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Drag pageantry is a developed form of pageantry for female impersonators, drag queens, and trans women, styled after traditional beauty pageants or contests for cisgender women. It has also evolved into a pageantry for male impersonators, drag kings and trans men.
National drag pageants became enmeshed within the gay community during the 1960s with a national circuit of pageants organized by Flawless Sabrina and have become increasingly prevalent since. Drag pageants were held in individual gay bars, and discothèques during the post Stonewall era. Drag pageants evolved independently, in the decade subsequent to the first gay Mardi Gras coronations.
Mirroring the format of the Miss America contest, the first national gay pageant Miss Gay America (MGA) was held in 1972 at the Watch Your Hat & Coat Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville's first gay dance and show bar. [1] Jerry Peek opened this bar in 1971, and it was an instant sensation, not only with gay patrons, but also with the straight crowd. Norma Kristie, state representative of Arkansas, was crowned as the winner of the 1973 Miss Gay America Pageant, and in 1975 Norman "Norma Kristie" Jones took ownership of the pageant from Jerry Peek, who founded the Miss Gay America Pageant. Norman Jones would form Norma Kristie, Inc. and operate the pageant and its network of preliminaries for the next 30 years. [1]
Since its inception, MGA has prided itself as a showcase for pure female impersonation: Contestants must be men who live as men, achieving a convincing feminine illusion solely through their own ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness. Bodily feminization via female hormones, breast implants, and/or injectable fillers such as liquid silicone is strictly forbidden (plastic surgery and fillers above the neck are permitted, however). An interview in male attire is a key component of the pageant; contestants are judged not only for their poise and articulateness but for their overall masculine presentation—points may be deducted for feminine aspects such as overly plucked eyebrows or long fingernails.
In February 2005, the Miss Gay America pageantry system was purchased by Larry Tyger and Terry Eason of L & T Entertainment. Currently, contestants are judged in 5 categories: Male Interview, Solo Talent, Evening Gown, Stage Question & Answer, and Production Talent.
On February 4, 2016, Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman of Mad Angel Entertainment purchased the Miss Gay America pageant From L & T Entertainment. [2]
Year | Titleholder | Given name | First alternate | Second alternate | Third alternate | Fourth alternate | Crowning venue | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1973 | Norma Kristie, Miss Gay Arkansas | Norman Jones | Charlie Brown, Miss Gay Georgia | Genie Dee, Miss Gay ? | No record | No record | Watch Your Hat & Coat Saloon, Nashville, TN | Retired |
1974 | Lady Baronessa, Miss Gay Illinois | Carmel Santiago | Roski Fernandez, Miss Gay Florida, Alt. | Billie Boots, Miss Gay Florida | No record | No record | Glass Menagerie Nightclub, Nashville, TN | Deceased, 1992 - *1 |
1975 | Shawn Luis, Miss Gay Illinois | Shawn Ocampo | Roski Fernandez, Miss Gay Florida | Michael Andrews, Miss Gay ? | Jodi Lane, Miss Gay Texas | No record | Atlanta Americana Hotel Ballroom, Atlanta, GA | Retired; underwent gender reassignment. |
1976A | Shan Covington, Miss Gay South | Shan Covington | Michael Andrews, Miss Gay Southwest | Dani Daletto, Miss Gay Michigan | Shannon Forrester, Miss Gay Texas | No record | Depository Nightclub, Houston, TX | Decrowned, Deceased, 1998 - *2 |
1976B | Dani Daletto, Miss Gay Michigan | Jose Mondelano | X | X | X | X | Vapors Nightclub, Hot Springs, AR | Deceased, 1989 |
1977 | Michael Andrews, Miss Gay South | Michael Androlewicz | Naomi Sims, Miss Gay Texas | Shannon Forrester, Miss Gay Southwest | Jimi Dee, Miss Gay South, Alt. | Rachel Wells, Miss Gay Georgia | Old Plantation Nightclub, Houston, TX | Deceased, 1989 |
1978 | Jimi Dee, Miss Gay South | Jimmy Dillard | Hot Chocolate, Miss Gay ? | Lady Shawn, Miss Gay ? | Ginger Roberts, Miss Gay ? | Lisa King, Miss Gay ? | Machinist's Hall, St. Louis, MO | Deceased, 1996 |
1979 | Rachel Wells, Miss Gay South, Alt. | John Greenwell | Hot Chocolate, Miss Gay Texas | Lady Shawn, Miss Gay South | Lisa King, Miss Gay ? | No record | Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA | Retired [3] |
1980 | Hot Chocolate, Miss Gay East Coast | Larry Edwards | Lady Shawn, Miss Gay Texas | Dana Manchester, Miss Gay South | Satyn DeVille, Miss Gay Georgia | Donna Drag, Miss Gay Midwest | Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA | Active, Las Vegas Headliner |
1981 | Lady Shawn, Miss Gay East Coast | Shawn Danny Marshall | Genevieve Ryder, Miss Gay Great Lakes | Jennifer Foxx, Miss Gay Michigan | Lindsey Love, Miss Gay Texas | No record | Masonic Temple, Detroit, MI | Deceased, 2005 |
1982 | Jennifer Foxx, Miss Gay North | Bobby Bruno | Francesca Wakeland, Miss Gay ? | Tasha Kohl, Miss Gay Southwest | Naomi Sims, representing Louisiana, Miss Gay ? | No record | Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX | Active |
1983 | Francesca Wakeland, Miss Gay Tri-States | Jon Meadows | Naomi Sims, Miss Gay South | Tasha Kohl, Miss Gay Texas | Trudy Tyler, Miss Gay South, Alt. | Liza Blue, Miss Gay North Carolina, Alt. | Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, NC | Retired |
1984 | Tasha Kohl, Miss Gay Mid-America | Jerry Faulkner | Naomi Sims, first alternate to Miss Gay Tri-States | Stella Starr, Miss Gay North Carolina | Candi Stratton, Miss Gay Illinois, Alt. | No record | Oklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Retired From Regular Performances |
1985 | Naomi Sims, Miss Gay Dreamstates | Newman Braud | Fritz Capone, Miss Gay Kansas | Melinda Ryder, Miss Gay Missouri | No record | No record | Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX | Deceased, 1992 |
1986 | Lauren Colby, Miss Gay North Carolina, Alt. | Robb Robinson | Diana Black, Miss Gay Great Lakes | Toni Lenore, Miss Gay North Carolina | No record | No record | Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN | Active |
1987 | Blaze Starr, Miss Gay Tri-States | David Brazil | Cherry Lane, Miss Gay Arkansas, Alt. | Kelly Ray Shelton, Miss Gay North Carolina | No record | No record | Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX | Retired |
1988 | Cherry Lane, Miss Gay Tri-States | Michael Smothers | Rachel Masters, Miss Gay Texas, Alt. | Valerie Lohr, Miss Gay Texas | No record | No record | Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA | Retired |
1989 | Vicki Vincent, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic | Roger Piatt | Brandi Alexander, Miss Gay North | Sweet Savage, Miss Gay Texas | No record | No record | Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX | Active |
1990 | Brandi Alexander, Miss Gay Great Plains | Randy Fenoli | Valerie Lohr, Miss Gay Mid-West | Tiffany Bonét, Miss Gay Atlantic Coast | Charity Case, Miss Gay Illinois | Sweet Savage, Miss Gay Southwest | Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX | Retired |
1991 | Valerie Lohr, Miss Gay South, Alt. | Gary Lytle | COCO, Miss Gay South | Tiffany Bonét, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic | Leslie Rage, Miss Gay New York | Donna Day, Miss Gay Heart of America, Alt. | Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX | Active |
1992 | Tiffany Bonét, Miss Gay Mid-East | Acey Hendricks | Leslie Rage, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic | Blair Williams, Miss Gay North Carolina | Amazing Grace, Miss Gay Texas | Coco, Miss Gay D.C., Alt. | Majestic Theater, Dallas, TX | Active |
1993 | Leslie Rage, Miss Gay Mid-East | Leslie DeLaCruz | COCO, Miss Gay Southwest, Alt. | Dieta Pepsi, Miss Gay Heart of America | Tumara Mahorning, Miss Gay Missouri | Kelly Cruise, Miss Gay Arkansas | Majestic Theater, Dallas, TX | Deceased, 1995 |
1994 | Jacqulyn DeVaroe, Miss Gay Delta States, Alt. | Darius Cordell | Ramona LeGér, Miss Gay Miss Gay Mid-East, Alt. | Coppa Lamé, Miss Gay Mid-America | Blair Williams, Miss Gay Mid East | Kerri Nichols, Miss Gay North Carolina | Majestic Theater, Dallas, TX | Retired |
1995-A | Ramona LeGér, Miss Gay Mid-East | Louis Marcello | Patti Le Plae Safe, Miss Gay Gulf States, Alt. | Nicole DuBois, Miss Gay Southern Elegance | Dieta Pepsi, Miss Gay Great Plains | Loreal Chillane, Miss Gay Gulf States | Majestic Theater, Dallas, TX | Deceased, 1995 - *3 |
1995-B | Patti Le Plae Safe, Miss Gay Gulf States, Alt. | Rodd Grey | X | X | X | X | Robinson Center Music Auditorium, Little Rock, AR (During the 1996 Pageant) | Active |
1996 | Kerri Nichols, Miss Gay Mid-America | Jeff Capell | Lauren Taylor, Miss Gay Texas | Linda Carrero, Miss Gay Mid-East | Kofi, Miss Gay Gulf States [4] | Lana Eastman, Miss Gay Gulf States, Alt. [5] | Robinson Center Music Auditorium, Little Rock, AR | Active |
1997 | Lauren Taylor, Miss Gay Mid-West, Alt. | Darrell Cantu | Laken Edwards, Miss Gay Texas | Lana Eastman, Miss Gay Mid-West | Shae Shae LaReese, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic [6] | Dieta Pepsi, Miss Gay Mid-America, Alt. [7] | Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, NC | Semi-Retired |
1998 | Maya Montana, Miss Gay Virginia | Renante Borromeo | Linda Carrero, Miss Gay Mid-America | Lana Eastman, Miss Gay Mid-East | Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay Mid-West, Alt. [8] | Celia Putty, Miss Gay Land of Enchantment [9] | Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, NC | Active |
1999 | Linda Carrero, Miss Gay Mid-South, Alt. | Omar Reyes | Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay West Virginia | Catia Lee Love, Miss Gay ? | Charity Case, Miss Gay Texas [10] | Jessica Daniels, Miss Gay Louisiana [11] | Athena Theater, Little Rock, AR | Active |
2000 | Catia Lee Love, Miss Gay Mid-America | Aron Harvey | Charity Case, Miss Gay Southern Elegance | Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay Miss Mid-West [12] | Sabrina White, Miss Gay D.C. [13] | Laken Edwards, Miss Queen City [14] | Lincoln Theater, Washington D.C. | Active |
2001 | Charity Case, Miss Gay Central States | Mark Coleman | Sabrina White, Miss Gay Atlantic Coast [15] | Dominique Sanchez, Miss Gay ? | Truly Fabu | Laken Edwards | Athena Theater, Little Rock, AR | Active |
2002 | Sabrina White, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic | Russell Marcum | Kitty Bob Aimes, Miss Gay Oklahoma | Dominique Sanchez, Miss Gay Mid-West, Alt. [16] | Angela Dodd, Miss Gay Arizona, Alt. | Victoria DePaula, Miss Gay Central States [17] | Dallas Convention Center-Dallas, TX | Active |
2003 | Dominique Sanchez, Miss Gay Mid-America | Chris Williams | Jayda Alexander, Miss Gay Louisiana, Alt. | Angela Dodd, Miss Gay Arizona | Raquel Chevallier, Miss Gay Florida, Alt. | No 4th Alt this year | Athena Theater-Little Rock, AR | Active |
2004 | Rachael Erikks, Miss Gay Heart of America | Ray Robertson | Alana Steele, Miss Gay Indiana | Truly Fabu, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic | Kitty Bob Aimes | Raquel Chevallier | Athena Theater, Little Rock, AR | Active |
2005 | Raquel Chevallier, Miss Gay Tri-States | Scott Peters | Alina Meletti, Miss Gay Florida, Alt. | Alyssa Edwards, Miss Gay Texas | Chantel Reshae | Alana Steele | Athena Theater, Little Rock, AR | Active |
2006 | Nicole DuBois, Miss Gay Mid-America | Tommy Davis | Coti Collins, Miss Gay East Coast | Victoria Parker, Miss Gay ? | Alyssa Edwards | Layla Larue, Miss Gay Texas | Cannon Center, Memphis, TN | Active |
2007 | Luscious, Miss Gay Western States | Monica Gates | Coti Collins, Miss Gay North Carolina | Alina Maletti | Victoria DePaula | China Collins | Cannon Center, Memphis, TN | Active |
2008 | Mikaila Kay, Miss Gay Western States, Alt. | Josh Bolin | Layla Larue, Miss Gay Southern Elegance, Alt. | Victoria DePaula, Miss Gay Midwest | Coti Collins | Chanel Reshae | Holiday Inn Select Airport Ballroom, Memphis, TN | Active |
2009 | Victoria DePaula, Miss Gay D. C. | Carl Glorioso | Chantel Reshae, Miss Gay East Coast | Coti Collins, Miss Gay Mid-East | Alyssa Edwards | China Collins | Millennium Hotel Ballroom, St. Louis, MO | Active |
2010-A | Alyssa Edwards, Miss Gay Heartland, Alt. [18] | Justin Johnson | Coco Montrese, Miss Gay Heart of America | Jessica Jade, Miss Gay D. C. | Sally Sparkles | Kristina Kelly | Millennium Hotel Ballroom, St. Louis, MO | Active, Decrowned - *4 |
2010-B | Coco Montrese, Miss Gay Heart of America | Martin Cooper | X | X | X | X | The Grey Fox Nightclub, St. Louis, MO | Active |
2011 | Coti Collins, Miss Gay D. C. | David Lowman | Jessica Jade, Miss Gay Mid-East | Chantel Reshae, Miss Gay Gulf States | Sally Sparkles, Miss Gay Heart of America, Alt. | Tajma Stetson, Miss Gay Missouri, Alt. | Lifestyles Pavilion Auditorium, Columbus, OH | Deceased - *5 |
2012 | Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay D. C. | Mark Smith | Jessica Jade, Miss Gay Atlantic States | Jenna Skyy, Miss Gay Texas | Araya Sparxx | Blair Williams | Capitol Theater at the Riffe Center, Columbus, OH | Active |
2013 | Sally Sparkles, Miss Gay Mid-America | Michael Sharp | Blair Williams, Miss Gay Mid-America, Alt. | Jessica Jade, Miss Gay Southern Elegance | Kofi, Miss Gay Mid-West | Deva Station, Miss Mid-Atlantic, Alt. [19] | Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, Columbus, OH | Active |
2014 | Jessica Jade, Miss Gay East Coast | Billy Wilson | Blair Williams, Miss Gay D. C. | Christa Collins, Miss Gay MO | Kofi | Truly Fabu | Millennium Hotel Ballroom, St. Louis, MO | Active |
2015 | Blair Williams, Miss Gay Southern States | Todd Mauldin | Truly Fabu, Miss Gay Eastern States, Alt. | Kelly Ray Shelton, Miss Gay North Carolina | Dextaci | Adria Andrews, Miss Gay Missouri | Millennium Maxwell House Ballroom, Nashville, TN | Active |
2016 | Asia O'Hara, Miss Gay Texas | Antwan Lee | Kelly Ray Shelton, Miss Gay Southeast | Dextaci, Miss Gay Miss Gay Southern States | Truly Fabu | Nevaeh McKenzie, Miss Gay Arizona | Holiday Inn Express Airport Ballroom, Memphis, TN | Active |
2017 | Suzy Wong, Miss Gay Western States | Arnold Myint | Kelly Ray Shelton, Miss Gay Heart of America | Sofia Anderson, Miss Gay Texas | Savannah Stevens, Miss Gay Arizona | Dextaci | Holiday Inn Express Airport Ballroom, Memphis, TN | Active |
2018 | Deva Station, Miss Gay Heart of America | Shane Carpenter | Brooke Lynn Hytes, 1st Alt Miss Gay Heart of America | Kelly Ray Shelton, Miss Gay New York America | Dessie Love Blake, Miss Gay Northeast America | Mary Nolan, 1st Alt Miss Gay Northeast America | Hyatt Regency, New Orleans, LA | Active |
2019 | Andora Te'tee, Miss Gay New York America | Michael Collins | Dessie Love Blake, 1st Alt Miss Gay New York America | Sofia Anderson, Miss Gay Nevada America | Janessa Highland, Miss Gay Missouri America | Alexis Mateo, Miss Gay Florida America | Ferrara Theatre at America's Center, St. Louis, MO [20] | Active |
2020 | Pattaya Hart, 1st Alt Miss Gay New York America | Methawee Plu Sayampol | DeXtaci, Miss Gay Mid Atlantic America | Ivy Dripp, Miss Gay Louisiana America | Truly Fabu, Miss Gay New York America | Fifi DuBois America, Miss Gay Midwest America | Gateway Classic Events, O'Fallon, Ill [21] | Active |
2021 | No pageant due to COVID-19 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
2022 | Dextaci, Miss Gay Diamond America | Dex Poindexter | Shelita Bonet Hoyle, Miss Gay Southern America | Tatiyanna Voche', Miss Gay Western States America | Brenda Dharling, Miss Gay New York America | Atheena Voce, 1st Alternative Miss Gay Eastern States America | Robinson Center, Little Rock, AR. [22] | Active |
2023 | Tatiyanna Voche', Miss Gay D.C. America | Dessie Love Blake, Miss Gay Southwest America | Barbra Seville, Miss Gay Western States America | Aria B. Cassadine, Miss Gay California America | Tia Wanna Ross, Miss Gay California America, Alt. | Robinson Center, Little Rock, AR. | Active | |
2024 | Dessie Love Blake, Miss Gay Midwest America | Ron Kerr | Aria B. Cassadine, Miss Gay Tennessee America | Emory Starr, Miss Gay Fancy America | Princess Prozac, First Alt Miss Gay Arizona America | Heavens 2 Betsy, First Alt Miss Gay Pennsylvania America | Robinson Center, Little Rock, AR. | Active |
As Miss Gay America grew in popularity and prestige, many professional female impersonators who lived full-time as women found they were unable to compete in the pageant due to its longstanding rule barring transgender contestants. Aside from the prestige of holding a national title, MGA afforded its winner guaranteed show bookings at every state preliminary held during the title year; thus, the MGA crown turned what was often local, part-time work into a full-time job. Because many trans women also use drag shows as a source of income, it was only natural that a pageantry system would evolve to meet their needs.
In 1980, Chicago nightclub promoter Jim Flint, owner of the Baton Show Lounge, filled this void with the creation of the Miss Continental U.S.A. Pageant. Contestants were scored in interview, swim wear, talent, and evening gown; for the finalists, an on stage question. A number of notable winners either were "boy queens" at the time that they won or have never pursued gender transition—including Chilli Pepper, the first Miss Continental, Michelle Dupree, Miss Continental 1998, Naysha Lopez, Miss Continental, 2013 and Brooke Lynn Hytes, Miss Continental 2014–15—but over time the Continental Pageantry System became renowned for its "titty girls," or pre-/non-operative transsexual contestants. On January 7, 2019 Jim Flint released a statement that Continental would be the second pageant out of the top 5 to allow post-operative contestant to compete in its pageants, the only other National System that allowed that until this time was All American Goddess. Today, Miss Continental has preliminaries representing various U.S. states as well as Canada and Europe.
(All winners were crowned in Chicago, Illinois)
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternate | Third alternate | Fourth alternate | Fifth alternate | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1980 | Chilli Pepper | Andrea Necole | Dina Jacobs | Tiffany Arieagus | Amber Richards | Deceased | ||
1981 | Heather Fontaine | Tiffany Arieagus | Amber Richards | Dana Douglas | Chena Black | Active | ||
1982 | Tiffany Andretta Arieagus | Dena Jacobs | Cherine Alexander | Andrea Necole | Jahna Reis | Active | ||
1983 | Chena Black | Cherine Alexander | ? | ? | Retired | |||
1984 | Cherine Alexander | Dina Jacobs | Dawn Dupree | Candi Stratton | Kelly Lauren | Deceased | ||
1985 | Maya Douglas | Candi Stratton | Alana Kela | Shanté (Alexandra Billings) | Tissy Malone | Active | ||
1986 | Tandi Andrews | Dana Douglas | Ginger Grant | Shanté | Alana Kela | Deceased | ||
1987 | Dana Douglas | Shante' | Denise Darshell | Lauren Michaels | Griselda | Ginger Grant | Active | |
1988 | Kelly Lauren | Shanté | Whitney Carlysle | Nikki Adams | Amber Richards | Active | ||
1989 | Lakesha Lucky | Christina D’Angelo | Chanel Dupree | Ginger Valdez | Amber Richards | Retired | ||
1990 | Chanel Dupree | Lauren Michaels | Monica Munro | Mimi Marks | Bobbie Blake | Retired | ||
1991 | Amber Richards | Chena Kelly | Monica Munro | Brandy Lee | Kerrin Alexander | Deceased | ||
1992 | Mimi Marks | Cézanne Blincoe | Christina Piaget | Sasha Valentino | Tasha Long | Active | ||
1993 | Monica Munro | Kelly Anderson | Michelle Mitchells | Latasha Mills | Tasha Long | Obsession | Retired | |
1994 | Cézanne Blincoe | Paris Frantz | Natasha Richards | Angela Carrera | Sherri Payne | Danielle Hunter | Active | |
1995 | Lady Catiria | Natasha Richards | Paris Frantz | Sasha Valentino | Jasmine Bonét | Deceased | ||
1996 | Paris Frantz | Tasha Long | Basia | Danielle Hunter | Tommie Ross | Active | ||
1997 | Tasha Long | Ashley Kruiz | Martina Diamante | Danielle Hunter | Damianne Dee-Vine (Allanah Starr) | Active | ||
1998 | Michelle Dupree | Silkie Munro | Sasha Valentino | Erica Andrews | Armani | Retired | ||
1999 | Tommie Ross | Erika Norell | Michelle Mitchells | Kourtney Paige Van Wales | Sasha Valentino | Active | ||
2000 | Danielle Hunter | Erika Norell | Candis Cayne | Amalia Black | Tina Sparkles | Active | ||
2001 | Candis Cayne | Yoshiko Oshiro | Raquell Lord | Sasha Valentino | Amalia Black | Erica Andrews | Active | |
2002 | Yoshiko Oshiro | Barbra Herr | Armani Stevens | Raquell Lord | Stasha Sanchez | Retired | ||
2003 | Erika Norell | Fontasia L’Amour | Stasha Sanchez | Lorna Vando | Regine Phillips | Active | ||
2004 | Erica Andrews | Sasha Valentino | Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington | Barbra Herr | Regine Phillips | Deceased | ||
2005 | Domanique Shappelle | Sasha Valentino | Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington | Jasmine Bonet | Sasha Colby | Active | ||
2006 | Victoria LePaige | Necole Luv Dupree | Regine Phillips | Mokha Montrese | Jasmine International | Active | ||
2007 | Necole Luv Dupree | Armani Stevens | Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington | Lorna Vando | Jasmine International | Active | ||
2008 | Tulsi Balram | Sasha Colby | Mokha Montrese | Shantell D'Marco | Melania Cortez | Active | ||
2009 | Armani Stevens | Mokha Montrese | Naysha Lopez | Kim Moore | Aurora Sexton | Active | ||
2010 | Mokha Montrese | Sassy Devine | Fontasia L’Amour | Angel Cavali | Melina Varela | Active | ||
2011 | Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington | Fontasia L’Amour | Tiffany T. Hunter | Stasha Sanchez | Jennifer St. Cartier | Active | ||
2012 | Sasha Colby | Fontasia L’Amour | Kourtney Paige Van Wales | Stasha Sanchez | Queen Bee Ho | Tiffany T. Hunter | Active | |
2013 | Naysha Lopez | Brooke Lynn Hytes | Stasha Sanchez | Aurora Sexton | Tiffany T. Hunter | Shantell D'Marco | Active | |
2014 | Brooke Lynn Hytes | Joan Jullian Stratton | Queen Bee Ho | Aria B. Cassadine | Regine Phillips | Active | ||
2015 | Tiffany T. Hunter | Kourtney Paige Van Wales | Fontasia L'Amour | Serenity Lopez | Renaita Ferrara | Active | ||
2016 | Jazell Barbie Royale | Sunny Dee-Lite | Brittany Moore | Serenity Lopez | Regine Phillips | Active | ||
2017 | Shantell D'Marco | Sassy Devine | Jasmine Rice | Stasha Sanchez | Pattaya Hart | Active | ||
2018 | Stasha Sanchez | Raquell Lord | Melony VonKruz | Pattaya Hart | Yeisa Jovovich | Active | ||
2019 | Vanessa Van Cartier | Kaina Jacobs | Jessica Manson | Melony Munro | Yeisa Jovovich | WOMAN/SRS | ||
2020 | Sasha Valentino - Honorary | No contest due to COVID-19 | Deceased | |||||
2021 | Juliana Rivera | Gadfrie Arbulu | Silkie O’Hara Munro | Sunny Dee-Lite | Aria B. Cassadine | Active | ||
2022 | Sunny Dee-Lite | Daesha Richards | Pattaya Hart | Fonda LaFemme | Eva Angelica Stratton | Active | ||
2023 | Zhané Dawlingz | Gadfrie Arbulu | Melony Munro | Aria B. Cassadine | Miss Stephany | Active | ||
2024 | Raquell Lord | Pattaya Hart | Melony Munro | Ava Glasscott | Lana Luxx | Active | ||
2024 | Dina Jacobs - Honorary | Active |
In 2019, Jim Flint, owner of the Continental Pageant announced that long time competitor Sasha Valentino would be named an HONORARY Miss Continental. Sasha passed away 12/26/2011.
This contest was created by George Stinson and Ed Lewis, owners of the successful Connection Complex in Louisville, Kentucky. They drew their inspiration from Female Impersonator of the Year, a one-time pageant event held in Houston in 1985, hosted by Ruth Buzzi and Lyle Waggoner, and released as a cable-TV special and home video. The winner of that contest, the late Naomi Sims (Newman Braud), is honored as EOY Emeritus. [23] The headquarters for the contest was also in the Connection. [24]
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternate | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Emeritus (held 1985) | Naomi Sims | Michael Andrews | Tasha Kohl | Deceased |
1991 | Tasha Kohl | Charity Case | Leslie Rage | |
1992 | Amazing Grace | Charity Case | Ashley Kruiz | Deceased |
1993 | Shayla Simpson | Tandi Andrews | Terri Vanessa Coleman | Deceased |
1994 | Electra | Sweet Savage | Danielle Hunter | |
1995 | Coco | Ashley Kruiz | Natasha Richards | Deceased |
1996 | Monica Munro | Bianca Paige | Stephanie Wells | |
1997 | Maya Douglas | Ashley Kruiz | Angel Sheridan | |
1998 | Daisy DeadPetals | Necole Luv Dupree | Angel Sheridan | |
1999 | Stephanie Bofill | Whitney Paige | Roxie Hart | Deceased |
2000 | Roxie Hart | Raven | Versage Holt | |
2001 | Raven | Ashley Kruiz | Necole Luv Dupree | |
2002 | Necole Luv Dupree | Victoria Parker | Tamisha Iman | |
2003 | Nina DiAngelo | Whitney Paige | Tamisha Iman | |
2004 | Tasha Long | Camille Simpson | Jordan Kennedy | |
2005 | Angelique Ali | Catia Lee Love | DeeRanged | |
2006 | Erica Andrews | DeeRanged | Mokha Montrese | Deceased |
2007 | DeeRanged | Armani Stevens | Kitty Litter | |
2008 | Nina West [25] | Armani Stevens | Domanique Shappelle | |
2009 | Bianca Nicole | Vanessa DeMornay | Deangela Shannon | |
2010 | Vanessa DeMornay | Shangela Laquifa Wadley | Erika Norell | |
2011 | Aurora Sexton | Trinity the Tuck | Kristina Kelly | |
2012 | Mokha Montrese | Raquell Lord | Shae Shae LaReese | |
2013 | Raquell Lord | Brooke Lynn Hytes | Alana Steele | |
2014 | Trinity the Tuck | Alyssa Edwards | Eureka O'Hara | |
2015 | Sunny Dee-Lite | Delores T. Van Cartier | Shontelle Sparkles | |
2016 | Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington | Aria B. Cassadine | Karime Lazaldi | |
2017 | Ginger Manchester | Versage Holt | Paris Campbell | Deceased |
2018 | Danielle Hunter | Eva Angelica Stratton | Buff Faye | |
2019 | Buff Faye | Jessica Jade | Sabrina White | |
2020 | No Contest due to COVID-19 | |||
2021 | Paris Campbell | EV Vega | Vita VonTesse Starr | |
2022 | Shontelle Sparkles | Vita VonTesse Starr | Genesis | |
2023 | Twila Holiday | Genesis | Jordan Kennedy |
In 2011, after years of pushing from EOY promoters and a final agreement from major sponsor Anheuser Busch, National EOY introduced an MI division. On a preliminary level, the first MI crowned into the EOY system was Joey Paige, who captured the title of Kentucky EOY King at the preliminary pageant in Louisville on July 3, 2011. This was the only EOY MI prelim contest held that year. Michigan EOY also sent a representative to Nationals that year, Spacee Kadett, though Spacee was appointed the title in the state. The remaining contestants for the first EOY King contest entered as open competitors, and such open entry into EOY King competition continues to this day.
In July 2011, after national competition, EOY crowned Spacee Kadett as the first national king in its system. Spacee's victory and reign of outrageous drag helped push drag kinging to a more daring and theatrical level across the US, and set a standard for kings in the EOY system.
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternates | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
2011 | Spacee Kadett | Richard Cranium | ||
2012 | Mystikal | Spikey Van Dykey | Tanner Taylor | |
2013 | Owen McCord | Michael Christian | Bruno Diaz | |
2014 | Chase McGroin | Gunner Daimon Gatlyn | ||
2015 | Chaos | Bruno Diaz | ||
2016 | Preston Dickerson | Jordan Reign | Leo Scott | |
2017 | Romeo White | Rocky Valentino | ||
2018 | Liam Scott | Scrappy | Christian Gaye |
In 2015, EOY promoters and owners expanded the contest to include the Femme counterparts with the first National Pageant held at the Connection Complex theatre.
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternate | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | Tymisha Harris | Nova Loza | Taylor Rene | |
2016 | Bella Nicole Harlow | Ivy Les Vixens | Nevaeh Sweetness | |
2017 | Cass Marie Domino | Miranda Casada | Qtip Chanel | |
2018 | Olivia Jane | Miranda Casada | Venus Envy |
Houston, Texas based MGA promoter Jerry Bird purchased the bankrupt Miss Gay USA pageant from former MGA Jimi Dee in 1985. [29] Within a few years he took the pageant from a small twelve contestant affair to a national showcase with over eighty participants. In 1986, the first Miss Gay USA Naomi Sims crowned Michael Andrews. In the mid-1990s the pageant was renamed Miss Gay USofA after complaints and legal threats from the owner of Miss USA, Donald Trump, who placed a cease and desist order until verbiage could be agreed upon that allowed for both competitions to continue without confusion or discrimination.
There have been a wide range of contestants in the Miss USofA System, and many USofA titleholders also count the Miss Gay America crown as accomplishments in female impersonation. These include:
Naomi Sims, Miss Gay USA 1979 (Miss Gay America 1985); Michael Andrews, Miss Gay USA 1986 (Miss Gay America 1977); Jacquelyn DeVaroe, Miss Gay USofA 1997 (Miss Gay America 1994); Lauren Taylor, Miss Gay USofA 1998 (Miss Gay America 1997); Alyssa Edwards, Miss Gay USofA 2006 (Miss Gay America 2010, though Edwards was stripped of the title a few short months after winning the crown); Dominique Sanchez, Miss Gay USofA 2010 (Miss Gay America 2003); Luscious, Miss Gay USofA 2011 (Miss Gay America 2007), and, Asia O'Hara, Miss Gay USofA 2007 (Miss Gay America 2016).
The following is the list of the winners of the Miss Gay U.S.A. Pageant — then a complete change of ownership — Miss Gay USA winners 1986 through 1994 and Miss Gay USofA winners from 1995 through present:
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternate | Third alternate | Fourth alternate | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1979 | Naomi Sims | Michael Andrews | Dina Jacobs | X | X | Crowned in Houston, TX | Deceased |
1980 | Jahnau Reis (Jahna Steele) | Dina Jacobs | Roski Fernandez | X | X | Crowned in Houston, TX | Deceased |
1981 | Dina Jacobs | X | X | X | X | X | No Contest Held Dina carried over from the previous year |
1982 | Eartha Kitt | Odessa Brown | Vonda DeLayne | X | X | Crowned in Austin, TX | Deceased |
1983 | Lady Nova Bernard | ? | ? | X | X | Crowned in Houston, TX | Deceased |
1984 | Lisa King | ? | ? | X | X | Crowned in Atlanta, GA | Deceased |
1985 | No Contest | X | X | X | X | X | Jerry Bird purchased the Miss Gay USA Pageant & became its promoter. |
1986 | Michael Andrews | Tandi Andrews | Tommie Ross | Jerry Harper | Lauren Brach | Crowned in Houston, TX | Deceased |
1987 | Diana Hutton | Tiffany Arieagus | Tommie Ross | Erica Adams | Dina Jacobs | Crowned in Columbia, SC | Deceased |
1988 | Tommie Ross | Netasha Edwards | Candi Stratton | Rita Ross | Tina DeVore | Crowned in Indianapolis, IN | Active |
1989 | Netasha Edwards | Candi Stratton | Eddie Dee | Monica Munro | Carmella Marcella Garcia | Crowned in St. Louis, MO | Deceased |
1990 | C’ezanne Blincoe | Rita Ross | Bianca Paige | Farrah McCray | Jamie Monroe | Crowned in Louisville, KY | Active |
1991 | Sable Chanel | Tandi Andrews | Mahogany | Rita Ross | Amber Richards | Crowned in Atlanta, GA | Retired |
1992 | Tandi Andrews | Mahogany | Bianca Paige | Denise Darcell | Sweet Savage | Crowned in San Antonio, TX | Deceased |
1993 | Sweet Savage | Nicole DuBois | Jamie Hunter | Coco | Victoria West | Crowned in San Antonio, TX | Deceased |
1994 | Coco | Victoria West | Amber Richards | Natasha Richards | Terryl Lynn Fox | Crowned in St. Louis, MO | Deceased - Due to copyright threats from Donald Trump who was then co-owner of Miss USA/Miss Universe, the pageant was renamed Miss Gay USofA. Coco was the last "Miss Gay USA" |
1995 | Maya Douglas | Natasha Richards | Victoria West | Coti Collins | Jamie Hunter | Crowned in Dayton, OH | Active |
1996 | Natasha Richards | Monica Munro | Victoria West | Shae Shae LaReese | Jacqulyn DeVaroe | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Deceased |
1997 | Jacqulyn DeVaroe | Kourtney Van Wales | Erica Andrews | Shae Shae LaReese | Tamisha Iman | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Retired |
1998 | Lauren Taylor | Ashley Kruiz | Dana St. James | Layla LaRue | Victoria Lace | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Semi-Retired |
1999 | Erica Andrews | Whitney Paige | Cherry Pie | Tamisha Iman | Kara Dion | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Deceased |
2000 | Chevelle Brooks | Whitney Paige | Michelle Dupree | Crystle Chambers | Cherry Pie | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2001 | Erika Norell | Ashley Kruiz | Alicia Markstone | Roxy Marquis | Nina DiAngelo | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2002 | Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington | Layla LaRue | Necole Luv Dupree | Nina DiAngelo | Lawanda Jackson | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2003 | Raquell Lord | Layla LaRue | Danielle Hunter | Roxy Marquis | Jame Perry | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2004 | Layla LaRue | Tamisha Iman | Whitney Paige | Angelique Ali | Tersa Mathews | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2005 | Tamisha Iman | Whitney Paige | Victoria Lace | Nina DiAngelo | Roxy Marquis | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2006 | Alyssa Edwards | Asia O'Hara | Roxy Marquis | Danielle Hunter | Victoria Lace | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2007 | Asia O'Hara | Kara Young-Ross | Dominique Sanchez | Tasha Long | Stasha Sanchez | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2008 | Kara Young-Ross | Sasha Andrews | Stasha Sanchez | Kelexis Davenport | Natasha Braxton | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2009 | Stasha Sanchez | Natasha Braxton | Coti Collins | Dorae Saunders | Dominique Sanchez | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2010 | Dominique Sanchez | Luscious | Amy DeMilo | Christina Ross | Tionia Steele | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2011 | Luscious | Amy DeMilo | Natasha Braxton | Naomi St. James | Delores T. Van Cartier | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2012 | Lawanda Jackson | Margeaux Powell | Nina DiAngelo | Alexis Mateo | Sunny Dee Lite | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2013 | Shae Shae LaReese | Alexis Mateo | Naomi St. James | Sasha Lauren | Coti Collins | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2014 | Jenna Skyy | Necole Luv Dupree | Victoria LePaige | Mokha Montrese | Porsche Paris | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2015 | Mokha Montrese | Krystal Summers | Nina DiAngelo | Alexis Mateo | Amy DeMilo | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2016 | Aurora Sexton | Porsche Paris | Aria B. Cassadine | Sasha Andrews | Crystal V. Lauren | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2017 | Roxie Hart | Kennedy Davenport | Amanda Nicole | Porsche Paris | Ka'Aliyah McKim Diamond | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2018 | Janet Fierce Andrews | Dee Ranged | Trinity K. Bonet | Sasha Lauren | Qya Cristal | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Deceased |
2019 | Kennedy Davenport | Porsche Paris | Ivy League | Mari Jane | April Rition | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2020 | No contest due to COVID-19 | ||||||
2021 | No contest due to COVID-19 | ||||||
2022 | Tonica E. Cavalli | Ivy League | Josephine O'hara Andrews | Eva De Leon | Jessica Jade | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2023 | Porsche Paris | Mulan Alexander | Jessica Jade | Dion Summers | Josephine O'hara Andrews | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
2024 | Jessica Jade | Alexxa Oasis | Silky Nutmeg Ganache | Alannah Davis | Sapphire Davenport | Crowned in Dallas, TX | Active |
During the 1990s, the range and variety of drag pageantry continued to expand; however the "big four" pageant systems of MGA, Continental, USofA and EOY still dominated the market. New competitions with new requirements brought a wider variety of performers to drag pageantry. Contests for plus-sized, mature and African American female impersonators became popular.
This pageant system was created by Scott Gonyaw. Unlike the "Big Four" of drag pageantry, AAG welcomes postoperative trans women as contestants. As of January 7, 2020, AAG is now promoted by former AAG, Nikki Vixxen. [30]
First held in 1972, a few months after the first Miss Gay America contest, this pageant was revived in 2014 after seven years of inactivity. Though technically a state pageant, Miss Florida FI held prestige comparable to that of a national pageant for many years, with entertainers from around the U.S. vying for the crown, and guests and judges who included international celebrities. Before Miss Continental and Miss Gay USA (now Miss Gay USofA) were created, Miss Florida was the only major female-impersonation pageant that permitted trans women to compete. (Jim Flint, owner and founder of the Continental Pageantry System, has acknowledged Miss Florida as his inspiration for creating Miss Continental.)
Since 1984, Universal ShowQueen has been held annually in Honolulu, Hawaii. Similar to Miss Florida FI, USQ is a "local national" pageant that attracts contestants from not only Hawaii but also the mainland U.S. It is renowned for its signature category—Showgirl Costume—a showcase for lavish and elaborate Las Vegas–style costumes and headdresses.
(Formerly Miss Amateur National) This pageant founded for newer queens transformed into what is now Miss International Inc. -This system is not to be confused with the hostile split with former's (Vicki Valentino & Marlowe Septimius) with the now defunct Miss Gay International Inc.
~ Chelsey took over for Lady Angelica when she was temporarily dethroned. When Anjelica was rethroned after the crowning of a new winner, Chelsey was named Honorary for her service to the pageant.
~~ Monet was initially crowned in 2006 but shortly after it was discovered there was a scoring error and Amaya had actually won. They shared the title briefly before Monet was de-crowned for unknown reasons.
In 2016 this system was founded to provide individuals who did not fit the "standard norm" of drag. National Bearded Queen is a system that provides an opportunity for Bearded Queers to compete and showcase their talents. This system is open to individuals of all genders with the only requirement to compete being they must perform regularly as a bearded performer (Real or Prosthetic). Prelims started in 2017 with the first National Competition held in May 2018.
Year | Winner | First Alt | Second Alt | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Joey Gallagher | JerFay | KC Starr | Cash Inn, Phoenix AZ |
2019 | Dion Dior Black | Bearonce Bear | Kiara Chimera | Play, Louisville KY |
Bearded Pageantry Inc created America's Bearded Queen in 2019 and the first national contest was held in November 2021. It will be held in November each year in Dallas, TX.
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternate | Third alternate | Fourth alternate | Crowning venue |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Starlet Skye | Ms Mykie | Blackberri | Myss Myka | none | Rose Room, Dallas, TX |
2022 | Sasha V. King | Jasmine Pryce Lords | Rita Room | Natalia Masters | Jacklyn Dior | Rose Room, Dallas, TX |
2023 | Natalia Masters | Karmella Uchawi | Taszia De'Assassin LeMore Ross | Sarah Tonin Katz | Fatty Acid | Rose Room, Dallas, TX |
2024 | Sarah Tonin Katz | Paris Starz | Sinema Larue | Lumber Jill | Robyn DaCultyre | Rose Room, Dallas, TX |
Bearded Pageantry Inc created America's King in 2024 and the first national contest was held in October 2024.
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternate | Third alternate | Fourth alternate | Crowning venue |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Chamo DeLour King | August Edwards | Kamarian Lavish | Davian St. James | Justin Case | Rose Room, Dallas, TX |
Bearded Pageantry Inc created America's Queen in 2024 and the first national contest was held in October 2024.
Year | Titleholder | First alternate | Second alternate | Third alternate | Fourth alternate | Crowning venue |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Sasha V. Davenport King | Keri Traid | Polly Trix Savage Diamond | Star Lyht | Pinky Promise | Rose Room, Dallas, TX |
The Miss Texas competition was founded in 1937 as a scholarship contest for young women. The winner represents Texas in the Miss America pageant; three winners have gone on to be crowned Miss America.
Miss America's Teen is an American scholarship pageant. It is the sister program to the Miss America Opportunity, and it aims to "promote scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America's teens." In order to be eligible to compete, participants must first compete and win at the local level and then win the state title. The competition consists of several parts of competition which consists of an eight-minute interview in front of a panel of judges, talent, lifestyle and wellness, evening wear, and an on-stage question. All competitors must be girls between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age.
The Miss Oklahoma competition selects a winner to compete on behalf of Oklahoma in the Miss America pageant. Miss Oklahoma has won the Miss America crown on five occasions. Also, in the years when city representatives were common, Norma Smallwood won, competing as Miss Tulsa, giving the state of Oklahoma a total of six crowns. Oklahoma is also one of three states to win back to back Miss America titles.
Shilah Precious Phillips is an American entertainer, beauty pageant contestant, and the 2006 winner of the Miss Texas title. She is the first African American winner of the crown in its 75-year history. She was also First Runner Up in the Miss America 2007 pageant.
Miss Gay America is a national pageant for female impersonators. Established in 1972, the pageant is based on the Miss America contest and follows a similar format.
Miss Continental is an annual drag queen pageantry system founded in 1980 by Jim Flint. The pageant itself takes place at the Baton Show Lounge in Chicago, Illinois, and is usually held over Labor Day weekends.
For the state pageant affiliated with Miss Teen USA, see Miss Oklahoma Teen USA
The Miss Texas' Teen competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the U.S. state of Texas in the Miss America's Teen pageant.
Ana Christina Rodriguez is an American beauty pageant titleholder from Laredo, Texas. On her fifth attempt at the statewide title, she was crowned Miss Texas USA 2011 and went on to be named third runner-up to Miss USA 2011.
Alexis Mateo Pacheco, best known as Alexis Mateo, is a Puerto Rican drag queen, performer, reality television personality, fashion designer, and the winner of All American Goddess 2016, Miss Gay Days 2016 and National Showgirl 2017. She became internationally known as a contestant on season three of RuPaul's Drag Race, seasons one and five of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and season two of Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. the World. Alexis Mateo is also drag mother of viral sensation and "RuGirl" Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.
Erica Andrews was a Mexican international and national beauty pageant title winner, drag performer, actress, entrepreneur, and activist.
Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, best known by the stage name Alyssa Edwards, is an American drag performer, choreographer, and businessperson. Edwards was known for competing in drag pageantry before rising to international attention as a contestant on the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, becoming a fan favorite during and after her time on the show. Edwards subsequently appeared on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and starred in her own web series, Alyssa's Secret. She won the first ever season of RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars, making her the first queen to be inducted into the "Newly Constructed International Pavilion At the Drag Race Hall of Fame".
Michael W. Feliciano, known by their stage name Roxxxy Andrews, is an American drag performer who came to international attention for being a contestant on the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the second and ninth seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.
Monique Elyse Evans is an American dancer and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Texas 2014 and Miss Florida USA 2020. She represented Texas at Miss America 2015 and placed in the top sixteen and also represented Florida at Miss USA 2020.
Antwan Mason Lee, better known by the stage name Asia O'Hara, is an American drag queen, reality television personality, and costume designer. She is most well known for competing on the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, in which she placed fourth. Since her season aired in 2018, O'Hara has been a staple of several domestic and international tours that feature Drag Race contestants, including Werq the World, Christmas Queens and Drive 'N Drag. She has also appeared on a number of web series produced by World of Wonder, including Can Do Queens, which she co-hosts with Kameron Michaels. In June 2018, she released "Queen for Tonight", her debut single. Her second single, "Crown Up", was released on May 20, 2019, along with an accompanying music video. Since January 2020, she has been a staple cast member of RuPaul's Drag Race Live!, a residency show in Las Vegas, and also stars in the accompanying VH1 miniseries RuPaul's Drag Race: Vegas Revue.
Reuben Asberry Jr., known professionally as Kennedy Davenport, is a drag queen, television personality, and dancer from Dallas, Texas, who came to international attention on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race, placing fourth overall, the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, where she was the runner-up, and the second season of Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. the World.
Victoria "Porkchop" Parker is the stage name of Victor Ray Bowling, an American drag performer and actor who came to international attention on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race. He is notable in part for being the first contestant ever eliminated in the history of the franchise. Parker has also appeared elsewhere on television in and out of drag, and he has also served as a backup dancer for Miley Cyrus.
Miss'd America is an annual drag pageant held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. It was founded in the early 1990s as a spoof of the Miss America pageant. It ran through 2005, took a five-year hiatus, and resumed operation in 2010. Contestants compete in four categories: swimsuit, evening gown, interview and talent, with the winner receiving $5,000. Part of the proceeds from each edition of the pageant are donated to local LGBTQ charities and initiatives. The event is produced by Rich Helfant, directed by Mark Dahl, and hosted by Carson Kressley. The current reigning Miss'd America is Aria B. Cassadine, who was crowned on September 14, 2024.
Paradise is a gay nightclub in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is known for its fundraisers and drag shows, most notable of which is the annual Miss Paradise pageant. The club is integrated with the Empress Hotel; both are owned by record producer Shep Pettibone. Paradise's 1999 opening is credited as one factor that improved Asbury Park's struggling economy and drew the LGBTQ community back to the city after a period of local unrest. The venue is a popular Jersey Shore destination in the summer, and it has received praise for its welcoming atmosphere. After several months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Paradise reopened its outdoor pool and bar area in summer 2020.
Amber Marie Williams, better known by the stage name Amber Richards, was an American transgender female impersonator, performer, and television personality. Richards was active in drag pageantry beginning in the late 1970s, competing in local and national pageants including Miss Gay America, Miss Continental, Miss Florida Female Impersonator, Miss Gay USofA, and Miss National. She won the Miss Florida FI pageant in 1985 and Miss Continental USA in 1991. Richards appeared on daytime talk shows in the early 1990s and helped introduce an American audience to issues of gender identity, sexuality, and transgender rights at a time when members of the LGBTQ community were parodied and ridiculed.