[Current press releases follow this introduction: just scroll]
Meet Andy Reynolds dba Popular Publicity.
He is a NYC-based freelance book, music, film, event and lifestyle publicist, as well as an expert in LGBT media worldwide. He knows people who want to know you and will present your book, music, or service with understanding, wit, and, when appropriate, humor. Placements include The New York Times, Washington Post, The PBS Newshour and various local NPR stations.
| | |
| |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
(New York, NY) August 16, 2018 – Ryan Murphy's "Pose," set in the late 80s NYC world of black and Latino drag competitions known as “balls,” presents a great opportunity to raise awareness of the harsh lives of many trans people of color, particularly those on the ball culture scene, who do sex work to survive.
As gorgeous and “fierce” (to use the ultimate compliment of the era) as "Pose" promises to be, off the screen and outside the ballroom the lives of the real-life trans sex workers who inspired the show are often fraught with poverty, desperation, drugs, violence, and too often death.
In "Paris is Burning," Jenny Livingston’s 1990 documentary about the same world fictionalized in "Pose," one of the most quotable subjects, Venus Xtravaganza, is found strangled in a hotel room four days after her death; she’d been murdered by a client who discovered that she had a penis.
In Wolfgang Busch's 2006 documentary "How Do I Look?" (dubbed the sequel to Paris Is Burning) the gorgeous Heavenly Angel Octavia Saint Laurent (also in Paris is Burning) discusses doing sex work. And in "Trinkets," the 2018 musical about sex workers on Manhattan’s West Side in the mid-90s, Monique turns up dead in the morgue after driving off with a trick.
Earlier this year, scholarly LGBTQ publisher Harrington Park Press (Columbia University Press) released the book, "Transgender Sex Work and Society." Edited by Larry Nuttbrock, PhD, it is the first and only collection of studies on the lives of trans sex workers around the world. The book’s first chapter, Sel Hwahng’s “Qualitative Description of Sex Work among Transwomen in New York City,” describes the lives of trans sex workers on the very scene portrayed in "Pose."
Hwahng, who identifies as transmasculine, says, “I want the general public to understand that transgender sex workers who are sex workers to pay for their survival needs live very harsh lives. They are most often trans women of color and poor, and their race/gender/class positions reflect the race/gender/class inequalities we have in the U.S.”
In the book they write of the “fem queens” and trans women of the House Ball community:
House Ball members were forced into prostitution because of drug addiction, poverty, or lack of education. Because of the long history of extreme stigma experienced by members of the House Ball community, sex work, along with drug use as a coping mechanism forsex work, has become internalized within the community as a rite of passage.YoungMTF [trans women] members of the House Ball community must go through this rite of passage because of the perception that there is no alternative for them other than sex work and drug use.
| | |
| |
Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station. Photo by Scotty Kirby.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
Miss Gay Florida America 2018
August 26
Hamburger Mary's Brandon
Pageant starts 7:00 p.m.
Crowning takes place at approximately by 11:00 p.m.
Admission: Free. No cover.
Theme: “Express Yourself”
2016 Town Center Boulevard
Brandon, FL 33511
813-643-2110
More info on the Facebook Event page
(Brandon, FL) August 10, 2018–On August 26, Hamburger Mary's Brandon will be the setting for Miss Gay Florida America, a preliminary competition for the 46th annual Miss Gay America Pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition.
The pageant will honor the Miss Gay Florida America 2013 Shardé Ross and feature a special performances by the reigning Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station (above).
Miss Gay Florida 2013 Shardé Ross. Photo by Douglas W. Burns
This is the first Miss Gay Florida pageant since 2013, when Shardé Ross (above) won the crown.
The evening's theme will be "Express Yourself." For the Presentation category, contestants will be asked to interpret the theme, in their gown, costume and look.
Miss Gay Florida America is a "standard regional pageant," meaning there is no specific residency requirement, other than contestants must be a resident of the United States.
Contestants will compete in five categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
The winner will go on to compete with nearly 50 others for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown St. Louis this October 3-6. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, with the final night happening at The Ferrara Theater.
Hamburger Mary's St. Louis was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest of in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
Miss Gay Florida America is being promoted by Miss St. Pete's Pride Kori Stevens (above left), show director at Bradley's on 7th in Tampa, and Miss Gay America 2010 Coco Montrese (above right) who competed in RuPaul's Drag Race Season 5. (Coco Montrese photo by Scotty Kirby.)
About the Miss Gay America Pageant
| | |
| |
Miss Gay North Carolina America 2017 Eden Parque Divine. Photo by After Six Photography Studios, DJ Bonet and Monte C. More great photos of Eden on her Instagram page @theeyesofeden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
Miss Gay North Carolina America 2018
August 23-24
Honoring Miss Gay North Carolina America 2017 Eden Parque Divine
with special performance by Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station
The Scorpio Nightclub
2301 Freedom Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28208
704-373-9124
No cover (free!)
Aug 23: Pageant starts 10:00, Formers Review Show at 11:00
Aug 24: Pageant starts 8:00 p.m. Crowning at about 11:30
www.thescorpio.com
www.missgaynorthcarolinaamerica.com
www.facebook.com/nc.america/
(Charlotte, NC) July 27, 2018–From August 23-24, The Scorpio Nightclub in Charlotte will be the setting for Miss Gay North Carolina America, a state preliminary competition for the Miss Gay America Pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition. The Miss Gay North Carolina America pageant began in 1979 and is now in its 40th year.
The pageant will honor the current Miss Gay North Carolina 2017 Eden Parque Divine, of Winston-Salem, and Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station, of Columbus, Ohio.
Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station. Photo by Scotty Kirby.
The pageant theme, chosen by Eden, is "Garden of Eden." For the Presentation category, Miss Gay North Carolina America contestants will be asked to interpret the theme, in their gown, costume and look.
"Presentation may be anything floral, tropical plant, tree or garden foliage," instructs Eden. "Be creative. It's your interpretation of any wild growing foliage. You must be able to walk and move without support or wheels. No snakes may be used in your presentation costume or design. Formers please wear anything red/all red of your choosing, as you will be representing the for bidden apple/temptation in the garden."
Contestants from preliminaries around the state will compete in five categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme-based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
The winner will go on to compete with nearly 50 others for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown St. Louis this October. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, which was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest of in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
Miss Gay North Carolina America 2017 Eden Parque Divine. Photo by After Six Photography Studios, DJ Bonet and Monte C.
| | |
| |
Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station. Photo by Scotty Kirby.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
Miss Gay Alabama America 2018
August 15
B-Bob's Downtown
Registration at Noon
Pageant starts 8:30 p.m.
Cover $15
Theme: “Putting on the Glitz”
213 Conti St.
Mobile, AL 36602
251-433-2262
http://b-bobs.com
(Mobile, AL) July 27, 2018–On August 15, B-Bob's Downtown in Mobile will be the setting for Miss Gay Alabama America, a state preliminary competition for the 46th annual Miss Gay America Pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition.
The pageant will feature special performances by Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole DuBois (below), of Gulfport, Mississippi and the reigning Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station.
Miss Gay America 2006 Nicole DuBois. Photo by GrahamStudioOne.com
The evening's theme will be "Putting on the Glitz." For the Presentation category, contestants will be asked interpret the theme, in their gown, costume and look.
Miss Gay Alabama America is a "standard regional pageant," meaning there is no specific residency requirement, other than contestants must be a resident of the United States.
Contestants will compete in five categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
The winner will go on to compete with nearly 50 others for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown St. Louis this October. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, which was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest of in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
This is the first Miss Gay Alabama pageant since 2006, when Ashley Kruiz (below) won the crown. During the pageant, Kruiz, who died in 2013, will be posthumously honored with the Ashley Kruiz Talent Award.
Photo of Miss Gay Alabama America 2006 Ashley Kruiz. Photo courtesy of the Miss Gay Alabama America pageant.
About Ashely Kruiz from OurCommunityRoots.com: "Ashley Kruiz, known as the “Sweetheart of the South” or “automatic, Kruzamatic”, was an entertainer who had roots in Kentucky and Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, her first appearance in drag was about 30 miles southeast of her hometown at Café LMNOP in Lexington. She had performed all over the country and been a part of many top show casts including “LaBoy LaFemme” in Louisville, Kentucky and “Charlie Brown’s Cabaret” in Atlanta. In most recent years, Ashley had been seen at places like Stage Door in Tucker, Georgia and Burkharts in Atlanta."
About the Miss Gay America Pageant
| | |
| |
Miss Gay Arkansas America 2017 Cassandra Rae Reality. Photo by Carrie Strong.
Miss Gay Arkansas America 2018
August 11, 2018
Discovery Nightclub
Admission $20. Tables for 2 add $15, 4 add $25
Start time: 8:00 p.m. Crowning of the winner should take place around midnight.
1021 Jessie Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72202
Discovery Nightclub website: www.latenightdisco.com
Tickets and info at www.missgayarkansas.com
(Little Rock, AR) July 27, 2018–On August 11, Discovery Nightclub in Little Rock will be the setting for Miss Gay Arkansas America, the state preliminary competition for the 46th Miss Gay America Pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition. Miss Gay Arkansas America was also established in 1972, and is in its 46th year of competition.
Miss Gay Arkansas promoter, Norman Jones, of Little Rock, was the first Miss Gay America (as Norma Kristie), owned the Miss Gay America pageant from 1975 to 2005, and now owns and operates the Triniti and Discovery nightclubs in Little Rock. He tells his story in his book "My Pageant, My Life, My Crown," the sales of which he donates to the AIDS charity of the buyer's choosing.
The pageant will honor the current Miss Arkansas America 2017 Cassandra Rae Reality (top) of Springdale, AR, and feature Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station (above) of Columbus.
The evening's theme will be "Around the World." For the Presentation category, contestants will be asked interpret the theme, in their gown, costume and look.
Nearly a dozen contestants will compete in five rigorously judged categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
The winner will go on to compete with nearly 50 others for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown St. Louis this October. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, which was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest of in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
About the Miss Gay America Pageant
| | |
| |
Miss Gay Ohio America 2017 Valerie Taylor. Photo: Scotty Kirby.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
Miss Gay Ohio America 2018
August 4-5
Saturday August 4 Preliminary Nights: Cover $7
Sunday August 5 Final Night/Crowning: Cover $10
Crowning should take place around 10:30- 10:45 p.m.
Theme: “Into the Jungle”
Axis Nightclub
775 N. High Street 614-291-4008 or 614-421-2233
Axis Facebook page
(Columbus, OH) July 27, 2017–From August 4-5, Axis Nightclub in Columbus will be the setting for Miss Gay Ohio America, a state preliminary competition for the 46th annual Miss Gay America Pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition. The Miss Gay Ohio America pageant began in 1973 and is now in its 46th year.
The evening's theme will be "Into the Jungle". For the Presentation category, contestants will be asked interpret the theme, in their gown, costume and look.
The pageant will honor the current Miss Gay Ohio America 2017 Valerie Taylor, of Columbus, and feature Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station (above), also of Columbus.
Nearly a dozen contestants from preliminary pageants in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton will compete in five categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
The winner will go on to compete with nearly 50 others for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown St. Louis this October. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, which was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest of in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
About the Miss Gay America Pageant
| | |
| |
Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2017 Alysha Brooks Davenport holding the fabled Miss Gay Oklahoma America scepter.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
Miss & Mr. Gay Oklahoma America 2018
Honoring
Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2017 Alysha Brooks Davenport
Mr. Gay Oklahoma America 2018 O'Dey Brooks Davenport
with special guests
Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station
Mr. Gay America 2018 Judas Elliott
Angles Event Center
2117 NW 39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-524-3431
Angles Event Center Facebook
Mr. & Miss Gay Oklahoma America Facebook
July 26: Preliminary Night
July 27: Mr. Gay Oklahoma America
July 28: Miss Gay Oklahoma Final Night & Crowning
Meet the qualified Miss Gay Oklahoma America contestants here.
(Oklahoma City, OK) July 18, 2018–From July 26-28, the Angles Event Center in Oklahoma City will be the setting for Miss Gay Oklahoma America, a state preliminary competition for the Miss Gay America Pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition. The Miss Gay Oklahoma America pageant began in 1978 and is now in its 39th year.
Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2017 Alysha Brooks Davenport. Photo by Carrie Strong.
The pageant will honor the current Miss Gay Oklahoma 2017 Alysha Brooks Davenport*, of Oklahoma City, and feature Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station, of Columbus, Ohio.
Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station. Photo by Scotty Kirby.
In addition, returning on Friday, July 27, is the Mr. Gay Oklahoma America pageant, a preliminary for the Mr. Gay America pageant, starring Mr. Gay Oklahoma America 2018 O'Dey Brooks Davenport*. The Mr. Gay America pageant was created by the Miss Gay America founders in 1983 as platform for gay men to showcase their intellect, community service, and talent. The winner will compete in Mr. Gay America 2019 next July in St. Louis. More about the Mr. Gay America pageant can be found at www.mrgayamerica.net
Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2017 Alysha Brooks Davenport and Mr. Gay Oklahoma America 2018 O'Dey Brooks Davenport. Photo by Carrie Strong.
The pageant theme, chosen by Alysha, is "Temple of Love." For the Presentation category, Miss Gay Oklahoma America contestants will be asked to interpret the theme, in their gown, costume and look. Alysha's instructions to contestants: "Contestants are required to wear a Presentation outfit that is an Egyptian themed costume of choice, but must use the colors of gold and turquoise. Use your imagination. The point is to look like you belong in a temple. No one is allowed to narrate their presentation, care must be made to ensure that it is clear you are representing the theme."
The crowning of Miss Gay Oklahoma America 2017 Alysha Brooks Davenport at Miss Gay Oklahoma 2017.
Ten contestants from five regional preliminaries around the state will compete in five categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme-based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers). Meet the qualified contestants here.
The winner will go on to compete with nearly 50 others for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown St. Louis this October. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, which was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest of in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
*Alysha and O'Dey share names because they are in the same drag "family," similar to a "house" in the ball community. The "Davenport" family is based Dallas around Kelexis Davenport and includes Kennedy Davenport and Sahara Davenport, who was featured on "RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 2)" and died in 2012. More about the Davenport drag family on Reddit.
| | |
| |
Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station. Photo by Scotty Kirby
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
Miss Gay Georgia America 2018
August 2, 2018
Featuring a special performance by Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station
Club One
1 Jefferson Street
Savannah, GA
912-232-0200
Pageant begins at 7:00 p.m.
Cover $15
www.clubone-online.com
Club One on Facebook
Contestant information: www.clubone-online.com/shop/missgayamerica/
Miss Gay Georgia America Meet & Greet
August 1, 2018
B Historic Savannah Hotel
4233, 320 Montgomery St.
Savannah, GA 31401
Come meet Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station, the Miss Gay Georgia America judges and contestants. Open to the public.
(Savannah, GA) July 18, 2018–On August 2 at 7:00 p.m., Club One in Savannah will be the setting for the Miss Gay Georgia America pageant. A preliminary competition for the 46th annual nationwide Miss Gay America Pageant, it is the first Miss Gay Georgia America pageant since 2006 and the first ever to be held in Savannah.
It’ll be night of glamour, Las Vegas style entertainment, high emotions, higher hair, and really, really big earrings.
The night prior to the pageant, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., host hotel B Historic Savannah will be presenting a reception/meet and greet to welcome Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station, the Miss Gay Georgia America judges and contestants.The public is invited.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition.
Miss Gay Georgia America is an open regional pageant, meaning it is open to contestants from anywhere within in the continental U.S. The title of MIss Gay Georgia America comes with a total cash prize package worth $1250.00.
Blair Williams. Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright.
The Miss Gay Georgia pageant is being promoted by Club One Show Director, Blair Williams, known as “The Styles and Smiles of Savannah.” Williams won the coveted title of Miss Gay America 2015 and has held numerous titles throughout her career, including including "Miss Savannah Pride" and "Miss Gay Savannah."
| | |
| |
Miss Gay Northeast America 2017 Dessie Love Blake by Michael Andrew Voight.
More Dessie Love Blake on Instagram and Facebook and MyDragSuperstar.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
Miss Gay Northeast America 2018
Honoring Miss Gay Northeast America 2017 Dessie Love Blake
with a special performance by Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station
July 20, 2018
The Doubletree by Hilton Reading
701 Penn Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-375-8000
Doors: 6:00 p.m.
Pageant begins at 7:00 p.m.
Cover $20
All ages
See the Facebook Event page for full info.
(New York, NY) July 16, 2018–On July 20, The Doubletree Hilton Reading will be the setting for Miss Gay Northeast America, a preliminary competition for the 46th annual Miss Gay America Pageant.
It’ll be a night of glamour, Las Vegas style entertainment, high emotions, higher hair, and really, really big earrings.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition.
Miss Gay Northeast America is a regional pageant, meaning it is open to contestants from anywhere within in the continental U.S.
The pageant will honor the reigning Miss Northeast America 2017 Dessie Love Blake, from Houston and feature a special performance the the reigning Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station of Columbus.
At left: Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station. Photo by Scotty Kirby.
The evening's theme, chosen by Dessie, is "I Love Rock & Roll." "Wear your Rock-inspired looks from Mohawks to spikes. Take your Rock look from any genre of Rock, 80s big hair, 90s punk. Rock or your own vision of Rock Goddess!" The Miss Gay Northeast America pageant began in 2014 and is now in its 4th year.
Contestants will compete in five categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme-based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
The winner will go on to compete with nearly 50 others contestants for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown in St. Louis this October. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, which was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
Miss Gay America pageants are all-ages, classy, PG, family-friendly events; many contestants show up with spouses, relatives and children in tow.
Miss Gay America Giving Back
Above: Miss Gay America owner Rob Mansman, Lady Gaga, and Miss Gay America owner Michael Dutzer.
Giving has always played a key role in the Miss Gay America legacy. Living up to the pageant’s motto to “Be Excellent,” over the years Miss Gay America titleholders have donated millions of dollars to a variety of charitable organizations across the U.S.
In 2017 Miss Gay America pageant co-owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman established the MGA Excellence Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation highlights giving by Miss Gay America title holders on their newly launched site, MyDragSuperstar.
Click here to read about the good works of Miss Gay Northeast America Dessie Love Blake.
Last summer, Mansman and Dutzer crowned Lady Gaga as the first ever Honorary Miss Gay America and donated $5000.00 to her Born This Way Foundation.
| | |
| |
Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station. Photo by Scotty Kirby.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andy Reynolds, Popular Publicity, andy@popularpublicity.com
(New York, NY) June 28, 2018–On July 15th and 20th, two Pennsylvania preliminaries (Miss Gay Pennsylvania America and Miss Gay Northeast America, respectively) will take place for the 46th annual Miss Gay America Pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before "RuPaul's Drag Race"–The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition.
It’ll be two nights of glamour, Las Vegas style entertainment, high emotions, higher hair, and really, really big earrings. Both events are all-ages, classy, PG, family-friendly events; many contestants show up with spouses, relatives and children in tow.
Each preliminary will honor its reigning titleholder, feature special performances by Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station of Columbus, Ohio and require contestants to interpret the evening's theme in the Presentation category.
Contestants at both pageants will compete in five categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme-based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
The winners will go on to compete with nearly 50 others contestants for the Miss Gay America 2019 crown in St. Louis this October. The pageant will take place at the enormous new Hamburger Mary's St. Louis, which was recently opened by Miss Gay America pageant owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman and partner David Pardue. It is one of the largest in the drag-themed 19-restaurant franchise.
Details on the two pageants are below plus more about the Miss Gay America pageant.
Miss Gay Pennsylvania America
Miss Gay Pennsylvania 2017 Tatiana Clark. See photos of Tatiana's crowning here.
First up, on July 15 in New Cumberland, is Miss Gay Pennsylvania America. A "closed" state preliminary, it is only open to contestants who are residents of the state Pennsylvania. The pageant will honor Miss Gay Pennsylvania America 2017 Tatiana Clark. The theme, chosen by Tatiana, in a nod to her roots–she's originally from Puerto Rico–is "Caribbean Queens–A Tribute to the Caribbean Islands." The Miss Gay Pennsylvania America pageant began in 1991 and is now in its 28th year.
More Tatiana Clark here, on Instagram and Facebook,
Miss Gay Pennsylvania 2018
Honoring Miss Gay Pennsylvania America 2017 Tatiana Clark
with a special performance by Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center
148 Sheraton Drive
New Cumberland, PA 17070
623-432-0765
Doors: 7:00 p.m.
Pageant begins at 8:00 p.m.
Cover $10
All Ages
www.missgaypennsylvaniaamerica.net
See the Facebook Event page for full info.
Miss Gay Northeast America
Miss Gay Northeast America 2017 Dessie Love Blake by Michael Andrew Voight.
Second, on July 20 in Reading, is Miss Gay Northeast America. It is a regional pageant, meaning it is open to contestants from anywhere within in the continental U.S. The pageant will honor the reigning Miss Northeast America 2017 Dessie Love Blake, from Houston, TX. The evening's theme, chosen by Dessie, is "I Love Rock & Roll." "Wear your Rock-inspired looks from Mohawks to spikes. Take your Rock look from any genre of Rock, 80s big hair, 90s punk. Rock or your own vision of Rock Goddess!" The Miss Gay Northeast America pageant b Miss Gay Northeast America pageant began in 2014 and is now in its 4th year.
More Dessie Love Blake on Instagram and Facebook and MyDragSuperstar.
Miss Gay Northeast America 2018
Honoring Miss Gay Northeast America 2017 Dessie Love Blake
with a special performance by Miss Gay America 2018 Deva Station
The Doubletree by Hilton
701 Penn Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-375-8000
Doors: 6:00 p.m.
Pageant begins at 7:00 p.m.
Cover $20
All ages
See the Facebook Event page for full info.
Miss Gay America Giving Back
Above: Miss Gay America owner Rob Mansman, Lady Gaga, and Miss Gay America owner Michael Dutzer.
Giving has always played a key role in the Miss Gay America legacy. Living up to the pageant’s motto to “Be Excellent,” over the years Miss Gay America titleholders have donated millions of dollars to a variety of charitable organizations across the U.S. In 2017 Miss Gay America pageant co-owners Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman established the MGA Excellence Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation highlights giving by Miss Gay America title holders on their newly launched site, MyDragSuperstar. Click here to read about the good works of Miss Gay Northeast America Dessie Love Blake. Last summer, Mansman and Dutzer crowned Lady Gaga as the first ever Honorary Miss Gay America and donated $5000.00 to her Born This Way Foundation.
| | |
| |
