sims- Miss Gay America 1985.... Ouch! I remember looking in the mirror and saying to myself. "Fool! What have you gotten yourself into?". My objective became not to embarrass myself, learn all I could and hi-tail it back to The Motor City. I placed 40 out of 47 and flew the friendly skies home with my tail between my legs...BUT the seed had been planted and I said to myself, " Someday I will achieve this goal and be Miss Gay America...."
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins- As Miss Gay America what was your " defining moment ?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Shortly after I won Miss Gay America in 1982 the nationally syndicated talk show Tom Snyder Tomorrow invited my parents and I to make an appearance to promote the pageant. This was unprecedented! No female impersonator had ever been invited to speak on national television! My father had to work but they were kind enough to fly my mother and I to New York and limo us to Rockefeller Center . When they ushered us in to the set after prepping us, they wired us with microphones and began to count down coming out of a commercial. In THAT moment I remember looking around at the crew, my mother, and Mr. Snyder and saying to myself ," I have been chosen to do this... to speak for all that came before me...to represent all that did not have a voice or a platform.... to those that had fallen trying to be heard..." I made my appearance in male attire to re-enforce the image (which I received great criticism for by many of my peers)… The lights came up… Tom did his salutations and it was on......He was a lovely man, the interview was great and light… and they whisked my mother and I to the Shubert Theater where "Evita" had opened just recently. I remember watching the great Patti Lapone and thinking... "Oh my God! I just made history! ". I captured the crown in Dallas , Texas ... I passed on my title in Charlotte , North Carolina . The political and religious atmosphere was light years away from Dallas where when I won. Television coverage was permitted and UPI and the wire services placed my mother and I on the cover of the New York Times and 100 other publications in the United States the next morning. As I prepared to go to the convention center for the final evening, I received a phone call from an anonymous caller "advising" me not to appear that evening. Against my mothers wishes the limo transported us to the venue. As we approached I saw the hooded figures brandishing bibles. I was terrified but could not let on to my Mom. I took her hand, we opened the door, and stood.... not eight feet from us was the Ku Klux Klan in their white robes. They did not speak but tightened up shoulder to shoulder as if to challenge us to pass....I could only say, "God Loves You " as I put one foot in front of the other. No violence occurred...BUT the fear and intimidation was so strong. It truly defined my growing character. The rest of the evening and my " give up " is a blur...I was a mess...but it rewarded me with a more important gift...after that night and the resolution it granted me, I would NEVER be intimidated or frightened of anything again! "... And of course I would be remiss if I did not include being on the receiving end of The Norma Christie Lifetime Achievement Award presented to me at Miss Gay America 2011. It brought everything full circle and validated all I feel I have devoted to my art form as an actor. I will forever be indebted to Mr. Larry and Mr. Terry for considering me for such a prestigious honor and I place it as the crowning glory of my 35 year career in female impersonation. Thank You, gentleman!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What obstacles did you overcome during your year as Miss Gay America?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Well I have already relayed several...but one is particular I still wrestle with. I was hell-bent on representing myself as a male in many instances when I was not performing or when I appeared on what turned out to eventually be 60 television programs. I continued to re-enforce the image that Miss Gay America will ALWAYS be a male in appearance that possess the unique artistic ability to re-create the visual presentation and the idiosyncratic mannerisms of biological women. The more I stressed this the more widely it became accepted until the media began to ask me to come in male attire and just drop in clips of performance.... my platform was simple...I wanted their respect for my profession and this was the way to earn it… and low and behold, it worked!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What changes have you seen in the pageant over the years?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Mainly organization. Enough could ever be said and many of you will never know how unselfishly Mr. Norman Jones worked to see this dream realized. In the early days man-power was short and technology was slow, much unlike today. Norman did almost everything himself. I remember being raved up and getting to nationals and seeing exhausted almost broken Norman speaking low and slow just trying to get through the week. Mr. Jones NEVER did this for the financial benefit. He pushed on and guarded Miss Gay America because it was his calling. He had the rare foresight to see what this was to become.... You will never understand the debt we all owe to Mr. Jones....and I personally for allowing me this wonderful career. ......That is why every time as a contestant you walk across the stage, or as a promoter you also put in endless hours, remember you are an extension of this one mans' vision and that you carry on a legacy that was forged many years ago.....Today it is still an extremely difficult venture to run......BUT with the astute skills of L and T Entertainment, a more well-informed promoter, and better networking between contestants and the system, we are seeing a sleeker, stronger Miss Gay America. I swell with pride when I see the progression
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advice would you have for me, Coti Collins Miss Gay America 2011?
Miss Gay America 1982 Jennifer Foxx: Three pieces of advice, my friend.....!) Remember to try to live in the moment as much as possible... make an effort to be present for all the wonderment that is around you. Sleep will be a rare commodity and flying into the next venue with renewed vigor and sincerity is extremely difficult but draw from that fire inside that drove you to be amongst the best in your profession.....first and foremost I suggest prayer.... 2) Do not make the fatal mistake of believing your own press.....so many are adoring you, day to day and you develop a false sense of reality...the year goes by fast and the adjustment can be brutal when you are no longer the soup of the day....keep your feet on the ground.....3) Always remember your tenure as Miss Gay America is part of a much bigger plan.......NOW it is you job to figure out how your piece fits in the Miss Gay America Puzzle! Don't worry... when your head clears, it will come to you... you're Coti Collins!!!!!!!... I can't tell you again how much I have enjoyed spending this time with all of you and how important you have made me feel about how I have lived my life. It means the world to me to know that I am not alone in my strong belief in what this system has been and the scope of what it is to become. The future of The Miss Gay America Pageantry System lies with you.........the contestants, the promoters and the supporters......But I am not worried....As a judge at Miss Gay America 2011 I had NEVER seen such a group of more accomplished, educated, well-mannered, and articulate contestants only to be matched by the great presentation and commitment of the promoters from across our great land and ALL of the supporting staff of each. I thank all of you for your input and hard work. I look forward to seeing you next year as I celebrate my 30 Anniversary as Miss Gay America in Columbus , Ohio and wish all of you a safe, healthy, and happy 2011! With Much Respect...Bobby Bruno a.k.a. Ms. Jennifer Foxx
I hope you can see why Bobby Bruno changed my life..... Who would you like for me to interview next month, let me know at [email protected]
Until next month,
Respect and Love...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
February 2011
I hope this finds everyone well and excited about what the New Year has to offer. I find myself still living in a daze. I'm often asked… “is it what you thought it would be?...” I reply, "NOT AT ALL.... I find it to be so much more..." Now I represent not only myself, but the legacy of 39 formers and something much bigger than just Coti Collins....Its a huge responsibility but I'm totally up for the challenge. The beauty of Miss Gay America is that each former is different and adds their own personality to the crown.
It all started out in late December, in Charlotte, where I was invited to perform at the Christmas Party at Chasers...Its always a great time to see my North Carolina sisters and getting to work with Miss Gay America 2007 Luscious. Thank you Tiffany Storm, you’re the best!!! West Virginia was my next stop.... As you know, this is where it all started. Its such a great feeling to come home and see so many friends...I want to thank Mimi Woods for a great time in Parkersburg … next stop Huntington .
The Stonewall will always have a special place in my heart. It was such a pleasure to be home and work with all the girls. Keith, Eric and Bob have always been so good to me. I was totally surprised by working that night with Miss Continental 2011 Mokka Montrese. Our journey is very similar and it was such a blessing to see others accomplish their dreams. Sunday I found myself at the Park inRoanoke , Virginia . It was so nice to spend time with Jessica Jade. Thank you for being so supportive. I'm so proud to call you my sister. The next week I worked at Ibisa in Wilmington and then Legends in Raleigh NC . Sunday I made it to Richmond , Virginia to perform at Godfreys brunch. Thank you Jeff Willis, Kirby Kolby, Dana St.James and Victoria Parker for putting up with my crazy life.
Next I found myself in Little Rock for the Grand Opening of Triniti. Cutting the ribbon with Miss Gay America 2003/Miss Gay U S of A 2011 Dominique Sanchez and Whitney Paige (USofA Classic 2011) was just a start of a very memorable weekend. Having Norman Jones (MGA1973) announce me as Miss Gay America 2011 has been something I have only dreamed of. Thank you Norman , for defining EXCELLENCE! Next stop, The Rainbow Lounge in Ft Worth TX. I was so honored to join the cast. I loved spending time with Layla LaRue, Kelexis Davenport and all the girls. I cannot wait to return to Texas .
As soon as I returned home, I was off to Scorpios in Charlotte , North Carolina as it was a road trip with Jeff, Kirby and Lindsay Starr. I also was fortunate to spend time with Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols, former Miss North Carolina America Tiffany Storm and my Taylor. No time to unpack as I was heading off to Arizona . From take-off to touch-down...It was AMAZING. I want to thank Mike, Doug, Lee, Ron and Barbara Seville for making it so special for me. Working with Savannah Stevens, Celia Putty and the amazing Barbara Seville was a blast..... I loved seeing Miss Gay Arizona America Promoter Daniel Eckstrom… I only wish we had more time. I can’t wait to return.
As you can see, January has been a whirlwind… I actually had 5 days off this month. Throughout my travels, so many have commented on the EXCELLENCE LETTER. This month I'm doing something different.
Through the eyes of my Miss Gay America sisters, it honors me to pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of our generation... Miss Gay America 1985 Miss Naomi Sims... I have asked some of the former Miss Gay America’s to comment on the legendary Naomi Sims.
Hot Chocolate-Miss Gay America 1980:
Naomi Sims will always remain in my heart as one of my closet & dearest friends ever....I had the opportunity to work with Naomi Sims for many years in a cast called The Fabulous Four.... Naomi and I started performing together as a duo named Twice as Hot!!...We would travel and perform weekly together as the duo and later became part of The Fabulous Four...Naomi brought so much joy to our cast and guests at Copa... I will remember one word to describe Naomi Sims…
one word to describe Naomi Sims......"IRREPLACEABLE"!
Charity Case-Miss Gay America 2001:
I was lucky enough to begin my career as Naomi's career was peaking and we became great friends over the years. When I meet someone who has never seen Naomi perform I feel a little sad because video and stories of her greatness will never match the magic that was Naomi. I miss her still.
Tiffany Bonet'-Miss Gay America 1992:
Naomi Sims was my idol… period. From the moment that I laid eyes on her my life changed. I was so privileged to get to know her and learn from one of the definitive Miss Gay America's. And I also was able to call her, mentor, sister and friend. There is not one word that I can truly use to describe her, but I'll just say that Naomi was a phenomenon that caused a ripple effect that is still present in the art of female impersonation today!!!!!!
Brandi Alexander- Miss Gay America 1990:
Naomi was the simply the most influential and talented female impersonator of my time! She is permanently ingrained into my memory. She made me laugh. She made me cry. Her brilliant smile lit up even the darkest room and the dimmest stages. Her personality was so multi-faceted, that I couldn't possibly choose a single word to describe her. She was brilliant, genius, crazy, talented, dynamic, original, and fun! Her personality was outrageous. Her laughter was infectious. Her antics were incorrigible. Her talent inspired me. Her passing haunts me.
I mourn the fact that some of you never got the privilege to meet her.
Some would say "You either loved her or you hated her."
I loved her.
Catia Lee Love- Miss Gay America 2000:
Sadly, Naomi was already deceased when I came into the industry, but coming from Texas , I can definitely say REVERED is the word for her. Every performer had heard of her and aspired to be her, as well loved as her.
Coti Collins- Miss Gay America 2011:
With more energy than anyone in the room, his strong presents projected passion in everything he did. I was blessed to have spent time with Naomi (thank you Brandi) and he defined the art and I can say, by watching MGA tapes, his performances are timeless. You are one of the reasons I never gave up on my dreams and every time I put the crown on my head.... I THANK YOU....
In closing, I hope this explains why it was so important to me that I'm part of this amazing family…
Love and Respect!
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
It all started out in late December, in Charlotte, where I was invited to perform at the Christmas Party at Chasers...Its always a great time to see my North Carolina sisters and getting to work with Miss Gay America 2007 Luscious. Thank you Tiffany Storm, you’re the best!!! West Virginia was my next stop.... As you know, this is where it all started. Its such a great feeling to come home and see so many friends...I want to thank Mimi Woods for a great time in Parkersburg … next stop Huntington .
The Stonewall will always have a special place in my heart. It was such a pleasure to be home and work with all the girls. Keith, Eric and Bob have always been so good to me. I was totally surprised by working that night with Miss Continental 2011 Mokka Montrese. Our journey is very similar and it was such a blessing to see others accomplish their dreams. Sunday I found myself at the Park inRoanoke , Virginia . It was so nice to spend time with Jessica Jade. Thank you for being so supportive. I'm so proud to call you my sister. The next week I worked at Ibisa in Wilmington and then Legends in Raleigh NC . Sunday I made it to Richmond , Virginia to perform at Godfreys brunch. Thank you Jeff Willis, Kirby Kolby, Dana St.James and Victoria Parker for putting up with my crazy life.
Next I found myself in Little Rock for the Grand Opening of Triniti. Cutting the ribbon with Miss Gay America 2003/Miss Gay U S of A 2011 Dominique Sanchez and Whitney Paige (USofA Classic 2011) was just a start of a very memorable weekend. Having Norman Jones (MGA1973) announce me as Miss Gay America 2011 has been something I have only dreamed of. Thank you Norman , for defining EXCELLENCE! Next stop, The Rainbow Lounge in Ft Worth TX. I was so honored to join the cast. I loved spending time with Layla LaRue, Kelexis Davenport and all the girls. I cannot wait to return to Texas .
As soon as I returned home, I was off to Scorpios in Charlotte , North Carolina as it was a road trip with Jeff, Kirby and Lindsay Starr. I also was fortunate to spend time with Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols, former Miss North Carolina America Tiffany Storm and my Taylor. No time to unpack as I was heading off to Arizona . From take-off to touch-down...It was AMAZING. I want to thank Mike, Doug, Lee, Ron and Barbara Seville for making it so special for me. Working with Savannah Stevens, Celia Putty and the amazing Barbara Seville was a blast..... I loved seeing Miss Gay Arizona America Promoter Daniel Eckstrom… I only wish we had more time. I can’t wait to return.
As you can see, January has been a whirlwind… I actually had 5 days off this month. Throughout my travels, so many have commented on the EXCELLENCE LETTER. This month I'm doing something different.
Through the eyes of my Miss Gay America sisters, it honors me to pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of our generation... Miss Gay America 1985 Miss Naomi Sims... I have asked some of the former Miss Gay America’s to comment on the legendary Naomi Sims.
Hot Chocolate-Miss Gay America 1980:
Naomi Sims will always remain in my heart as one of my closet & dearest friends ever....I had the opportunity to work with Naomi Sims for many years in a cast called The Fabulous Four.... Naomi and I started performing together as a duo named Twice as Hot!!...We would travel and perform weekly together as the duo and later became part of The Fabulous Four...Naomi brought so much joy to our cast and guests at Copa... I will remember one word to describe Naomi Sims…
one word to describe Naomi Sims......"IRREPLACEABLE"!
Charity Case-Miss Gay America 2001:
I was lucky enough to begin my career as Naomi's career was peaking and we became great friends over the years. When I meet someone who has never seen Naomi perform I feel a little sad because video and stories of her greatness will never match the magic that was Naomi. I miss her still.
Tiffany Bonet'-Miss Gay America 1992:
Naomi Sims was my idol… period. From the moment that I laid eyes on her my life changed. I was so privileged to get to know her and learn from one of the definitive Miss Gay America's. And I also was able to call her, mentor, sister and friend. There is not one word that I can truly use to describe her, but I'll just say that Naomi was a phenomenon that caused a ripple effect that is still present in the art of female impersonation today!!!!!!
Brandi Alexander- Miss Gay America 1990:
Naomi was the simply the most influential and talented female impersonator of my time! She is permanently ingrained into my memory. She made me laugh. She made me cry. Her brilliant smile lit up even the darkest room and the dimmest stages. Her personality was so multi-faceted, that I couldn't possibly choose a single word to describe her. She was brilliant, genius, crazy, talented, dynamic, original, and fun! Her personality was outrageous. Her laughter was infectious. Her antics were incorrigible. Her talent inspired me. Her passing haunts me.
I mourn the fact that some of you never got the privilege to meet her.
Some would say "You either loved her or you hated her."
I loved her.
Catia Lee Love- Miss Gay America 2000:
Sadly, Naomi was already deceased when I came into the industry, but coming from Texas , I can definitely say REVERED is the word for her. Every performer had heard of her and aspired to be her, as well loved as her.
Coti Collins- Miss Gay America 2011:
With more energy than anyone in the room, his strong presents projected passion in everything he did. I was blessed to have spent time with Naomi (thank you Brandi) and he defined the art and I can say, by watching MGA tapes, his performances are timeless. You are one of the reasons I never gave up on my dreams and every time I put the crown on my head.... I THANK YOU....
In closing, I hope this explains why it was so important to me that I'm part of this amazing family…
Love and Respect!
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
March 2011
I can’t believe how fast my year has gone. Next month prelims begin and pageant season will be in full swing. I'm so excited to put my stamp on the Miss Gay America System. Each Miss Gay America before me has left the system with their personal touch. When a person tells me "I'm not so America ", I often wonder how many formers thought that same thing. I personally see 39 different personalities, talents and success stories. My best advice to anyone is not to follow but to lead.
This month starts out in Memphis where I was fortunate to attend the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis Mardi Gras Ball. I was so impressed with the passion of each entertainer. Thank you all, so much for allowing me to be apart of this grand event. All proceeds went to charity (Hope House of Memphis ). That's my definition of excellence!
I was invited to appear in 3 city prelims this month. First Miss Baltimore America at the Hippo. Josie, Roger Dimick and Miss Gay Maryland America 2010 Onyx Revlon sure know how to treat a Miss America. I'm so excited to return for the Miss Gay Maryland America Pageant. Miss Gay America 2002 Sabrina White was also in attendance. We go so far back, It’s always such a joy to work with him. Miss Piedmont America was held at Scorpios in Charlotte. A special thanks to Bruce Bowyer and Emery Starr for an incredible pageant. Miss Gay America 1992 Tiffany Bonet’ and Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols also attended... Last but not least, Miss Ohio Heart of America Pageant was held at Axis in Columbus Ohio . It was so much fun to see all my sisters and work with them. Thank you Rusty and Diamond for a wonderful night!
In between all the city prelims, I found time to travel to the Club Cabaret in Hickory NC , Play in Nashville TN , Masque in DaytonOH , WoodStarr in Parkersburg WV and the Brunch at Godfreys in Richmond VA. I also worked at my home bar, Legends in RaleighNC . I plan on working more the next couple of months, I tell my friends that I will rest in November, when my reign is over...
This month I'm so excited to interview a former that has been with me every step of the way. He always believed in himself and was determine to achieve his goal. I proud to call him a friend and a MGA sister... Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case...
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did Charity Case come about and I would love to know how you picked your name?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
Charity Case was born long ago in KC, MO while still in college at the Conservatory of Music studying vocal performance. My roommate at the time dared me to enter Kansas City 's New Discovery, a talent contest for new drag queens. This was my first time to perform in drag and that night I performed two songs, the second was" And I Am Telling You" and I won the contest. I didn't think much about it at the time, but that night I met Melinda Ryder and Fritz Capone, two performers and ultimately friends, who changed my life for good. Within a few weeks I was planning Charity's next move and that was to be in a contest called Kansas City 's Sweetheart hosted by renowned Judy Garland impersonator, Dan Curry. I won that contest and made a wonderful friend in Dan as well. My career as a Diva and not the tenor I had planned on being had begun. How could I have known that first night performing that I was being groomed by three performers who were headed for so much success and who still took the time to steer my career in a direction that years later would help me obtain the title of Miss Gay America 2001. As for my name, I mentioned that I performed two songs that starry night. oh so long ago and the first selection was "If They Could See Me Now" from Sweet Charity and as anyone reading this would know, the song ends with, “Hi girls, it's me Charity!" and even then I didn't see myself being called Sweet Charity but I did love the name, so I was just going to be called Charity. When the MC was bringing me on she turned to me and said, "What's your last name?" I told her, "I don't have one I am just Charity, like Cher !" to which she replied," You must have a last name! " In a moment of frustration I yelled out Case, call me Charity Case. After all, this was just going to be a one time deal… what did I care...
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How were you first introduced to the MGA pageant system?
Who was your role model?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
Melinda Ryder was working to win the title of Miss Gay Missouri when we first met.. She had already been first alternate to Miss Gay Missouri and had been to Miss Gay America… this was very exciting to me and something that I wanted to pursue. Melinda and her team took me into their fold and helped me start my quest for a crown. Within months I competed at Miss Gay Midwest and placed 13th out of 22 contestants. One year later I won the crown of Miss Gay Midwest, and that same year Melinda won Miss Gay Missouri and we were on our way to Dallas TX to compete at Miss Gay America. The week was unbelievable!. I met so many people I could never list them all and had the time of my life. On the final night of the pageant I stood and watched as my mentors owned the night, Second Alternate was Melinda Ryder, First Alternate was Fritz Capone and the winner was of course Naomi Sims, three of my role models and three of the best friends a person could ever have. On a personal note, while I did not make the top ten I did place 13th and was named the Lady Barbara Award Winner. I was so excited you would have thought I had won! Melinda Ryder is still performing as a celebrity fundraiser in KC and is still my best friend to this day... Regrettably Naomi Sims and Fritz Capone are no longer with us but live in the hearts of everyone they ever touched.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How many times did you compete and how did you manage to keep it fresh every year?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
I competed for the title of Miss Gay America 11 times, a fact of which I am proud. I was fortunate enough to win 8 state and regional titles and was 1st alternate 3 other years and that is no easy feat. Keeping it fresh for me was doing a talent that excited me and putting together a package that challenged me. I never used the expression, "my package is clean" because to me that equals boring. I would always remember something Norman Jones said to me early on, "Does your talent stir an emotion?' Does your evening gown fit and accentuate your best features? Will you present yourself in interview as a leader?". Striving to obtain these goals is what kept it fresh for me. I was also lucky enough to have a partner with great fashion sense and an ability to make this big girl feel like a Barbie. Thank you Jimmy.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What advice do you give plus size contestants?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
You must have the confidence and belief in yourself that if you want something bad enough you can achieve it. Success is not just for skinny girls... You may have to work harder but so do plain girls, so don't cry about it. One note… being plus sized, take the time to make sure your fashion is flattering . Remember you not only have to please yourself and the crowd but most importantly you must to please the five judges that sit before you.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I've always wanted to know..... Why Miss Gay America instead of a Plus size pageant?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
When I started competing there were no plus size pageants and I was fortunate to have enough confidence in myself to never question whether or not I should be competing with smaller contestants.. By the time Miss USofA at Large came about I had been in the top 5 at Miss Gay America, 1st Alternate at National Entertainer of the Year,(to my good friend Tasha Kohl) and had placed 7th at Miss Gay USofA. and I felt that I had been so close to the Miss Gay America crown that it just wasn't within me to end the quest to be Miss Gay America. I was honored to judge Miss USofA at Large in its emeritus year.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Any advice for me this year?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
Having been friends with you over all of these years, I don't know what advice that I could give you that you would not already posses. We have shared achievements, we have shared disappointments and through it all we have shared our lives and have both seen our dreams come true. I feel sure that your year will continue to be accomplished, graceful, and altruistic just as you are and I hope that you cherish your year as much as I cherished mine…
Thank you Mark (Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case)...I am so proud to call you my MGA sister.
Next month is Miss Mid-America in Memphis on March 11th and Miss Gay DC America in DC on March 18th and 19th.
Until then, dream big and achieve everything!!!
Love and Respect!
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
This month starts out in Memphis where I was fortunate to attend the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis Mardi Gras Ball. I was so impressed with the passion of each entertainer. Thank you all, so much for allowing me to be apart of this grand event. All proceeds went to charity (Hope House of Memphis ). That's my definition of excellence!
I was invited to appear in 3 city prelims this month. First Miss Baltimore America at the Hippo. Josie, Roger Dimick and Miss Gay Maryland America 2010 Onyx Revlon sure know how to treat a Miss America. I'm so excited to return for the Miss Gay Maryland America Pageant. Miss Gay America 2002 Sabrina White was also in attendance. We go so far back, It’s always such a joy to work with him. Miss Piedmont America was held at Scorpios in Charlotte. A special thanks to Bruce Bowyer and Emery Starr for an incredible pageant. Miss Gay America 1992 Tiffany Bonet’ and Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols also attended... Last but not least, Miss Ohio Heart of America Pageant was held at Axis in Columbus Ohio . It was so much fun to see all my sisters and work with them. Thank you Rusty and Diamond for a wonderful night!
In between all the city prelims, I found time to travel to the Club Cabaret in Hickory NC , Play in Nashville TN , Masque in DaytonOH , WoodStarr in Parkersburg WV and the Brunch at Godfreys in Richmond VA. I also worked at my home bar, Legends in RaleighNC . I plan on working more the next couple of months, I tell my friends that I will rest in November, when my reign is over...
This month I'm so excited to interview a former that has been with me every step of the way. He always believed in himself and was determine to achieve his goal. I proud to call him a friend and a MGA sister... Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case...
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did Charity Case come about and I would love to know how you picked your name?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
Charity Case was born long ago in KC, MO while still in college at the Conservatory of Music studying vocal performance. My roommate at the time dared me to enter Kansas City 's New Discovery, a talent contest for new drag queens. This was my first time to perform in drag and that night I performed two songs, the second was" And I Am Telling You" and I won the contest. I didn't think much about it at the time, but that night I met Melinda Ryder and Fritz Capone, two performers and ultimately friends, who changed my life for good. Within a few weeks I was planning Charity's next move and that was to be in a contest called Kansas City 's Sweetheart hosted by renowned Judy Garland impersonator, Dan Curry. I won that contest and made a wonderful friend in Dan as well. My career as a Diva and not the tenor I had planned on being had begun. How could I have known that first night performing that I was being groomed by three performers who were headed for so much success and who still took the time to steer my career in a direction that years later would help me obtain the title of Miss Gay America 2001. As for my name, I mentioned that I performed two songs that starry night. oh so long ago and the first selection was "If They Could See Me Now" from Sweet Charity and as anyone reading this would know, the song ends with, “Hi girls, it's me Charity!" and even then I didn't see myself being called Sweet Charity but I did love the name, so I was just going to be called Charity. When the MC was bringing me on she turned to me and said, "What's your last name?" I told her, "I don't have one I am just Charity, like Cher !" to which she replied," You must have a last name! " In a moment of frustration I yelled out Case, call me Charity Case. After all, this was just going to be a one time deal… what did I care...
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How were you first introduced to the MGA pageant system?
Who was your role model?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
Melinda Ryder was working to win the title of Miss Gay Missouri when we first met.. She had already been first alternate to Miss Gay Missouri and had been to Miss Gay America… this was very exciting to me and something that I wanted to pursue. Melinda and her team took me into their fold and helped me start my quest for a crown. Within months I competed at Miss Gay Midwest and placed 13th out of 22 contestants. One year later I won the crown of Miss Gay Midwest, and that same year Melinda won Miss Gay Missouri and we were on our way to Dallas TX to compete at Miss Gay America. The week was unbelievable!. I met so many people I could never list them all and had the time of my life. On the final night of the pageant I stood and watched as my mentors owned the night, Second Alternate was Melinda Ryder, First Alternate was Fritz Capone and the winner was of course Naomi Sims, three of my role models and three of the best friends a person could ever have. On a personal note, while I did not make the top ten I did place 13th and was named the Lady Barbara Award Winner. I was so excited you would have thought I had won! Melinda Ryder is still performing as a celebrity fundraiser in KC and is still my best friend to this day... Regrettably Naomi Sims and Fritz Capone are no longer with us but live in the hearts of everyone they ever touched.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How many times did you compete and how did you manage to keep it fresh every year?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
I competed for the title of Miss Gay America 11 times, a fact of which I am proud. I was fortunate enough to win 8 state and regional titles and was 1st alternate 3 other years and that is no easy feat. Keeping it fresh for me was doing a talent that excited me and putting together a package that challenged me. I never used the expression, "my package is clean" because to me that equals boring. I would always remember something Norman Jones said to me early on, "Does your talent stir an emotion?' Does your evening gown fit and accentuate your best features? Will you present yourself in interview as a leader?". Striving to obtain these goals is what kept it fresh for me. I was also lucky enough to have a partner with great fashion sense and an ability to make this big girl feel like a Barbie. Thank you Jimmy.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What advice do you give plus size contestants?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
You must have the confidence and belief in yourself that if you want something bad enough you can achieve it. Success is not just for skinny girls... You may have to work harder but so do plain girls, so don't cry about it. One note… being plus sized, take the time to make sure your fashion is flattering . Remember you not only have to please yourself and the crowd but most importantly you must to please the five judges that sit before you.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I've always wanted to know..... Why Miss Gay America instead of a Plus size pageant?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
When I started competing there were no plus size pageants and I was fortunate to have enough confidence in myself to never question whether or not I should be competing with smaller contestants.. By the time Miss USofA at Large came about I had been in the top 5 at Miss Gay America, 1st Alternate at National Entertainer of the Year,(to my good friend Tasha Kohl) and had placed 7th at Miss Gay USofA. and I felt that I had been so close to the Miss Gay America crown that it just wasn't within me to end the quest to be Miss Gay America. I was honored to judge Miss USofA at Large in its emeritus year.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Any advice for me this year?
Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case:
Having been friends with you over all of these years, I don't know what advice that I could give you that you would not already posses. We have shared achievements, we have shared disappointments and through it all we have shared our lives and have both seen our dreams come true. I feel sure that your year will continue to be accomplished, graceful, and altruistic just as you are and I hope that you cherish your year as much as I cherished mine…
Thank you Mark (Miss Gay America 2001 Charity Case)...I am so proud to call you my MGA sister.
Next month is Miss Mid-America in Memphis on March 11th and Miss Gay DC America in DC on March 18th and 19th.
Until then, dream big and achieve everything!!!
Love and Respect!
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
April 2011
Its official!! Pageant season has begun and the Miss Gay America 2012 pageant season is in full swing.
My month started out in Myrtle Beach SC , where I produce a Theatre Production of an illusion show. The theatre was sold out and I had such a great time with the cast....Many thanks to Denise Russell, Viki
Williams, Gigi Monroe and Kirby Kolby. The next show will be in the fall.....Cant wait!!!
After returning home for a few days, I realized that all my life I have been waiting for this moment. When I would be able to attend a prelim as MISS GAY AMERICA. More excited than nervous, I found myself in Memphisfor the Miss Mid-America Pageant. With a great panel of judges and wonderful contestants, the pageant was a complete success. Tanisha
Foxx looked amazing at her step down while Symphony Alexander Love took top spot and close behind was Jade Sinclair. I was so impressed with every contestant. I also would like to thank Larry and Terry for everything. You truly know how to put a pageant together.
The following night I was invited to perform at Spectrum in Memphis . It was such an energetic crowd and I had a blast....My trip toMemphis was so much fun. A special thanks to Anita, Mike, Catia, Rachael, Coco , Robert, Jeff, Tom and especially Larry and Terry. On a side note.. Thank you Catia, for my first duet with a former Miss Gay America. I so enjoyed it…
No time to rest, I'm off to our nations capital, Washington DC . I will be giving up the title that allowed me to capture my dream of becoming Miss Gay America. Friday Night was an incredible review show at Ziegfields. The new club was awesome. I totally recommend it... Thank you, Jon Parks for making me feel like a star. The next day I found myself in registration with 5 contestants from all over the US . After
an amazing night of Pageantry, Kirby Kolby captured the title of Miss Gay DC America with Patti Lovelace as her 1st alternate. Words can’t describe my feelings for Robert York...Thank you for making my life dream come true...YOU ARE LOVED...
My month ends with a celebration....I traveled to After Dark in Ft. Wayne Indiana and Talbott Street in Indianapolis for the weekend... Thank you’s go out to Shawn, Asia , Viki, Sage, Ginger, Della and Leslie for making my weekend a success. Finishing off the month I attended my own birthday Party in
Lexington Kentucky at the Bar Complex. Latoya, John, Paris and RJ… I'm blessed you are in my life. Thank you for making my birthday so special. I also would like to thank Juice and Scott for spending time with me...
It humbles me to introduce my next MGA interview. I cant tell you how proud I am of this next individual. I present to you, North Carolina 's own, Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did you get introduced to the MGA pageant?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
When I first started female impersonation it seemed important here in North Carolina to do well in pageants. Pageantry has always been strong here in NC.
It all began with Pageant Enterprises… Pageant Enterprises was started by Larry Kidd and Marsha McLawhorn (the backbone of the organization). This lady knew more about female impersonation than most impersonators!. It was a group of people that loved the art of female impersonation and the Miss Gay America system. They used their collective talents to put on a wonderful Miss NorthCarolina and really trained entertainers how to be good competitors.
Toni Lenoir became my “drag mother”. Toni was former Miss North Carolina and 2nd runner-up to Lauren Colby, MGA 1986. She introduced me to Thom Guinn. Thom put together all of my talents for competition. These two loved and believed in the Americapageant system, and really passed that on to me. Thom and Toni really have a special place in my heart as my “beginning.”
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did MGA change your life?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
Well, I was already performing full time in North and South Carolina . The year before I won and the year I was Miss Gay America, I was able to expand that to the entire country, except Hawaii (frown), why no prelim in Hawaii ??!! Oh how nice that would have been! Anyway, doing all that traveling and working molds you. I met so many people and visited so many places. I really think I took pieces of all those experiences and they helped me become who I am today.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
During your reign, what was your defining moment?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
I guess it all begins and ends with Norman Jones (Norma Kristie). When he announced that I was the 24th Miss Gay America a wave of emotion came over me. If you’ve ever seen the video of my crowning you will know what I’m talking about. It’s a little embarrassing, but at that moment it was all coming together for me. Six years of competing, so many ups and downs. And it was happening! It was happening to me! I remember seeing the crowd jump to its feet in a roar, the smiles on their faces. It was so surreal. But I think that my defining moment was the final night of my reign as Miss Gay America. It was a SOLD OUT crowd at Oven’s Auditorium in my hometown of Charlotte , NC . The 25th Silver Anniversary. Norma Kristie (Jones) stood at the podium, spoke into the microphone and thanked me for my hard work and for being an excellent Miss Gay America. At that moment I realized that that is what I had always wanted . To be an excellent Miss Gay America. I felt validated.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What obstacles have you overcome since your reign?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
A few years after my year as MGA I was lost. I didn’t know what I wanted for Jeff, the real me. I had always been a bit of a party girl. But somewhere I lost control and the party had ended. For about 10 years I was completely out of control. I’d become a drunk. It’s not pretty, but it’s my ugly truth. I quit going out and I began isolating. Home alone, drunk and miserable. Finally, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was ashamed but so desperate for help that I swallowed my pride and found my way to Alcoholics Anonymous. There is a gay AA group here in Charlotte (which believe it or not, actually meets on Queen’s Road!) These people welcomed me and showed me a better way to live. Being sober today has given me a freedom and given me my life back. I’ve now been sober over 2 years.
I know that there are many people in the gay community that are suffering from alcohol and or drug abuse. If that is the case for someone reading this, you can use my life and experience as a source of hope. You CAN beat it. You DESERVE a better life. Help is out there. Just reach out for it.
I hope that being honest and telling my story here will help someone who is suffering.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What advice would you give me this year?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
Enjoy yourself. Being Miss America is a lot of work, but great fun. Take lots of pictures. Be yourself. I think all the Miss Gay America’s have brought something unique to the crown. You are certainly no exception. So wear the crown proudly as Coti Collins, Miss Gay America 2011.
Thank you Kerri. You are an inspiration to so many out there.
Until next month, May all your dreams become reality...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
My month started out in Myrtle Beach SC , where I produce a Theatre Production of an illusion show. The theatre was sold out and I had such a great time with the cast....Many thanks to Denise Russell, Viki
Williams, Gigi Monroe and Kirby Kolby. The next show will be in the fall.....Cant wait!!!
After returning home for a few days, I realized that all my life I have been waiting for this moment. When I would be able to attend a prelim as MISS GAY AMERICA. More excited than nervous, I found myself in Memphisfor the Miss Mid-America Pageant. With a great panel of judges and wonderful contestants, the pageant was a complete success. Tanisha
Foxx looked amazing at her step down while Symphony Alexander Love took top spot and close behind was Jade Sinclair. I was so impressed with every contestant. I also would like to thank Larry and Terry for everything. You truly know how to put a pageant together.
The following night I was invited to perform at Spectrum in Memphis . It was such an energetic crowd and I had a blast....My trip toMemphis was so much fun. A special thanks to Anita, Mike, Catia, Rachael, Coco , Robert, Jeff, Tom and especially Larry and Terry. On a side note.. Thank you Catia, for my first duet with a former Miss Gay America. I so enjoyed it…
No time to rest, I'm off to our nations capital, Washington DC . I will be giving up the title that allowed me to capture my dream of becoming Miss Gay America. Friday Night was an incredible review show at Ziegfields. The new club was awesome. I totally recommend it... Thank you, Jon Parks for making me feel like a star. The next day I found myself in registration with 5 contestants from all over the US . After
an amazing night of Pageantry, Kirby Kolby captured the title of Miss Gay DC America with Patti Lovelace as her 1st alternate. Words can’t describe my feelings for Robert York...Thank you for making my life dream come true...YOU ARE LOVED...
My month ends with a celebration....I traveled to After Dark in Ft. Wayne Indiana and Talbott Street in Indianapolis for the weekend... Thank you’s go out to Shawn, Asia , Viki, Sage, Ginger, Della and Leslie for making my weekend a success. Finishing off the month I attended my own birthday Party in
Lexington Kentucky at the Bar Complex. Latoya, John, Paris and RJ… I'm blessed you are in my life. Thank you for making my birthday so special. I also would like to thank Juice and Scott for spending time with me...
It humbles me to introduce my next MGA interview. I cant tell you how proud I am of this next individual. I present to you, North Carolina 's own, Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did you get introduced to the MGA pageant?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
When I first started female impersonation it seemed important here in North Carolina to do well in pageants. Pageantry has always been strong here in NC.
It all began with Pageant Enterprises… Pageant Enterprises was started by Larry Kidd and Marsha McLawhorn (the backbone of the organization). This lady knew more about female impersonation than most impersonators!. It was a group of people that loved the art of female impersonation and the Miss Gay America system. They used their collective talents to put on a wonderful Miss NorthCarolina and really trained entertainers how to be good competitors.
Toni Lenoir became my “drag mother”. Toni was former Miss North Carolina and 2nd runner-up to Lauren Colby, MGA 1986. She introduced me to Thom Guinn. Thom put together all of my talents for competition. These two loved and believed in the Americapageant system, and really passed that on to me. Thom and Toni really have a special place in my heart as my “beginning.”
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did MGA change your life?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
Well, I was already performing full time in North and South Carolina . The year before I won and the year I was Miss Gay America, I was able to expand that to the entire country, except Hawaii (frown), why no prelim in Hawaii ??!! Oh how nice that would have been! Anyway, doing all that traveling and working molds you. I met so many people and visited so many places. I really think I took pieces of all those experiences and they helped me become who I am today.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
During your reign, what was your defining moment?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
I guess it all begins and ends with Norman Jones (Norma Kristie). When he announced that I was the 24th Miss Gay America a wave of emotion came over me. If you’ve ever seen the video of my crowning you will know what I’m talking about. It’s a little embarrassing, but at that moment it was all coming together for me. Six years of competing, so many ups and downs. And it was happening! It was happening to me! I remember seeing the crowd jump to its feet in a roar, the smiles on their faces. It was so surreal. But I think that my defining moment was the final night of my reign as Miss Gay America. It was a SOLD OUT crowd at Oven’s Auditorium in my hometown of Charlotte , NC . The 25th Silver Anniversary. Norma Kristie (Jones) stood at the podium, spoke into the microphone and thanked me for my hard work and for being an excellent Miss Gay America. At that moment I realized that that is what I had always wanted . To be an excellent Miss Gay America. I felt validated.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What obstacles have you overcome since your reign?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
A few years after my year as MGA I was lost. I didn’t know what I wanted for Jeff, the real me. I had always been a bit of a party girl. But somewhere I lost control and the party had ended. For about 10 years I was completely out of control. I’d become a drunk. It’s not pretty, but it’s my ugly truth. I quit going out and I began isolating. Home alone, drunk and miserable. Finally, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was ashamed but so desperate for help that I swallowed my pride and found my way to Alcoholics Anonymous. There is a gay AA group here in Charlotte (which believe it or not, actually meets on Queen’s Road!) These people welcomed me and showed me a better way to live. Being sober today has given me a freedom and given me my life back. I’ve now been sober over 2 years.
I know that there are many people in the gay community that are suffering from alcohol and or drug abuse. If that is the case for someone reading this, you can use my life and experience as a source of hope. You CAN beat it. You DESERVE a better life. Help is out there. Just reach out for it.
I hope that being honest and telling my story here will help someone who is suffering.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What advice would you give me this year?
Miss Gay America 1996 Kerri Nichols:
Enjoy yourself. Being Miss America is a lot of work, but great fun. Take lots of pictures. Be yourself. I think all the Miss Gay America’s have brought something unique to the crown. You are certainly no exception. So wear the crown proudly as Coti Collins, Miss Gay America 2011.
Thank you Kerri. You are an inspiration to so many out there.
Until next month, May all your dreams become reality...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
May 2011
Already May? Where has the time gone? April has been a whirlwind to me. I so enjoyed my travels and getting to see so many old friends… and of course making new life long relationships. When I'm asked, “what makes Miss Gay America different from any other pageant?”, I can honestly answer the question… Feeling it first hand, Miss Gay America is a family. Each prelim that I attend, I see contestants, promoters, and formers stepping up to assure that the pageant experience is a positive one. It’s overwhelming to know I'm a part of something much larger than myself. This makes me proud.
April starts out with a bang. I find myself in Charlotte NC attending Miss Mid-East America Pageant. With seven incredible contestants, it kept me on the edge of my seat all evening. When it was all over, Chantel Reshae took top honors and Lindsay Starr was close behind. I want to thank Mike Rhinehart and the Scorpio's staff for such a successful event. Miss Mid-East has always had a special place in my heart. It’s the only title I have held twice. Jessica Jade did an amazing job representing the title all year. It is always a pleasure working with you.
My next prelim would be Miss Gay Maryland America. This would be my first state prelim, and what a prelim to start it off with. From beginning to end, the staff at the Hippo was beyond accommodating. With 10 contestants, I have never witnessed such comradery and love. Onyx Revlon was such a class act. It started with a roast in his honor. It was so much fun and yet very emotional for me, I will never forget the love I felt from each of you. It was truly overwhelming. After two days of nail biting competition, Chi Chi Ray Colby achieved his dream with Araya Sparxx only points behind. I want to thank Roger, Chuck, Tatiyanna, Sue Nami, Daniel and Onyx for a weekend that proves excellence does exist. I'm humbled by the love I felt.
Between the prelims, I made stops at Godfrey’s in Richmond VA , Club Kaos in Macon GA , Club Pantheon in Charleston SC and Legends in Raleigh NC . Its overwhelming to see the support I receive across the country. I'm proud to report that Miss Gay America is alive and well, and growing. Stay tuned for more exciting news...
This months interview I'm excited to present Miss Gay America 1979, Rachel Wells. One of the most respected individuals I have met. I still get star-struck talking to him.....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What interested you in the art of female impersonation?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
First, let me say how thrilled I am to be interviewed, especially by you. You are the epitome of perseverance and determination, qualities I really admire in a person. Back in 1971, I was probably like many gay men who when they first see a show are a bit puzzled and put off by a man who dresses like a woman. I mean, when you’re young (and I was underage at the time) and trying to “find” myself, along comes a drag queen on stage looking like a movie star (like life wasn’t confusing enough already). I was confounded and in awe at the same time with the enigma. As fate would have it, I became friends with an entertainer and found getting in drag and pretending to be one of the cast members got me in the club without an ID. Of course, I sat in the dressing room all night, now officially a booger drag, and embarrassed to be wearing a dress and wig. I watched the show from the wings. In a few weeks I was performing…
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How were you introduced to the Miss Gay America Pageant?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
I had just won the Miss Gay Atlanta Pageant, and at the time, that pageant and the Miss Southeast contest were the biggest ones around. As corny as it sounds, I was informed by Wendy Grape, Miss Southeast, that it was our civic responsibility to represent all of the gay people in the south by entering the Miss Gay America Pageant. I always took what Wendy said to heart. Please remember that I was still young and naïve, and though I didn’t really believe that being a representative for all the gay masses in the south was my calling or responsibility, I still entered with his words as my mantra. The contest was held in Nashville ,Tennessee .
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How was your first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
My first experience was awful, and for many reasons. First, I was way out of my league thinking that I could compete with seasoned entertainers. To me, most of them wore too much makeup and over the top costumes, and frankly, they looked like men in dresses. It was also frightening being in such a large contest out of town surrounded by strange creatures that I didn’t know. And to make it worse, after the first evening of competition, I went for a joy ride by myself in downtown Nashville , was pulled over by police and was arrested for not having my driver’s license with me. I appeared in night court and then I had to spend the night in jail. I was out in time for the next morning for interviews, and no one, except for my close circle of friends, even knew that I spent the night locked up with undesirables. On a lighter note, that was the year Baronessa won, and like any contest, the cream always rises to the top, and she was in a class all her own. I also had the opportunity to see Norma give up his crown. So for the most part, my first time was a real learning experience (excellence is developed, not something we’re born with), and I also had a chance to see history. It was also during the crowning that I became focused on one day being Miss Gay America.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
During your reign, what was your pinnacle moment?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
I had no pinnacle moments while being Miss Gay America. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my reign, but it wasn’t until I finally quit performing that I realized that winning the crown was the pinnacle of my female impersonation career. Even though I had the chance to do some other incredible things, and I had wonderful opportunities thrown my way, it was in retrospect that I realized that nothing compared to the experience of having my named announced as the winner.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Why did Rachel retire from performing?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
Rachel didn’t retire from performing, I (John) did. After fourteen or so years of entertaining, it was time to put the dear girl to rest. She had paid her dues. Anyway, part of my act was being this beautiful goddess creature, and there’s nothing worse than an aging actress who was once a beauty queen. No one can airbrush the face when appearing on stage. And quite honestly, I was tired of performing and I wanted to achieve other things. I admire those that make a long-time career of entertaining, but I was beginning to loath the nightly application of makeup, the constant expense of costumes and wigs, the layers of pantyhose, tights, and padding, and the never ending search for new material. But quite frankly, when open-toed shoes went out of style and I was forced to wear closed-toed shoes (with the pointed toes); my big feet began to scream, “No more!”
Female impersonators are like vampires: once bitten, they will be forever tied to the drag sorority, and I am no different. I will always want to perform, but I have reached that point in my life and I have accepted the fact that I don’t need to. Though eternally grateful for all that I have been given and earned, the Rachel Wells persona is now just part of my past.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Any advice for me this year during my reign?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
Remember that life is too short and so very precious. You’ve worked so hard to achieve this success, but never forget that this year’s achievement will only be one of many for you. So enjoy the year for what it is, and then move forward to other goals waiting to be accomplished.
If you would like to read more about Rachel Wells, and his journey go to www.JRGreenwellMGA79.com Thank you John for leading the way. I'm humbled to be in the company of such individuals as yourself...
Until next month, reach for your dreams, and if your lucky, you will catch a few....
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
April starts out with a bang. I find myself in Charlotte NC attending Miss Mid-East America Pageant. With seven incredible contestants, it kept me on the edge of my seat all evening. When it was all over, Chantel Reshae took top honors and Lindsay Starr was close behind. I want to thank Mike Rhinehart and the Scorpio's staff for such a successful event. Miss Mid-East has always had a special place in my heart. It’s the only title I have held twice. Jessica Jade did an amazing job representing the title all year. It is always a pleasure working with you.
My next prelim would be Miss Gay Maryland America. This would be my first state prelim, and what a prelim to start it off with. From beginning to end, the staff at the Hippo was beyond accommodating. With 10 contestants, I have never witnessed such comradery and love. Onyx Revlon was such a class act. It started with a roast in his honor. It was so much fun and yet very emotional for me, I will never forget the love I felt from each of you. It was truly overwhelming. After two days of nail biting competition, Chi Chi Ray Colby achieved his dream with Araya Sparxx only points behind. I want to thank Roger, Chuck, Tatiyanna, Sue Nami, Daniel and Onyx for a weekend that proves excellence does exist. I'm humbled by the love I felt.
Between the prelims, I made stops at Godfrey’s in Richmond VA , Club Kaos in Macon GA , Club Pantheon in Charleston SC and Legends in Raleigh NC . Its overwhelming to see the support I receive across the country. I'm proud to report that Miss Gay America is alive and well, and growing. Stay tuned for more exciting news...
This months interview I'm excited to present Miss Gay America 1979, Rachel Wells. One of the most respected individuals I have met. I still get star-struck talking to him.....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What interested you in the art of female impersonation?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
First, let me say how thrilled I am to be interviewed, especially by you. You are the epitome of perseverance and determination, qualities I really admire in a person. Back in 1971, I was probably like many gay men who when they first see a show are a bit puzzled and put off by a man who dresses like a woman. I mean, when you’re young (and I was underage at the time) and trying to “find” myself, along comes a drag queen on stage looking like a movie star (like life wasn’t confusing enough already). I was confounded and in awe at the same time with the enigma. As fate would have it, I became friends with an entertainer and found getting in drag and pretending to be one of the cast members got me in the club without an ID. Of course, I sat in the dressing room all night, now officially a booger drag, and embarrassed to be wearing a dress and wig. I watched the show from the wings. In a few weeks I was performing…
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How were you introduced to the Miss Gay America Pageant?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
I had just won the Miss Gay Atlanta Pageant, and at the time, that pageant and the Miss Southeast contest were the biggest ones around. As corny as it sounds, I was informed by Wendy Grape, Miss Southeast, that it was our civic responsibility to represent all of the gay people in the south by entering the Miss Gay America Pageant. I always took what Wendy said to heart. Please remember that I was still young and naïve, and though I didn’t really believe that being a representative for all the gay masses in the south was my calling or responsibility, I still entered with his words as my mantra. The contest was held in Nashville ,Tennessee .
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How was your first experience at the Miss Gay America Pageant?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
My first experience was awful, and for many reasons. First, I was way out of my league thinking that I could compete with seasoned entertainers. To me, most of them wore too much makeup and over the top costumes, and frankly, they looked like men in dresses. It was also frightening being in such a large contest out of town surrounded by strange creatures that I didn’t know. And to make it worse, after the first evening of competition, I went for a joy ride by myself in downtown Nashville , was pulled over by police and was arrested for not having my driver’s license with me. I appeared in night court and then I had to spend the night in jail. I was out in time for the next morning for interviews, and no one, except for my close circle of friends, even knew that I spent the night locked up with undesirables. On a lighter note, that was the year Baronessa won, and like any contest, the cream always rises to the top, and she was in a class all her own. I also had the opportunity to see Norma give up his crown. So for the most part, my first time was a real learning experience (excellence is developed, not something we’re born with), and I also had a chance to see history. It was also during the crowning that I became focused on one day being Miss Gay America.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
During your reign, what was your pinnacle moment?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
I had no pinnacle moments while being Miss Gay America. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my reign, but it wasn’t until I finally quit performing that I realized that winning the crown was the pinnacle of my female impersonation career. Even though I had the chance to do some other incredible things, and I had wonderful opportunities thrown my way, it was in retrospect that I realized that nothing compared to the experience of having my named announced as the winner.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Why did Rachel retire from performing?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
Rachel didn’t retire from performing, I (John) did. After fourteen or so years of entertaining, it was time to put the dear girl to rest. She had paid her dues. Anyway, part of my act was being this beautiful goddess creature, and there’s nothing worse than an aging actress who was once a beauty queen. No one can airbrush the face when appearing on stage. And quite honestly, I was tired of performing and I wanted to achieve other things. I admire those that make a long-time career of entertaining, but I was beginning to loath the nightly application of makeup, the constant expense of costumes and wigs, the layers of pantyhose, tights, and padding, and the never ending search for new material. But quite frankly, when open-toed shoes went out of style and I was forced to wear closed-toed shoes (with the pointed toes); my big feet began to scream, “No more!”
Female impersonators are like vampires: once bitten, they will be forever tied to the drag sorority, and I am no different. I will always want to perform, but I have reached that point in my life and I have accepted the fact that I don’t need to. Though eternally grateful for all that I have been given and earned, the Rachel Wells persona is now just part of my past.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Any advice for me this year during my reign?
Miss Gay America 1979 Rachel Wells:
Remember that life is too short and so very precious. You’ve worked so hard to achieve this success, but never forget that this year’s achievement will only be one of many for you. So enjoy the year for what it is, and then move forward to other goals waiting to be accomplished.
If you would like to read more about Rachel Wells, and his journey go to www.JRGreenwellMGA79.com Thank you John for leading the way. I'm humbled to be in the company of such individuals as yourself...
Until next month, reach for your dreams, and if your lucky, you will catch a few....
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
June 2011
What an exciting month in Pageantry...It has been extremely busy for me but I have enjoyed every minute of it. First of all I want to congratulate 2 of my sisters...Catia Lee Love for capturing the title of US of A Classic and Luscious for achieving her dream as Miss US of A....I'm so proud of you both.....
My month started out in Missouri ... The pageant ran like clock work. With formers working together, I'm proud to announce that Madison Elise took the title and very close behind, Tajma Stetson qualified as 1st alternate. Both contestants were very impressive and I'm excited to see them at nationals. Hats off to the MissouriAlumni...A Job well done....
No time to rest... I'm off to Miss Gay Oklahoma America. Tillie and Joe were such great hosts. This pageant was so exciting and all the contestants were on their game. In the end, Roxie Hart won the title and Roslyn Dubois took 1st alternate. I have never met either contestant and it was a blessing for me. I know that both will make a big splash at MGA....on a side note... I had a blast with Tillie...what a spirit... then, I was straight to the airport and off to Miss Atlantic StatesAmerica . John Kane and Matt Minnier spared no expense. The pageant was held at a theatre and was filled with celebrities. Jessica Jade took top honors ( Billy is still on speed dial, I'm just sayin…) and Monica Moore was 1st alternate. John and Matt put us up at the Mansion...It was the most unusual hotel ever...I loved it.. Thank you for making me feel like a Miss Gay America. I am nowheading now to Miss Gay Virginia America… I am so excited to work with Wayne Doggett. He had everything ready and all the contestants were amazing. I will never forget this pageant, With a computer glitch, it took 2 days to determine the winner... Onyx Revlon won by 10 points and Shelby Bottoms was her 1st alternate. I have taken full responsibility of the situation and all I can say is I'm only human... But one thing I learned is that I was never so impressed of how Shelby Bottoms handled the situation… Now that's a true Symbol of Excellence...Thank you so much for being so professional.
Miss Mid-Atlantic America is my next stop. Aron Aranda truly made me feel like a Miss Gay America. I have known Aron for some time now and he never ceases to amaze me. This pageant was so close... Tatiyanna Voche' won and Paige Passion was his 1st alternate. I was so proud of both of them. On another side note… I was blessed with working with my sister Jennifer Foxx...You inspire me so much… I'm so blessed. My month was filled with joy and blessings. I only hope that through my travels, that I inspire hope and that nothing is impossible in the world. If you dream it, you can achieve it..... This month I have a surprise for you...Colin Murphy has interviews me and I have interviewed Patti Le Plae Safe....I spent some time with Patti in DC and I was very interested in his story… I’m so glad he had time to share with us....
This is my interview with Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How were you introduced to the MGA system?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
The whole time I was living in Arkansas , I never knew it was the home of Miss Gay America. I used to go to the Discovery nightclub every chance I could to watch the entertainers in the late 70s and early 80s. I was so afraid of Norma who I only knew asNorman . I even dated one of his bartenders. All along I was so close but in my head I was so far. If I had started earlier while I lived in Arkansas I would have been a MGA earlier quiet possibly. Living in Texas brought me closer, because I was surrounded by winners of the America and other pageant systems. I'd watched a lot of pageants before I ever entered one. Eventually, I met Ramona LeGer at a Mr. Gay All American contest in St. Louis in 1991. I had been helping the guys backstage as a dresser. I also met Vicki Vincent and Dieta Pepsi who were the Emcees and they were a hoot to hang around with. Prior to that I had never met a MGA contestant that would talk to me.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
With little pageant experience, how did you prepare for the contest?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
After watching the televised Miss America every year as a child, I think I always had the bug. You see, I have always been the fundraiser type and of course, the "pageant girls" told me that I had no talent, bad clothes and I wasn't pretty, etc....that, I should stick to my homemade clothes and my charity stuff.... My best friend at the time, John Gordon, overheard all that and offered to support me if I wanted to try it. He'd already won MGAA 1992 so he was free to help me, since I'd helped him thru all his contests. We created a talent of which I wore my homemade ballgown, and picked the evening gown I could afford, and went to town on creating the "pageant me". Everything I had learned backstage with Mr Gay All American prepared me for serious competition. So I knew the bones and gears of the contest system, and learned how to convert them to the best of my abilities for the pageant system.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
This would be a very hard situation to handle... What went though your head when you heard the news of Ramona's passing?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
Norman called me to tell me, (Shock) to get prepared. (Shocking) I will be fullfilling the duties....total shock now!! I didn't know what it meant quite frankly, I didn't even know the 1st runner-up rule. Ramona was the one who asked me to compete in the first place. She said it would be nice to have me backstage during competition. Keep in mind I had never competed at this point. I did city titles and usually got 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. The closest I got to Miss Gay Texas was 13th and that was a tie. So now it's like going from a nobody to 1st runner-up of the Miss Gay America pageant, to being the winner in the matter of 3 hours of phone calls. I just could not allow her to be forgotten. I feel like Ramona chose me, from the beginning. We were from different worlds: Hers; to live, eat, pray, dream, focus, and think about being MGA her whole life, and Mine; to raise as much money for AIDs as a person could possibly do in a lifetime. I had lost a friend, someone who believed in me. Someone who wanted/considered me to be a part of her world. When she (Ramona) won, and we were standing in the hall awaiting critique, she leaned over to me and whispered, "I'd have been honored to have been your 1st runner-up"! That shocked me because she tried like 9 times to win and I was HER 1st runner-up. I was only hoping to be close to the top ten and not be on the bottom of the list......I had no idea that I had up until final night beat her. I ended up only points behind her. Ramona was my true beginning of MGA. So maybe we won this together, you know?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Why did you choose to represent the system instead of being crowned?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
I could never have taken the crown and worn it, step over/around Ramona and act as though she never existed in the history of MGA. Let's back up and discuss the 1st runner-up rule... Shan Covington who was actually crowned as MGA 1976, (ah you might not know about this in the history books) was completely removed from history (due to “conduct unbecoming to a titleholder”) and Dani Daletto who was truthfully 2nd runne-rup became MGA. Michael Andrews who was the 1st runner-up wanted the chance to win it, hear his name called and get crowned in public. So Michael opted out (since he has already qualified for the Miss Gay America 1977 pageant) and Dani stepped in when Shan was removed. After Michael won the next year the 1st runner-up rule was created. I didn't want that to happen to Ramona. I sat down with Norma Kristie at Ramona's funeral with Ramona's lover and her family and I suggested that I carry Ramona's crown in her honor and that my tips during the "Crown Performance of MGA" would go to AIDs organizations in each pageant city that I would performed in. I would only do this if they would allow me to keep Ramona's dream alive for her. It'd be like my legs, eyes, heart and lips and her dream, honor and crown. I wanted her to be remembered even if I was doing 43 out of 45 prelims. I didn't know what to do, but I learned along the way, and I became stronger and I think I became very well respected as time carried me on. The only plan of final night for me was my crowning ceremony as the 25th Silver MGA. The rest of the night was what Ramona planned as she had dreamed it....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did MGA change your life?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
This is cute but true TIME MANAGEMENT!!!!! I have learned so many amazing things thru MGA. The experience has even helped my careers, as a successful hairstylist and entertainer. I was crowned 16 years ago and I'm still being asked to judge and perform all over America . I host some really fun straight events as Patti. I have been very honored, blessed and superiorly lucky as a MGA.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Any advise for me as I make this journey?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
Coti, yes, three things, make time for yourself to see each place you go. There have been many places in America that I'd never have seen being a poor truck driver's son, so I took extra days to stay there and learn what I didn't know and I experienced a lot of amazing places/memories. Also rest… I flew in drag from Springfield , Illinois to Chicago in route to Miss Gay Michigan. I washed off the makeup on the plane and then learned I needed to reapply it in the car (6 hours with a chain smoking "motorcycle dyke") on the way to the Michigan pageant because I was to arrive too late to start painting there. It was messy, but a seriously tiring 39 hour memory. SO REST every chance you get! Keep a journal of everything that happens. The smallest thing 17 years from now when you read it, will rekindle the amazing feelings you had today all over again.......
Enjoy and keep your heart!
XOXOXOXOXOX
Rodd Gray,
-Hott Rodd the Hair Godd
-President, Home for the Holidays Texas Inc.
(A 501(c)3 Non-profit organization that sends persons Living with AIDs home for the holidays to be with their families)
-Miss Gay America 1995
Patti Le Plae Safe Hosts:
Dallas GayBingo @ S4
Viva Dallas Burlesque @ The Lakewood Theater
"Sordid Sushi" The Drag Brunch @ Fin Sushi (OakLawn)
Thank you Patti for your time in interview with me…
Also this month so many of you wanted to interview me. I have chosen Colin Murphy from St Louis to ask me a few questions. I'm usually not so open but I hope my story will touch your life.....
Colin Murphy:
How did you get your start in female illusion?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I was introduced to the art of Female Impersonation while attending college in Huntington , WV . I was always interested in theater and this seems to be the perfect outlet. My first show was a benefit to send Mimi Woods to Miss Gay America. I remember the night to be magical—allowing about 8 months to get ready for it, I felt it was such a perfect introduction to a new venture. I never imagined it would be my career in later years.
Colin Murphy:
When did you first compete at Miss Gay America? Talk a bit about your competitive journey…
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
The next year , I decided to compete for Miss Gay West Virginia America. After placing 1st alternate to Bridget Nichols, we were off to Dallas . Two pivotal moments standout in my mind. I remember a judge asking me “why do you want to be MGA?” I suddenly spoke up and said...I don't want to be MGA—I just want to meet everyone. I often tell the story stating, I’ve now met everyone. The second moment was meeting Lindsay Love. We followed each other in the lineup. I was so wide eyed and asking so many questions, Lindsay answered each one and at the end of the week he turned to me and said “You will be Miss Gay
America someday.” I only wish he was here to see his prediction come true…
Colin Murphy:
Each month you highlight a former MGA in your newsletter. How many of them have you met personally and who has impacted you the most?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I have been fortunate to have known all except one…Dani Deletto. I’m proud of that fact. Jennifer Foxx was gracious to share with me information about Dani. He was an illusionist like me. I'm sure we would have been great friends if he were here today. He was known for his Liza. The beauty of MGA is each former puts his own spin and personality into the crown and each affected my life in different ways.
There are 4 that stand out:
Norma Kristi—for defining excellence and helping me to achieve it; Jennifer Foxx—for being my mentor, yesterday and today; Hot Chocolate—for being a best friend and showing me a better life and Brandi Alexander—for being a best friend and illustrating nothing is impossible in a career. [MGA owners] Larry and Terry have a 8 x 10 photo of each former Miss Gay America hanging on their wall office, in year order. It is overwhelming to stand back and feel the history. It humbles me to be on that wall.
Colin Murphy:
When you were at Miss Gay Missouri you told the audience that it took you 22-years and many attempts to win the crown. What made you come back in 2010 after taking a year off?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
After attending MGA 2009, I had made up my mind I was giving it up. I felt like I had given everything I had and it just wasn’t working. A long time ago I promised a good friend (BOBBY PAULEY) that I would enter Miss US of A one more time. I fulfilled that promise and I thought maybe pageants just wasn’t for me. So life went on... I was booked at Gigis Club in Detroit one weekend and was in the dressing room...Nikki Stephens told me someone wanted to speak to me so I stopped painting and went to the door. A cute 18 year old boy stood there, kinda star-struck and asked if I had a minute. He explained to me that he was recently kicked out of his home for being gay, had no place to live and was hiv+. He told me that he thought about ending it and thought he had no choices. With tears in my eyes I explained that his life has just begun. He had so much to live for... Then he told me he watched the movie PAGEANT and when I stated that I never give up and I will achieve my goals, It gave him hope. I hugged him and gave him my number and assured him that I would be there if he needed anything, and I have never seen him again. On the way home I couldn’t get him out of my head...I felt like I let him down because I did give up on my dream. At that moment, I decided to go back and make it happen. The rest of the story is well known...But it took a total stranger (I would like to call him my angel) to get me on track and he changed my life. I only hope to see him again...I owe him so much....He changed my life...
Colin Murphy:
We’re seeing a new generation of performers emerge. What advice do you give them and how important is it for established entertainers to nurture new talent?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I always tell everyone...NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE YOUR SELF WORTH. I think that’s so important for everyone to know. I try to live by example, nothing is impossible in life. Take a chance and achieve it....
Colin Murphy:
Last Question - You are at the middle-point of your reign – what stands out for you when you look back on the past seven months?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
My life has been fulfilled. What stands out for me is changing others lives. So many has given up on their dreams. If I’m the poster child for that, I’m proud to be. This year will be a very exciting year. So many contestants will be returning. New contestants that have the fire in there eyes also will be there. That is the most rewarding thing to know that I have changed someone’s life. I’m so glad it happened for me this year and not earlier… God gives you what you need when you need it. I’m so blessed...
Thank you Colin for your time to interview me. I'm going to leave you with this. Make a difference, life is not promised, Love, Laugh and be blessed...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
My month started out in Missouri ... The pageant ran like clock work. With formers working together, I'm proud to announce that Madison Elise took the title and very close behind, Tajma Stetson qualified as 1st alternate. Both contestants were very impressive and I'm excited to see them at nationals. Hats off to the MissouriAlumni...A Job well done....
No time to rest... I'm off to Miss Gay Oklahoma America. Tillie and Joe were such great hosts. This pageant was so exciting and all the contestants were on their game. In the end, Roxie Hart won the title and Roslyn Dubois took 1st alternate. I have never met either contestant and it was a blessing for me. I know that both will make a big splash at MGA....on a side note... I had a blast with Tillie...what a spirit... then, I was straight to the airport and off to Miss Atlantic StatesAmerica . John Kane and Matt Minnier spared no expense. The pageant was held at a theatre and was filled with celebrities. Jessica Jade took top honors ( Billy is still on speed dial, I'm just sayin…) and Monica Moore was 1st alternate. John and Matt put us up at the Mansion...It was the most unusual hotel ever...I loved it.. Thank you for making me feel like a Miss Gay America. I am nowheading now to Miss Gay Virginia America… I am so excited to work with Wayne Doggett. He had everything ready and all the contestants were amazing. I will never forget this pageant, With a computer glitch, it took 2 days to determine the winner... Onyx Revlon won by 10 points and Shelby Bottoms was her 1st alternate. I have taken full responsibility of the situation and all I can say is I'm only human... But one thing I learned is that I was never so impressed of how Shelby Bottoms handled the situation… Now that's a true Symbol of Excellence...Thank you so much for being so professional.
Miss Mid-Atlantic America is my next stop. Aron Aranda truly made me feel like a Miss Gay America. I have known Aron for some time now and he never ceases to amaze me. This pageant was so close... Tatiyanna Voche' won and Paige Passion was his 1st alternate. I was so proud of both of them. On another side note… I was blessed with working with my sister Jennifer Foxx...You inspire me so much… I'm so blessed. My month was filled with joy and blessings. I only hope that through my travels, that I inspire hope and that nothing is impossible in the world. If you dream it, you can achieve it..... This month I have a surprise for you...Colin Murphy has interviews me and I have interviewed Patti Le Plae Safe....I spent some time with Patti in DC and I was very interested in his story… I’m so glad he had time to share with us....
This is my interview with Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How were you introduced to the MGA system?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
The whole time I was living in Arkansas , I never knew it was the home of Miss Gay America. I used to go to the Discovery nightclub every chance I could to watch the entertainers in the late 70s and early 80s. I was so afraid of Norma who I only knew asNorman . I even dated one of his bartenders. All along I was so close but in my head I was so far. If I had started earlier while I lived in Arkansas I would have been a MGA earlier quiet possibly. Living in Texas brought me closer, because I was surrounded by winners of the America and other pageant systems. I'd watched a lot of pageants before I ever entered one. Eventually, I met Ramona LeGer at a Mr. Gay All American contest in St. Louis in 1991. I had been helping the guys backstage as a dresser. I also met Vicki Vincent and Dieta Pepsi who were the Emcees and they were a hoot to hang around with. Prior to that I had never met a MGA contestant that would talk to me.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
With little pageant experience, how did you prepare for the contest?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
After watching the televised Miss America every year as a child, I think I always had the bug. You see, I have always been the fundraiser type and of course, the "pageant girls" told me that I had no talent, bad clothes and I wasn't pretty, etc....that, I should stick to my homemade clothes and my charity stuff.... My best friend at the time, John Gordon, overheard all that and offered to support me if I wanted to try it. He'd already won MGAA 1992 so he was free to help me, since I'd helped him thru all his contests. We created a talent of which I wore my homemade ballgown, and picked the evening gown I could afford, and went to town on creating the "pageant me". Everything I had learned backstage with Mr Gay All American prepared me for serious competition. So I knew the bones and gears of the contest system, and learned how to convert them to the best of my abilities for the pageant system.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
This would be a very hard situation to handle... What went though your head when you heard the news of Ramona's passing?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
Norman called me to tell me, (Shock) to get prepared. (Shocking) I will be fullfilling the duties....total shock now!! I didn't know what it meant quite frankly, I didn't even know the 1st runner-up rule. Ramona was the one who asked me to compete in the first place. She said it would be nice to have me backstage during competition. Keep in mind I had never competed at this point. I did city titles and usually got 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. The closest I got to Miss Gay Texas was 13th and that was a tie. So now it's like going from a nobody to 1st runner-up of the Miss Gay America pageant, to being the winner in the matter of 3 hours of phone calls. I just could not allow her to be forgotten. I feel like Ramona chose me, from the beginning. We were from different worlds: Hers; to live, eat, pray, dream, focus, and think about being MGA her whole life, and Mine; to raise as much money for AIDs as a person could possibly do in a lifetime. I had lost a friend, someone who believed in me. Someone who wanted/considered me to be a part of her world. When she (Ramona) won, and we were standing in the hall awaiting critique, she leaned over to me and whispered, "I'd have been honored to have been your 1st runner-up"! That shocked me because she tried like 9 times to win and I was HER 1st runner-up. I was only hoping to be close to the top ten and not be on the bottom of the list......I had no idea that I had up until final night beat her. I ended up only points behind her. Ramona was my true beginning of MGA. So maybe we won this together, you know?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Why did you choose to represent the system instead of being crowned?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
I could never have taken the crown and worn it, step over/around Ramona and act as though she never existed in the history of MGA. Let's back up and discuss the 1st runner-up rule... Shan Covington who was actually crowned as MGA 1976, (ah you might not know about this in the history books) was completely removed from history (due to “conduct unbecoming to a titleholder”) and Dani Daletto who was truthfully 2nd runne-rup became MGA. Michael Andrews who was the 1st runner-up wanted the chance to win it, hear his name called and get crowned in public. So Michael opted out (since he has already qualified for the Miss Gay America 1977 pageant) and Dani stepped in when Shan was removed. After Michael won the next year the 1st runner-up rule was created. I didn't want that to happen to Ramona. I sat down with Norma Kristie at Ramona's funeral with Ramona's lover and her family and I suggested that I carry Ramona's crown in her honor and that my tips during the "Crown Performance of MGA" would go to AIDs organizations in each pageant city that I would performed in. I would only do this if they would allow me to keep Ramona's dream alive for her. It'd be like my legs, eyes, heart and lips and her dream, honor and crown. I wanted her to be remembered even if I was doing 43 out of 45 prelims. I didn't know what to do, but I learned along the way, and I became stronger and I think I became very well respected as time carried me on. The only plan of final night for me was my crowning ceremony as the 25th Silver MGA. The rest of the night was what Ramona planned as she had dreamed it....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
How did MGA change your life?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
This is cute but true TIME MANAGEMENT!!!!! I have learned so many amazing things thru MGA. The experience has even helped my careers, as a successful hairstylist and entertainer. I was crowned 16 years ago and I'm still being asked to judge and perform all over America . I host some really fun straight events as Patti. I have been very honored, blessed and superiorly lucky as a MGA.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
Any advise for me as I make this journey?
Miss Gay America 1995 Patti Le Plae Safe:
Coti, yes, three things, make time for yourself to see each place you go. There have been many places in America that I'd never have seen being a poor truck driver's son, so I took extra days to stay there and learn what I didn't know and I experienced a lot of amazing places/memories. Also rest… I flew in drag from Springfield , Illinois to Chicago in route to Miss Gay Michigan. I washed off the makeup on the plane and then learned I needed to reapply it in the car (6 hours with a chain smoking "motorcycle dyke") on the way to the Michigan pageant because I was to arrive too late to start painting there. It was messy, but a seriously tiring 39 hour memory. SO REST every chance you get! Keep a journal of everything that happens. The smallest thing 17 years from now when you read it, will rekindle the amazing feelings you had today all over again.......
Enjoy and keep your heart!
XOXOXOXOXOX
Rodd Gray,
-Hott Rodd the Hair Godd
-President, Home for the Holidays Texas Inc.
(A 501(c)3 Non-profit organization that sends persons Living with AIDs home for the holidays to be with their families)
-Miss Gay America 1995
Patti Le Plae Safe Hosts:
Dallas GayBingo @ S4
Viva Dallas Burlesque @ The Lakewood Theater
"Sordid Sushi" The Drag Brunch @ Fin Sushi (OakLawn)
Thank you Patti for your time in interview with me…
Also this month so many of you wanted to interview me. I have chosen Colin Murphy from St Louis to ask me a few questions. I'm usually not so open but I hope my story will touch your life.....
Colin Murphy:
How did you get your start in female illusion?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I was introduced to the art of Female Impersonation while attending college in Huntington , WV . I was always interested in theater and this seems to be the perfect outlet. My first show was a benefit to send Mimi Woods to Miss Gay America. I remember the night to be magical—allowing about 8 months to get ready for it, I felt it was such a perfect introduction to a new venture. I never imagined it would be my career in later years.
Colin Murphy:
When did you first compete at Miss Gay America? Talk a bit about your competitive journey…
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
The next year , I decided to compete for Miss Gay West Virginia America. After placing 1st alternate to Bridget Nichols, we were off to Dallas . Two pivotal moments standout in my mind. I remember a judge asking me “why do you want to be MGA?” I suddenly spoke up and said...I don't want to be MGA—I just want to meet everyone. I often tell the story stating, I’ve now met everyone. The second moment was meeting Lindsay Love. We followed each other in the lineup. I was so wide eyed and asking so many questions, Lindsay answered each one and at the end of the week he turned to me and said “You will be Miss Gay
America someday.” I only wish he was here to see his prediction come true…
Colin Murphy:
Each month you highlight a former MGA in your newsletter. How many of them have you met personally and who has impacted you the most?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I have been fortunate to have known all except one…Dani Deletto. I’m proud of that fact. Jennifer Foxx was gracious to share with me information about Dani. He was an illusionist like me. I'm sure we would have been great friends if he were here today. He was known for his Liza. The beauty of MGA is each former puts his own spin and personality into the crown and each affected my life in different ways.
There are 4 that stand out:
Norma Kristi—for defining excellence and helping me to achieve it; Jennifer Foxx—for being my mentor, yesterday and today; Hot Chocolate—for being a best friend and showing me a better life and Brandi Alexander—for being a best friend and illustrating nothing is impossible in a career. [MGA owners] Larry and Terry have a 8 x 10 photo of each former Miss Gay America hanging on their wall office, in year order. It is overwhelming to stand back and feel the history. It humbles me to be on that wall.
Colin Murphy:
When you were at Miss Gay Missouri you told the audience that it took you 22-years and many attempts to win the crown. What made you come back in 2010 after taking a year off?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
After attending MGA 2009, I had made up my mind I was giving it up. I felt like I had given everything I had and it just wasn’t working. A long time ago I promised a good friend (BOBBY PAULEY) that I would enter Miss US of A one more time. I fulfilled that promise and I thought maybe pageants just wasn’t for me. So life went on... I was booked at Gigis Club in Detroit one weekend and was in the dressing room...Nikki Stephens told me someone wanted to speak to me so I stopped painting and went to the door. A cute 18 year old boy stood there, kinda star-struck and asked if I had a minute. He explained to me that he was recently kicked out of his home for being gay, had no place to live and was hiv+. He told me that he thought about ending it and thought he had no choices. With tears in my eyes I explained that his life has just begun. He had so much to live for... Then he told me he watched the movie PAGEANT and when I stated that I never give up and I will achieve my goals, It gave him hope. I hugged him and gave him my number and assured him that I would be there if he needed anything, and I have never seen him again. On the way home I couldn’t get him out of my head...I felt like I let him down because I did give up on my dream. At that moment, I decided to go back and make it happen. The rest of the story is well known...But it took a total stranger (I would like to call him my angel) to get me on track and he changed my life. I only hope to see him again...I owe him so much....He changed my life...
Colin Murphy:
We’re seeing a new generation of performers emerge. What advice do you give them and how important is it for established entertainers to nurture new talent?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
I always tell everyone...NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE YOUR SELF WORTH. I think that’s so important for everyone to know. I try to live by example, nothing is impossible in life. Take a chance and achieve it....
Colin Murphy:
Last Question - You are at the middle-point of your reign – what stands out for you when you look back on the past seven months?
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
My life has been fulfilled. What stands out for me is changing others lives. So many has given up on their dreams. If I’m the poster child for that, I’m proud to be. This year will be a very exciting year. So many contestants will be returning. New contestants that have the fire in there eyes also will be there. That is the most rewarding thing to know that I have changed someone’s life. I’m so glad it happened for me this year and not earlier… God gives you what you need when you need it. I’m so blessed...
Thank you Colin for your time to interview me. I'm going to leave you with this. Make a difference, life is not promised, Love, Laugh and be blessed...
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
July 2011
As the months go by, my excitement level rises. I am so proud to be a part of something much bigger than anything I could possibly imagine. Each city, each preliminary and each contestant has brought so many blessings into my life. I am humbled to be your Miss Gay America 2011...
The month started out with a much needed vacation. For the record, a casino show in Oregon where I have spent the last 4 years entertaining is so relaxing to me... Each night amazes me when I'm announced as Miss Gay America. It makes me proud to change the perception of the art of female impersonation. I want to thank Denise Russell, Gigi Monroe, Kenneth Rex, and Monica Moore for allowing me to come in and out of the show and always being there to support me. I truly love you guys…
My first prelim this month was Miss Gay Arizona America. It is always a great time in Phoenix . With an incredible group of contestants and a venue that looks like final night at Miss Gay America, the pageant was such a success. I never wanted to leave. When all was said and done, Celia Putty was crowned and Tyra Marie was 1st alternate. Both contestants will make waves at the Miss Gay America 2012 pageant, I promise you that.... I want to thank Daniel, Ron and Lee for making me feel so special. It will be a weekend that I will remember forever. On a side note... the formers impressed me so with your concerns and unity. I was so humbled. I love you all.
No time to unpack as next, I was off to Vegas. It was a homecoming for me as I used to live there. Miss Western States Americabrought contestants from all over the US . When the night was over, Erica Chandler brought home the crown and Deja Brooks was his 1st alternate. Both contestants impressed me so much. I want to thank Kenneth Blake and Miss Gay America 2010 CoCo Montrese for an amazing pageant. It was first class all the way, but I didn't expect anything less from you both.
In closing, as I look back at this month, these things I have learned for sure...
· Take time to enjoy the view...
· I want to be Catia Lee Love when I grow up......
· I will never get in a car with Larry Edwards again....
· I will only work with Catia in the winter months.....
· I am so proud of Steven Wayne...
· I miss Jeff at my prelims...
· I love spending time with Barbara Seville...
· I will always be honest to the contestants...
· I only wish others were with me years ago...
· I will cherish each moment with my friends and loved ones...we are never promised anything in life....
This month I am so proud to interview Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate .... aka Larry Edwards, he has been one of my best friends and I would not want to go though life without him. He makes me a better person, inside and out....I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy spending time with him.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO THE MGA PAGEANT SYSTEM?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
I was introduced to the MGA system in 1975, the year Shawn Luis won. It was my first experience as a contestant...What a proud moment being able to compete in such a prestigious pageant… I was amazed with such talented performers & title holders...It's the best system any pageant could have.. I'm very proud of the MGA system....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
WHAT WAS YOUR DEFINING MOMENT AS MGA?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
My defining moment was being able to travel and work with the most professional and talented performers across the country.. Having the opportunity to learn from the best in the country is something I will always treasure....what a proud moment the night I won the MGA pageant, it was my mother's first time ever seeing me onstage...It's a moment I will never forget!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
Entertainers with a determination inspires me... It inspires me to see upcoming female impersonators accomplish their goals as entertainers… I'm amazed to see that if you focus on your goals and dreams, they will come true...I'm always inspired with new talent and seeing the legacy of female impersonation continue to go mainstream.......What an inspiration!!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ME?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
My advice would be to continue your positive attitude with helping others and to help them to become the best they can be...Make the MGA family proud... Pass on your blessings!!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
AFTER OCTOBER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
I think you should enjoy your life to the fullest after October.....Be the happiest you can be....
In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......
Until next month
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
The month started out with a much needed vacation. For the record, a casino show in Oregon where I have spent the last 4 years entertaining is so relaxing to me... Each night amazes me when I'm announced as Miss Gay America. It makes me proud to change the perception of the art of female impersonation. I want to thank Denise Russell, Gigi Monroe, Kenneth Rex, and Monica Moore for allowing me to come in and out of the show and always being there to support me. I truly love you guys…
My first prelim this month was Miss Gay Arizona America. It is always a great time in Phoenix . With an incredible group of contestants and a venue that looks like final night at Miss Gay America, the pageant was such a success. I never wanted to leave. When all was said and done, Celia Putty was crowned and Tyra Marie was 1st alternate. Both contestants will make waves at the Miss Gay America 2012 pageant, I promise you that.... I want to thank Daniel, Ron and Lee for making me feel so special. It will be a weekend that I will remember forever. On a side note... the formers impressed me so with your concerns and unity. I was so humbled. I love you all.
No time to unpack as next, I was off to Vegas. It was a homecoming for me as I used to live there. Miss Western States Americabrought contestants from all over the US . When the night was over, Erica Chandler brought home the crown and Deja Brooks was his 1st alternate. Both contestants impressed me so much. I want to thank Kenneth Blake and Miss Gay America 2010 CoCo Montrese for an amazing pageant. It was first class all the way, but I didn't expect anything less from you both.
In closing, as I look back at this month, these things I have learned for sure...
· Take time to enjoy the view...
· I want to be Catia Lee Love when I grow up......
· I will never get in a car with Larry Edwards again....
· I will only work with Catia in the winter months.....
· I am so proud of Steven Wayne...
· I miss Jeff at my prelims...
· I love spending time with Barbara Seville...
· I will always be honest to the contestants...
· I only wish others were with me years ago...
· I will cherish each moment with my friends and loved ones...we are never promised anything in life....
This month I am so proud to interview Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate .... aka Larry Edwards, he has been one of my best friends and I would not want to go though life without him. He makes me a better person, inside and out....I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy spending time with him.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO THE MGA PAGEANT SYSTEM?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
I was introduced to the MGA system in 1975, the year Shawn Luis won. It was my first experience as a contestant...What a proud moment being able to compete in such a prestigious pageant… I was amazed with such talented performers & title holders...It's the best system any pageant could have.. I'm very proud of the MGA system....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
WHAT WAS YOUR DEFINING MOMENT AS MGA?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
My defining moment was being able to travel and work with the most professional and talented performers across the country.. Having the opportunity to learn from the best in the country is something I will always treasure....what a proud moment the night I won the MGA pageant, it was my mother's first time ever seeing me onstage...It's a moment I will never forget!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
Entertainers with a determination inspires me... It inspires me to see upcoming female impersonators accomplish their goals as entertainers… I'm amazed to see that if you focus on your goals and dreams, they will come true...I'm always inspired with new talent and seeing the legacy of female impersonation continue to go mainstream.......What an inspiration!!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ME?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
My advice would be to continue your positive attitude with helping others and to help them to become the best they can be...Make the MGA family proud... Pass on your blessings!!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
AFTER OCTOBER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Miss Gay America 1980 Hot Chocolate:
I think you should enjoy your life to the fullest after October.....Be the happiest you can be....
In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......
Until next month
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
August 2011
Could this month be any hotter? Between the actual weather and the competition I have seen… in the words of KeSha, this place is about to blow…
July started out with a bang in Kansas City. Reba sure knows how to put a pageant on... Contestants from all over the country battled it out while Tanisha Foxx took top honors with Sparkle Iman as his 1st alternate. Larry and Terry attended this event. It was a success from start to finish... They sure know how to treat a MGA. On a side note, it was a blessing to spend time with Reba. I think we are dangerous together… Just sayin...
Miss Gay Ohio America was my next stop. Everyone knows I grew up here and it was such an amazing homecoming. Aron has been a personal friend for several years and it brings me joy to see him fulfilling his dreams. The pageant went without a hitch. At the end, Deva Station won with Alli Katt as his 1st alternate. It was humbling to watch all the former Miss Ohio America’s in action. They have such an incredible sisterhood. I was touched that you accepted me and let me feel your love. Aron, I thank you for believing in me even before I ever wore a crown...I am blessed to have you as a friend.
There was no time to unpack as I was headed off to Texas. Aaron Davis invited me along with Erica Andrews and Tommie Ross to perform in the beautiful town of Corpus Christie. With a cast like this, you can imagine how amazing the show turned out to be. Aaron and Erica kept me laughing all night while Tommie and I had several moments I will never forget. Thank you so much for including me in this incredible event....
There was no time to sleep as I headed straight to Harrisburg PA for the Miss Gay Pennsylvania America pageant. With contestants all over the state, Domiana Dupre St. James took home the crown with Ashley Lynn as his 1st alternate. Eric has been so dedicated to his pageant and I want to thank him for treating all his contestants and myself with love and respect. He put his heart in this pageant and it showed. I can’t wait to come back to Harrisburg as it is such a fun place.
Why rest now? I'm on a roll… I caught a flight to Orlando Florida for the Miss Gay Florida America Pageant. It was a delight to see that Florida America was alive and healthy. With an amazing contestant base, Zhane' Kennedy took top honors and Jessica Deveraux as his 1st alternate. This pageant kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many new blessings this week for me. After the crowning in Florida we packed up and headed to Gulfport Florida for the Miss Gulf States America Pageant. The theatre was sold out and the event was amazing. At the end Victoria Dupuis was crowned and Blair Williams took spot as his 1st alternate. This was emotional for me because both contestants came back to the system after a long absence. Miss Gay America has definitely benefited with their return. For the promoters Ron and Mark, what can I say... I didn't know them before my trip but what a blessing. I didn't want to leave. Your dedication to the MGA Pageant system is overwhelming. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and I'm sure we will have many more happy times together.
This I know for sure....
This month I am proud to interview someone I’ve looked up to for many years....Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love has set the bar for being Miss Gay America... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How did you get introduced to the MGA system?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My introduction to the America system came only a month after I started doing drag. At the time, I was living in Houston, TX. I had started in a small Talent night, and after being put into a cast, my drag mentors decided I should try out a pageant. They knew I had been a competitive dancer and felt I would be ideally suited for one of these. They got me pulled together and sent me off to San Antonio, TX, and I entered Miss San Antonio America. I wound up being 1st alternate, which I was so excited about since I had just started in drag and had no clue how the pageants worked. LOL as each category would start, my mentors would tell me what was about to happen, then they would literally say go and pushed me onstage. It was like a crazy comedy movie, but oh so fun. Sadly, the girl who won passed away less than a month later, and I found myself being crowned Miss San Antonio America '94. It was then I found out I would now be heading to Miss Gay Texas America. Foolish as it may seem, I had 0 knowledge of the pageant system nor the fact that there were levels to it until that point. So off to Miss TX I went. Excited and wide eyed, I embarked upon the pageant path and found myself in the top 12 at my first state pageant. At that point, I knew I wanted to be Miss America. My eyes had been opened to the excitement, dedication, and spirit of the system and it's participants. I saw how revered the Miss Americas were and how they could both entertain and motivate those around them, and I knew this was the mark I wanted to be able to leave on those around me.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How was your experiences with MGA before being crowned?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My experiences were very informative and positive. I had ups and downs on my path to MGA. It took me 4 years to make it to MGA. I tried three times to be Miss TX and then moved to OK where I won Miss OK and went on to my first MGA. Those pageants helped me mold my knowledge and hon my skills so that when I hit the national level, I was able to rapidly move up the ranks. These skills are still what help me to succeed in every area of my career. My experiences with MGA have been so enlightening and empowering from the first pageant, through my reign, and even more so after my reign.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: During your reign as MGA, what was your defining moment?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: That is a hard one for me because the year seemed to fly by. For me, I think the moment was as I was standing on the stage during my give up and saw the people coming forward to recognize my year's work. I had been working so hard and trying to be so perfect all year long that for me, I had very little time to enjoy the rewards of the title. I always seemed to be pushing myself higher and harder than I did trying to become MGA, and I allowed many details to slip past me. I often felt I had not been good enough, and to see the appreciation and warmth from people finally allowed me the opportunity to see the fruits of my labor. Exhaustion and emotion, adulation and regret to see the time pass, all wed for a major psychological tidal wave that left me exposed and crippled for that time onstage. It was amazing, gratifying and humbling. I thought I would feel that I had "arrived" when I was crowned, but rather it was when I was relinquishing that crown that I truly felt I had "arrived".
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: If you could change anything about MGA, what would it be?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: LOL, if there is one thing I think I am definitely known for, it is speaking my mind. My thoughts on this topic are nothing new to our promoters and formers who attend the promoters meetings every year. The only thing I would like to see change about MGA is that I would like to see our competitive categories streamline. I think we have a lot of repetition in our talent categories and I feel it wears on the audience and the contestants. I think this will be very evident this year with such a large contingent of contestants. I think we would be able to ease some of the financial burdens as well as the physical exhaustion on our competitors if Solo Talent was removed from the competitive line up. I find the audiences tire out by talent and lose interest in the pageant, and I think we would speed up the event if a more time conducive replacement could be substituted. I know many say that Solo Talent allows them the ability to see what they will be getting from the contestant as MGA. This is entirely FALSE. You MAY see what they have to offer and you may not. What we see at MGA is the best of what that contestant has to offer. There is no way to guarantee that they will consistently be able to carry that off. Also, many times what we see are faces painted by others, hair done by others, gowns designed and made by others, talents constructed by others. The majority of pageant packages are, in fact, the result of a 3rd party. Solo Talent in no way guarantees that MGA that will in fact be outstanding. Being a good competitor does not equal being a good representative. A good competitor will learn the skills needed to win the pageant and surround themselves with the tools needed to do so. Neither of those truly guarantee a gifted individual. Some feel Solo Talent will stop a "pageant" girl without the ability to truly entertain from winning. I contest this by saying no, Solo Talent does not do that, but rather a well trained and informed panel of judges who know what they are truly looking at does that. In fact, our MGA legends were chosen without that category. The fact is Solo Talent does nothing real for the pageant but extend our time and numb our audience. Solo Talent also causes a huge burden on our state and regional pageants as the contestant base grows. This repetitive category creates the need to start a pageant so incredibly early that I have yet to see a decent audience base at the start of these events. It is forcing many pageants to start their events as early as 5 or 6:00pm. No one wins with this scenario. Pageants are half done by the time an audience arrives. Contestants are forced to start getting ready for the pageant incredibly early and be put through a gauntlet for an unreasonable amount of hours, and the judges are forced to endure a marathon. It is basically sucking the very life out of our pageants. Of course, this is just my opinion. Nothing new or surprising to most, LOL
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advise do you have for me after October?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: Get ready to experience a never ending support and appreciation from not only the MGA followers, but your fellow MGA's. I often say the real fun begins after being MGA. Free of many of the pressures, you have the ability to expand even further and grow in ways that a reign does not allow time for. Prepare for some separation anxiety, and prepare for many more years of fantastic memories. You have worked so hard for this time, and the doors of opportunity will remain open to you as long as you wish to walk trough them. Oh yeah, get ready for me to sing your verses every time we perform together! LOL
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this article as much as I have enjoyed my sincere friendship with Catia. As August proves to be the busiest month yet, I look forward to reporting the events of the month to you in the next edition…
In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......
Until next month
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
July started out with a bang in Kansas City. Reba sure knows how to put a pageant on... Contestants from all over the country battled it out while Tanisha Foxx took top honors with Sparkle Iman as his 1st alternate. Larry and Terry attended this event. It was a success from start to finish... They sure know how to treat a MGA. On a side note, it was a blessing to spend time with Reba. I think we are dangerous together… Just sayin...
Miss Gay Ohio America was my next stop. Everyone knows I grew up here and it was such an amazing homecoming. Aron has been a personal friend for several years and it brings me joy to see him fulfilling his dreams. The pageant went without a hitch. At the end, Deva Station won with Alli Katt as his 1st alternate. It was humbling to watch all the former Miss Ohio America’s in action. They have such an incredible sisterhood. I was touched that you accepted me and let me feel your love. Aron, I thank you for believing in me even before I ever wore a crown...I am blessed to have you as a friend.
There was no time to unpack as I was headed off to Texas. Aaron Davis invited me along with Erica Andrews and Tommie Ross to perform in the beautiful town of Corpus Christie. With a cast like this, you can imagine how amazing the show turned out to be. Aaron and Erica kept me laughing all night while Tommie and I had several moments I will never forget. Thank you so much for including me in this incredible event....
There was no time to sleep as I headed straight to Harrisburg PA for the Miss Gay Pennsylvania America pageant. With contestants all over the state, Domiana Dupre St. James took home the crown with Ashley Lynn as his 1st alternate. Eric has been so dedicated to his pageant and I want to thank him for treating all his contestants and myself with love and respect. He put his heart in this pageant and it showed. I can’t wait to come back to Harrisburg as it is such a fun place.
Why rest now? I'm on a roll… I caught a flight to Orlando Florida for the Miss Gay Florida America Pageant. It was a delight to see that Florida America was alive and healthy. With an amazing contestant base, Zhane' Kennedy took top honors and Jessica Deveraux as his 1st alternate. This pageant kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many new blessings this week for me. After the crowning in Florida we packed up and headed to Gulfport Florida for the Miss Gulf States America Pageant. The theatre was sold out and the event was amazing. At the end Victoria Dupuis was crowned and Blair Williams took spot as his 1st alternate. This was emotional for me because both contestants came back to the system after a long absence. Miss Gay America has definitely benefited with their return. For the promoters Ron and Mark, what can I say... I didn't know them before my trip but what a blessing. I didn't want to leave. Your dedication to the MGA Pageant system is overwhelming. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and I'm sure we will have many more happy times together.
This I know for sure....
- Good things always come out of Columbus.... Just sayin...
- Dominique Sanchez is a joy to work with....
- Tommie Ross inspires me.....always
- Sabrina White entertains me..... I'm amazed...
- I'm still stalking Catia....
This month I am proud to interview someone I’ve looked up to for many years....Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love has set the bar for being Miss Gay America... I hope you enjoy it as much as I did....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How did you get introduced to the MGA system?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My introduction to the America system came only a month after I started doing drag. At the time, I was living in Houston, TX. I had started in a small Talent night, and after being put into a cast, my drag mentors decided I should try out a pageant. They knew I had been a competitive dancer and felt I would be ideally suited for one of these. They got me pulled together and sent me off to San Antonio, TX, and I entered Miss San Antonio America. I wound up being 1st alternate, which I was so excited about since I had just started in drag and had no clue how the pageants worked. LOL as each category would start, my mentors would tell me what was about to happen, then they would literally say go and pushed me onstage. It was like a crazy comedy movie, but oh so fun. Sadly, the girl who won passed away less than a month later, and I found myself being crowned Miss San Antonio America '94. It was then I found out I would now be heading to Miss Gay Texas America. Foolish as it may seem, I had 0 knowledge of the pageant system nor the fact that there were levels to it until that point. So off to Miss TX I went. Excited and wide eyed, I embarked upon the pageant path and found myself in the top 12 at my first state pageant. At that point, I knew I wanted to be Miss America. My eyes had been opened to the excitement, dedication, and spirit of the system and it's participants. I saw how revered the Miss Americas were and how they could both entertain and motivate those around them, and I knew this was the mark I wanted to be able to leave on those around me.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: How was your experiences with MGA before being crowned?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: My experiences were very informative and positive. I had ups and downs on my path to MGA. It took me 4 years to make it to MGA. I tried three times to be Miss TX and then moved to OK where I won Miss OK and went on to my first MGA. Those pageants helped me mold my knowledge and hon my skills so that when I hit the national level, I was able to rapidly move up the ranks. These skills are still what help me to succeed in every area of my career. My experiences with MGA have been so enlightening and empowering from the first pageant, through my reign, and even more so after my reign.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: During your reign as MGA, what was your defining moment?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: That is a hard one for me because the year seemed to fly by. For me, I think the moment was as I was standing on the stage during my give up and saw the people coming forward to recognize my year's work. I had been working so hard and trying to be so perfect all year long that for me, I had very little time to enjoy the rewards of the title. I always seemed to be pushing myself higher and harder than I did trying to become MGA, and I allowed many details to slip past me. I often felt I had not been good enough, and to see the appreciation and warmth from people finally allowed me the opportunity to see the fruits of my labor. Exhaustion and emotion, adulation and regret to see the time pass, all wed for a major psychological tidal wave that left me exposed and crippled for that time onstage. It was amazing, gratifying and humbling. I thought I would feel that I had "arrived" when I was crowned, but rather it was when I was relinquishing that crown that I truly felt I had "arrived".
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: If you could change anything about MGA, what would it be?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: LOL, if there is one thing I think I am definitely known for, it is speaking my mind. My thoughts on this topic are nothing new to our promoters and formers who attend the promoters meetings every year. The only thing I would like to see change about MGA is that I would like to see our competitive categories streamline. I think we have a lot of repetition in our talent categories and I feel it wears on the audience and the contestants. I think this will be very evident this year with such a large contingent of contestants. I think we would be able to ease some of the financial burdens as well as the physical exhaustion on our competitors if Solo Talent was removed from the competitive line up. I find the audiences tire out by talent and lose interest in the pageant, and I think we would speed up the event if a more time conducive replacement could be substituted. I know many say that Solo Talent allows them the ability to see what they will be getting from the contestant as MGA. This is entirely FALSE. You MAY see what they have to offer and you may not. What we see at MGA is the best of what that contestant has to offer. There is no way to guarantee that they will consistently be able to carry that off. Also, many times what we see are faces painted by others, hair done by others, gowns designed and made by others, talents constructed by others. The majority of pageant packages are, in fact, the result of a 3rd party. Solo Talent in no way guarantees that MGA that will in fact be outstanding. Being a good competitor does not equal being a good representative. A good competitor will learn the skills needed to win the pageant and surround themselves with the tools needed to do so. Neither of those truly guarantee a gifted individual. Some feel Solo Talent will stop a "pageant" girl without the ability to truly entertain from winning. I contest this by saying no, Solo Talent does not do that, but rather a well trained and informed panel of judges who know what they are truly looking at does that. In fact, our MGA legends were chosen without that category. The fact is Solo Talent does nothing real for the pageant but extend our time and numb our audience. Solo Talent also causes a huge burden on our state and regional pageants as the contestant base grows. This repetitive category creates the need to start a pageant so incredibly early that I have yet to see a decent audience base at the start of these events. It is forcing many pageants to start their events as early as 5 or 6:00pm. No one wins with this scenario. Pageants are half done by the time an audience arrives. Contestants are forced to start getting ready for the pageant incredibly early and be put through a gauntlet for an unreasonable amount of hours, and the judges are forced to endure a marathon. It is basically sucking the very life out of our pageants. Of course, this is just my opinion. Nothing new or surprising to most, LOL
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins: What advise do you have for me after October?
Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love: Get ready to experience a never ending support and appreciation from not only the MGA followers, but your fellow MGA's. I often say the real fun begins after being MGA. Free of many of the pressures, you have the ability to expand even further and grow in ways that a reign does not allow time for. Prepare for some separation anxiety, and prepare for many more years of fantastic memories. You have worked so hard for this time, and the doors of opportunity will remain open to you as long as you wish to walk trough them. Oh yeah, get ready for me to sing your verses every time we perform together! LOL
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this article as much as I have enjoyed my sincere friendship with Catia. As August proves to be the busiest month yet, I look forward to reporting the events of the month to you in the next edition…
In closing, I challenge each of you to follow your dreams. Never let anyone determine your self worth.......
Until next month
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
September 2011
This month has been a whirlwind for me. I assure you that time flies when you are living your dream. I have received blessings everywhere I have traveled to this year. The friendships I have made, I will never forget. Miss Gay America is much more than a title,.. It will change a persons life. I feel it has challenged me to be a better person and to live up to the standard of Excellence. I'm am humbled to be called a Miss Gay America…
This month starts out with a bang. Miss Gay Illinois America was held in an amazing venue. With a packed house, Trixie LaRue and Sable Sinclair were incredible hosts. When all was said and done, Erica Leigh Foster took top honers and Adria Andrews was close behind. I am blessed to call Erica and Adria my friends. Both are blessings to me. Trixie and Sable are amazing promoters, and getting to know them was the highlight of my visit....
The next night I find myself with the amazing Joe Bradley. Joe and I have been friends for many years. I can always count on a Birthday card from him. His love for the art is undeniable. Miss Mid-West America this year is Diva Coppafeel with Crystal Lace as 1st alternate. I'm so proud of both contestants.
Miss Gay Arkansas America was next on the list to attend. The Alumni was so amazing in putting the pageant together. I used to live in Little Rock and a little known fact is that I was a contestant in 1991. It was so good to see so many friends. I love spending time with Norman . He has changed so many lives, including mine. After 2 days of competition, Zia DYor won and Jazmyn Turrelle was 1st runner up. Miss Arkansas is the oldest prelim in the country. I'm so glad its still going strong.
I'm finally home and off to Miss North Carolina America . Von Entertainment has worked very hard this year. Brian and Tiffany, you both were amazing. I'm so proud to be a part of this system. With 24 contestants this year, each day was filled with activities. The bus tour was the highlight of the weekend. It reminded me of MGA many years ago. The dream of Jessica Raynes Starr came true with Angela Lopez as his alternate. Both contestants will be returning to Columbus this October with a big splash.
The next 2 prelims are very special to me. Both are new promoters and both are friends of mine. Heart of America continued under the direction of Christopher Blair and Ryan Henry. I’ve known Ryan before Coti was ever thought of. The pageant went smooth and was so impressive. All the girls were wanting a spot to the big dance. Sally Sparkles was crowned Miss Heart of America with Demonica Santangilo as his alternate. Its incredible to see veterans and 1st timers work so hard to achieve a dream.
The very next night, I was in Lexington Ky. attending the 1st Miss Blue Grass America prelim. I want to thank the GLSO of Lexington for believing in the America system. R.J. Deacon has been a friend for many years and I thank him for putting on an amazing pageant. Celebrity Starr won top honors and Bridget Nickles was 1st alternate. Its so good to see so many veterans return this year.
In closing, I want to express how much each of you have impacted my life. I have often said, “never let anyone determine your self worth...” and I can honestly say I didn't know mine until this year. The relationships I have felt this year will continue for the rest of my life. My only wish is my predecessor will get to experience the love that I have.
This months interview will be one of the most important people in my life. I have known Randy Fenoli for over 25 years. I can honestly say, I would not have been here without his love and support. In the early days, I used to travel with Brandi and hold his promos while people lined up for Brandi to sign them... some things never change....I'm honored to present for the September 2011 Interview, Brandi Alexander...Miss Gay America 1990....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What did it take for you to win MGA?
Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander:
Well, I actually entered the contest 3 times. The first time was in Atlanta in 1987. I won talent the preliminary night, however, I had not timed my talent and it was 8 minutes and 15 seconds. Points were deducted on the final night and I think I placed 5th runner up. After the contest I told Norma Kristie that I would return next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes that she had ever seen! They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent over 7 minutes would receive a zero.
The second time I entered the pageant was in Dallas in 1988. The final night my prop fell during my talent and I placed 1st runner up. After the pageant, I told Norma Kristie I would be back next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes without props she had ever seen. They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent that had problems with back-up dancers or props would have points deducted.
The third time I entered MGA was in 1989. I decided to do a talent with no props or back-up dancers. I won talent that night and finally won the contest!
What I learned from this was patience and not to let mishaps make me feel defeated and to keep pursuing my goals and dreams.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What were some of your most memorable moments while you were MGA.
Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander:
There were so many moments during my reign that are still close to my memory. The first fond memory is the moment they announced my name… I hugged and was picked up off my feet onstage by my dear friend Coti Collins. I have great memories of traveling from city to city and meeting all the competitors and performing in 33 different states. I remember my appearance on 'Sally Jesse Raphael' with Lady Baronessa, Lauren Colby, Lindsey Love, and my Mom. I remember appearing on 'The Joan Rivers Show' to play a joke on Howard Stern. I also remember there were a few nights when I would call my friend and "drag mother" Tiffany Alexander in the middle of the night crying because I was exhausted, someone had treated me badly, and I wanted to come home. The year as MGA taught me to be strong, humble, and to take in and enjoy every moment, because the year was going to fly by quickly!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What are the most important things that MGA has given or taught you?
Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander:
First, I would have to say that competing in MGA gave me some of my greatest and dearest friendships I have ever had. Competing in the pageant with others really built this bond. MGA also taught me to be a well-rounded individual. We had to know about current events for Group Discussion, and to be proud of who we were as a male and be able to prepare for a job interview for Male Interview. It taught me to stand in front of an audience and speak clearly and confidently for Onstage Female Interview. MGA taught me great respect for Norma Kristie, especially as a business man. However, I would have to say that the greatest thing I learned from MGA is that if you set your goals and go after them with a clearly planned and healthy approach, that one can reach almost anything.
Well said. In closing, I thank each of you who have contributed to making this year so special for me. You will never be forgotten and I appreciate each and every one of you.
Until next month
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
This month starts out with a bang. Miss Gay Illinois America was held in an amazing venue. With a packed house, Trixie LaRue and Sable Sinclair were incredible hosts. When all was said and done, Erica Leigh Foster took top honers and Adria Andrews was close behind. I am blessed to call Erica and Adria my friends. Both are blessings to me. Trixie and Sable are amazing promoters, and getting to know them was the highlight of my visit....
The next night I find myself with the amazing Joe Bradley. Joe and I have been friends for many years. I can always count on a Birthday card from him. His love for the art is undeniable. Miss Mid-West America this year is Diva Coppafeel with Crystal Lace as 1st alternate. I'm so proud of both contestants.
Miss Gay Arkansas America was next on the list to attend. The Alumni was so amazing in putting the pageant together. I used to live in Little Rock and a little known fact is that I was a contestant in 1991. It was so good to see so many friends. I love spending time with Norman . He has changed so many lives, including mine. After 2 days of competition, Zia DYor won and Jazmyn Turrelle was 1st runner up. Miss Arkansas is the oldest prelim in the country. I'm so glad its still going strong.
I'm finally home and off to Miss North Carolina America . Von Entertainment has worked very hard this year. Brian and Tiffany, you both were amazing. I'm so proud to be a part of this system. With 24 contestants this year, each day was filled with activities. The bus tour was the highlight of the weekend. It reminded me of MGA many years ago. The dream of Jessica Raynes Starr came true with Angela Lopez as his alternate. Both contestants will be returning to Columbus this October with a big splash.
The next 2 prelims are very special to me. Both are new promoters and both are friends of mine. Heart of America continued under the direction of Christopher Blair and Ryan Henry. I’ve known Ryan before Coti was ever thought of. The pageant went smooth and was so impressive. All the girls were wanting a spot to the big dance. Sally Sparkles was crowned Miss Heart of America with Demonica Santangilo as his alternate. Its incredible to see veterans and 1st timers work so hard to achieve a dream.
The very next night, I was in Lexington Ky. attending the 1st Miss Blue Grass America prelim. I want to thank the GLSO of Lexington for believing in the America system. R.J. Deacon has been a friend for many years and I thank him for putting on an amazing pageant. Celebrity Starr won top honors and Bridget Nickles was 1st alternate. Its so good to see so many veterans return this year.
In closing, I want to express how much each of you have impacted my life. I have often said, “never let anyone determine your self worth...” and I can honestly say I didn't know mine until this year. The relationships I have felt this year will continue for the rest of my life. My only wish is my predecessor will get to experience the love that I have.
This months interview will be one of the most important people in my life. I have known Randy Fenoli for over 25 years. I can honestly say, I would not have been here without his love and support. In the early days, I used to travel with Brandi and hold his promos while people lined up for Brandi to sign them... some things never change....I'm honored to present for the September 2011 Interview, Brandi Alexander...Miss Gay America 1990....
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What did it take for you to win MGA?
Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander:
Well, I actually entered the contest 3 times. The first time was in Atlanta in 1987. I won talent the preliminary night, however, I had not timed my talent and it was 8 minutes and 15 seconds. Points were deducted on the final night and I think I placed 5th runner up. After the contest I told Norma Kristie that I would return next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes that she had ever seen! They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent over 7 minutes would receive a zero.
The second time I entered the pageant was in Dallas in 1988. The final night my prop fell during my talent and I placed 1st runner up. After the pageant, I told Norma Kristie I would be back next year with the best damn talent under 7 minutes without props she had ever seen. They made up a new rule before the next year that any talent that had problems with back-up dancers or props would have points deducted.
The third time I entered MGA was in 1989. I decided to do a talent with no props or back-up dancers. I won talent that night and finally won the contest!
What I learned from this was patience and not to let mishaps make me feel defeated and to keep pursuing my goals and dreams.
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What were some of your most memorable moments while you were MGA.
Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander:
There were so many moments during my reign that are still close to my memory. The first fond memory is the moment they announced my name… I hugged and was picked up off my feet onstage by my dear friend Coti Collins. I have great memories of traveling from city to city and meeting all the competitors and performing in 33 different states. I remember my appearance on 'Sally Jesse Raphael' with Lady Baronessa, Lauren Colby, Lindsey Love, and my Mom. I remember appearing on 'The Joan Rivers Show' to play a joke on Howard Stern. I also remember there were a few nights when I would call my friend and "drag mother" Tiffany Alexander in the middle of the night crying because I was exhausted, someone had treated me badly, and I wanted to come home. The year as MGA taught me to be strong, humble, and to take in and enjoy every moment, because the year was going to fly by quickly!
Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins:
What are the most important things that MGA has given or taught you?
Miss Gay America 1990 Brandi Alexander:
First, I would have to say that competing in MGA gave me some of my greatest and dearest friendships I have ever had. Competing in the pageant with others really built this bond. MGA also taught me to be a well-rounded individual. We had to know about current events for Group Discussion, and to be proud of who we were as a male and be able to prepare for a job interview for Male Interview. It taught me to stand in front of an audience and speak clearly and confidently for Onstage Female Interview. MGA taught me great respect for Norma Kristie, especially as a business man. However, I would have to say that the greatest thing I learned from MGA is that if you set your goals and go after them with a clearly planned and healthy approach, that one can reach almost anything.
Well said. In closing, I thank each of you who have contributed to making this year so special for me. You will never be forgotten and I appreciate each and every one of you.
Until next month
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
October 2011
How times flies when your living your dream…!!! It seems like yesterday, Miss Gay America 2010 CoCo Montrese put the crown on my head. I have had an amazing year. It has been so rewarding to travel throughout the country representing you as your Miss Gay America. So many memories that will follow me for the rest of my life…
My month started out in Texas...Gizelle Bevon Ashton was the perfect host along with Sally Sparkles to produce an incredible pageant. At this event 5 MGA's attended. I was humbled to be among such talents...Jenna Skyy took the title with Vega Marie St. John as his 1st runner up. On a side note...I love Texas ...Gizelle, Sally, Charity, Catia, Den and J.D…,Thank you for a great time.
After the Pageant I was rushed to the airport where I was flown to Memphis, privately on a chartered jet to Memphis. Wow! its great to be a Miss Gay America. Next, I was on to the Miss Gay Tennessee America pageant where Bill Zachary had everything in order and the pageant was such a success. After being 1st runner up several times, Pat McCooter took top honors and Fannie Mae Charles was his 1st alternate. All the contestants impressed me and I wish I could invite everyone to the big dance. Thank you Mike and Rodney for such a great time also. Now, their dog wasn't so happy I was there...Just sayin...
Miss Louisiana was such a big blessing. John, Brad and Paul were the perfect hosts. I so enjoyed the camaraderie of each of the contestants. I love seeing each contestant help each other. At the end of the week, Maybelline MasKara won the pageant and Athena Campbell was his first alternate. I must say something more about this pageant. As I stated many times this year, that talent has no color or age. It warmed my heart to see Maybelline achieve his dream. He never let his age interfere with his dream. Athena will be the youngest contestant and he was one of the most focused individuals I have ever met. Thank youLouisiana for such a blessed weekend. I can’t wait to return.... Bammm
Finally the last prelim is here.. Miss Southeast America… Mike Rhinehart was its host. He is such a great promoter and loves the Miss Gay America system and proves it everyday. My Miss NC sister Emory Starr won his spot and Diamond Hunter was his 1st runner up. What a great night to top off a great year.
I want to take this time to thank each and every one for such an amazing year for me. Each preliminary pageant brought new friendships, laughter and heartache… every emotion was there. Seeing someone’s life change is one of the most rewarding experiences. I only hope I have touched your life like you have touched mine. Being Miss Gay America was my lifetime goal. My only wish is that the next one crowned will love and enjoy his time as much as I enjoyed mine.
Stephanie Lane and Dominique Delorean will also represent Miss Heartland America at nationals....Both are friends of mine and such big talents. I am so happy for everyone this year.
THIS I KNOW FOR SURE ......
-Dreams do come true with hard work and determination
-Airports and security are a way of life to a Miss Gay America
-Each crowning breaks my heart…
-Max will be happy for me to stay home
-I would not want to be a judge this year
-Looking forward to doing duets with all the Miss Gay America’s
-I enjoyed interviewing the Miss Gay America’s this year
-Jennifer Foxx still inspires me
-Ceasar will bite…
I NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE MY SELF WORTH
In closing , I want to wish each promoter and every contestant a safe journey to Ohio . Best of luck to every contestant. May your dreams come true like you mine has....
Love and Respect,
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
My month started out in Texas...Gizelle Bevon Ashton was the perfect host along with Sally Sparkles to produce an incredible pageant. At this event 5 MGA's attended. I was humbled to be among such talents...Jenna Skyy took the title with Vega Marie St. John as his 1st runner up. On a side note...I love Texas ...Gizelle, Sally, Charity, Catia, Den and J.D…,Thank you for a great time.
After the Pageant I was rushed to the airport where I was flown to Memphis, privately on a chartered jet to Memphis. Wow! its great to be a Miss Gay America. Next, I was on to the Miss Gay Tennessee America pageant where Bill Zachary had everything in order and the pageant was such a success. After being 1st runner up several times, Pat McCooter took top honors and Fannie Mae Charles was his 1st alternate. All the contestants impressed me and I wish I could invite everyone to the big dance. Thank you Mike and Rodney for such a great time also. Now, their dog wasn't so happy I was there...Just sayin...
Miss Louisiana was such a big blessing. John, Brad and Paul were the perfect hosts. I so enjoyed the camaraderie of each of the contestants. I love seeing each contestant help each other. At the end of the week, Maybelline MasKara won the pageant and Athena Campbell was his first alternate. I must say something more about this pageant. As I stated many times this year, that talent has no color or age. It warmed my heart to see Maybelline achieve his dream. He never let his age interfere with his dream. Athena will be the youngest contestant and he was one of the most focused individuals I have ever met. Thank youLouisiana for such a blessed weekend. I can’t wait to return.... Bammm
Finally the last prelim is here.. Miss Southeast America… Mike Rhinehart was its host. He is such a great promoter and loves the Miss Gay America system and proves it everyday. My Miss NC sister Emory Starr won his spot and Diamond Hunter was his 1st runner up. What a great night to top off a great year.
I want to take this time to thank each and every one for such an amazing year for me. Each preliminary pageant brought new friendships, laughter and heartache… every emotion was there. Seeing someone’s life change is one of the most rewarding experiences. I only hope I have touched your life like you have touched mine. Being Miss Gay America was my lifetime goal. My only wish is that the next one crowned will love and enjoy his time as much as I enjoyed mine.
Stephanie Lane and Dominique Delorean will also represent Miss Heartland America at nationals....Both are friends of mine and such big talents. I am so happy for everyone this year.
THIS I KNOW FOR SURE ......
-Dreams do come true with hard work and determination
-Airports and security are a way of life to a Miss Gay America
-Each crowning breaks my heart…
-Max will be happy for me to stay home
-I would not want to be a judge this year
-Looking forward to doing duets with all the Miss Gay America’s
-I enjoyed interviewing the Miss Gay America’s this year
-Jennifer Foxx still inspires me
-Ceasar will bite…
I NEVER LET ANYONE DETERMINE MY SELF WORTH
In closing , I want to wish each promoter and every contestant a safe journey to Ohio . Best of luck to every contestant. May your dreams come true like you mine has....
Love and Respect,
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
November 2011
As I return home from an amazing week in Columbus , I would like to reflect the past year and how it has affected my life. I could never ave imagined that my life would be changed in such a fashion. During my travels, I have had the joy of experiencing so many new adventures. I have seen so many new faces and definitions of the word excellence. It truly inspired me to excel in my craft and to be PROUD about what Miss Gay America stands for. I have so much respect for the promoters of the pageant. They are our foundation. I want to thank each one of you for making my year so successful. Your efforts were truly noticed in your contest, contestants and your love for the system. For this I am forever grateful. Thank you!!!
My most memorable part of the year would be the relationships I developed with the contestants. As I listen to your passionate stories, felt your pain and celebrated your victories, I truly cared. I am deeply honored and privileged to be your Miss Gay America. Over the course of the year, I've seen you grow and develop into amazing entertainers. You should be very proud of yourself. During Miss Gay America week, everyone was on their game and it was one of the best competitions in my history of pageantry. Each has inspired me more than you will ever know. Thank you for making my year so complete. I am still here for anyone that needs an ear or to vent too. I truly love each of you.
To all the Miss Gay America's, I am humbled to stand beside you. All my life I have been looking for something in red.... so glad I finally made it. One of the biggest moments of my year is when I was in Little Rock and Normanannounced me to the stage. I was trembling, and so proud at the same time. From Norman to Coco ...thank you for accepting me for myself. So happy to be a part of the 40 definitions of Excellence. It has been my lifetime goal.
A very special good luck to my co-worker, friend and sister Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay America 2012. May you find happiness in wearing the crown. Everyone in North Carolina always knew… now it’s time to share you with the world. I know this will change your life. I have no doubt you will make history. Shine your light.
Last but certainly not least I would like to thank Larry and Terry. You prove it every day in your passion for the art. I will forever be indebted to you. May you both find happiness and never lose sight on what is important...changing people’s lives.... I love you both...
Love and Respect,
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
My most memorable part of the year would be the relationships I developed with the contestants. As I listen to your passionate stories, felt your pain and celebrated your victories, I truly cared. I am deeply honored and privileged to be your Miss Gay America. Over the course of the year, I've seen you grow and develop into amazing entertainers. You should be very proud of yourself. During Miss Gay America week, everyone was on their game and it was one of the best competitions in my history of pageantry. Each has inspired me more than you will ever know. Thank you for making my year so complete. I am still here for anyone that needs an ear or to vent too. I truly love each of you.
To all the Miss Gay America's, I am humbled to stand beside you. All my life I have been looking for something in red.... so glad I finally made it. One of the biggest moments of my year is when I was in Little Rock and Normanannounced me to the stage. I was trembling, and so proud at the same time. From Norman to Coco ...thank you for accepting me for myself. So happy to be a part of the 40 definitions of Excellence. It has been my lifetime goal.
A very special good luck to my co-worker, friend and sister Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay America 2012. May you find happiness in wearing the crown. Everyone in North Carolina always knew… now it’s time to share you with the world. I know this will change your life. I have no doubt you will make history. Shine your light.
Last but certainly not least I would like to thank Larry and Terry. You prove it every day in your passion for the art. I will forever be indebted to you. May you both find happiness and never lose sight on what is important...changing people’s lives.... I love you both...
Love and Respect,
Coti Collins
Miss Gay America 2011
