Miss Gay America

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.[1]

Miss Gay America Pageant
Miss Gay America logo 2016
MottoWhere the boys are boys... and female impersonation is an art!
TypeBeauty pageant
HeadquartersFrederick, Maryland
Owner
Mad Angel Entertainment, Michael Dutzer, Rob Mansman
Current Titleholder
Pattaya Hart
Websitewww.missgayamerica.com

Each year, contestants compete at various city, state, and direct regional preliminaries for the opportunity to advance to the official Miss Gay America pageant. Titleholders are often seen as the best in the industry and are frequently hired to entertain in a variety of venues, such as Las Vegas shows, cruise ships, and LGBT events.[1]

The Miss Gay America pageant system is the longest running pageant system for female impersonators. It is one of the four major pageant systems for the art form, in addition to Continental Pageantry, Gay USofA Pageantry, and Entertainer of the Year. Miss Gay America is unique in that it is the only national pageant that prohibits contestants from using female hormones or having undergone any feminizing plastic surgery, such as breast implants or liquid-silicone injections below the neck.[1]

Lady Gaga on the 10th of September 2017, was crowned as the first Honorary Miss Gay America.

The current Miss Gay America titleholder is Pattaya Hart, the 49th titleholder, crowned on October 5, 2019.

History

In 1971, Jerry Peek opened the Watch Your Hat & Coat Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee, the city's first gay dance and show bar. Having an understanding of the female illusionist state pageants occurring in various show bars in other states, Peek decided to establish a national level pageant to further recognize the best entertainers. On June 25, 1972, the first pageant was held at Peek's Nashville saloon.[2] Norman Jones, performing as Norma Kristie, competed representing Arkansas and was crowned the winner of the 1973 pageant and emeritus titleholder of the Miss Gay America Pageant system. In 1975, Jones assumed ownership of the pageant and later formed Norma Kristie, Inc., operating and directing the Miss Gay America pageant and the Mr. Gay All-America Contest systems. In 2005, Norman Jones retired from the pageant's regular operations and sold the Miss Gay America pageantry system to Larry Tyger and Terry Eason of L&T Entertainment.[3] On February 4, 2016 Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman of Mad Angel Entertainment purchased the Miss Gay America pageant From L & T Entertainment.[4]

At the 2016 pageant in Memphis, Mad Angel Entertainment announced they will be retiring the solo talent category. Starting in 2017 Presentation will be judged for the top 10 contestants in its place. Also starting in 2017 contestants are able to change their talent numbers on the final night of the competition.

Mad Angel Entertainment announced in January 2017 that they will be bringing back Mr. Gay All-American as Mr. Gay America. The pageant was held on July 2, 2017 in Dallas, TX with the winner being Judas Elliott. [5]

The 2019 Miss Gay America pageant uses the slogan "Where Boys Are Boys and Female Impersonation is an Art", and is scheduled to be held on March 19, 2019. Thomas John is the official promoter.[6]

Qualification

Contestants for the national Miss Gay America pageant qualify through franchised state and direct regional preliminaries. The winner and first alternate of the preliminary contests advance to the national pageant. Many states require contestants to first compete in franchised city preliminaries, where the winner and first alternate advance to the state pageant.[1]

Competition

Historically, pageant competition consisted of interview, evening gown and talent categories. Later a Contemporary Fashion category for sportswear was added. After about a decade it was changed to Creative Fashion, a category that was never fully understood by judges or contestants and was later changed to Creative Costume. It was eventually replaced with Solo Talent. While some of the contestants perform live vocal, dance or comedy skits, the vast majority showcase their talent of lip syncing to prerecorded music. Current categories are Male Interview, Solo Talent, Evening Gown, On-Stage Interview, and Talent.[7]

Currently, the national pageant consists of 3 nights of preliminary competition, where all contestants compete in male interview, solo talent, evening gown, and production talent. Awards for each night of these categories are presented on the 4th night of the pageant week during the official Miss Gay America Revue Show, where former titleholders return to entertain. The final competition night is held on the fifth night, typically at a larger and more formal venue, and the top 10 finalists are announced. These finalists then compete again in evening gown, stage interview, and production talent. At the end of the final pageant, the top four runners-up are announced and the winner is crowned.[8]

List of past winners
Miss Gay America winners
YearTitleholderGiven nameCrowning venueFirst AlternateSecond AlternateNotes
1973Norma KristieNorman JonesWatch Your Hat & Coat Saloon, Nashville, TennesseeCharlie BrownGenie DeeAs the first Miss Gay America titleholder, Norma Kristie holds the title of Miss Gay America Emeritus. In 1975, he assumed ownership of the pageant and ran it until his retirement in 2005.
1974Lady BaronessaCarmel SantiagoThe Glass Menagerie Nightclub, Nashville, TennesseeRoski FenandezBillie EggsLady Baronessa's full name was "The Lady Baroness Maria Andrea Del Santiago". Lady Baronessa assisted in the operations of Norma Kristie, Inc. until his passing in 1992.
1975Shawn LuisShawn OcampoAtlanta Americana Hotel Ballroom, Atlanta, GeorgiaRoski Fernandez?
1976-AShan CovingtonShan CovingtonThe Depository Nightclub, Houston, TexasMichael AndrewsDani Daletto, Miss Gay Michigan AmericaTitle revoked for unbecoming conduct.
1976-BDani DalettoJose MondelanoVapors Nightclub, Hot Springs, ArkansasDani Daletto was crowned in a special ceremony at the 1976 Miss Gay South Pageant held at Vapors Nightclub in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
1977Michael AndrewsMichael AndrolewiczThe Old Plantation Nightclub, Houston, TexasNaomi Sims, Miss Gay Texas AmericaShannon ForresterMichael Andrews also held the 1986 emeritus title of Miss Gay USofA. Andrews has also appeared in a number of films.[9]
1978Jimi DeeJimmy DillardMachinist's Hall, St. Louis, MissouriHot Chocolate, Miss Gay Texas AmericaLady ShawnJimi Dee was best known for his illusion of Diana Ross.
1979Rachel Wells[10]John GreenwellFox Theater, Atlanta, GeorgiaHot ChocolateLady Shawn
1980Hot ChocolateLarry EdwardsAtlanta Convention Center, Atlanta, GeorgiaLady Shawn, Miss Gay Texas AmericaDana ManchesterHot Chocolate is known for his celebrity female impersonations of Tina Turner. He also appeared in the films What's Love Got to Do With It and Miss Congeniality 2.[11]
1981Lady ShawnShawn MarshallMasonic Temple, Detroit, MichiganGenevieve Ryder, Miss Gay Missouri AmericaJennifer Foxx
1982Jennifer FoxxBobby BrunoDallas Convention Center, Dallas, TexasFrancesca WakelandTasha Kohl
1983Francesca WakelandJon MeadowsOvens Auditorium, Charlotte, North CarolinaNaomi Sims, Miss Gay Southwest AmericaTasha Kohl, Miss Gay Texas
1984Tasha KohlJerry FaulknerOklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OklahomaNaomi Sims, Miss Gay South Regional AmericaStella Starr, Miss Gay North Carolina AmericaTasha Kohl is notable for his creative and eccentric costuming and performance choices. He has also held the title of Miss National Entertainer of the Year, 1991.
1985Naomi SimsNewman S. BraudDallas Convention Center, Dallas, TexasFritz Capone, Miss Gay Kansas AmericaMelinda Ryder, Miss Gay Missouri AmericaNaomi Sims was known as the "eyes of Texas" and revered for his stellar dancing skills. Naomi also held the 1990 emeritus title to Miss National Entertainer of the Year, and 1985 National Female Impersonator of the Year.
1986Lauren ColbyRobb RobinsonIndianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, IndianaDiana Black, Miss Gay Great Lakes AmericaToni Lenoir, Miss Gay North CarolinaLauren Colby has the unique distinction of having won Miss Gay America on his first attempt at the national crown.
1987Blaze StarrDallas Convention Center, Dallas, TexasCherry Lane, Second Alternate to Miss Gay ArkansasKelly Ray
1988Cherry LaneMichael SmothersFox Theater, Atlanta, GeorgiaRachel MastersValerie Lohr, Miss Gay Texas America
1989Vicki VincentRoger PiattDallas Convention Center, Dallas, TexasBrandi Alexander, Miss Gay North Regional America Sweet Savage, Miss Gay Texas America
1990Brandi AlexanderRandy FenoliDallas Convention Center, Dallas, TexasValerie Lohr, Miss Gay Midwest America Tiffany BonetRandy Fenoli used his prize money to enroll in the Fashion Institute of Technology. He is currently the television host of Say Yes to the Dress.
1991Valerie LohrGary LytleDallas Convention Center, Dallas, TexasCoco, Miss Gay South Regional America Tiffany Bonet
1992Tiffany BonetAcey HendricksMajestic Theater, Dallas, TexasLeslie RageBlair Williams, Miss Gay North Carolina America
1993Leslie RageLeslie DeLaCruzMajestic Theater, Dallas, TexasCocoDieta Pepsi, Miss Gay Heart of AmericaLeslie Rage declined an opportunity to dance with Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas in order to serve as Miss Gay America.
1994Jacqulyn DeVaroeDarius Cordell MurphyMajestic Theater, Dallas, TexasRamona LeGer'Coppa LeMayJacqueline DeVaroe also held the title of Miss Gay USofA 1997.
1995-ARamona LeGer'Louis MarcelloMajestic Theater, Dallas, TexasPatti Le Plae Safe, First Alternate to Miss Gulf States AmericaNicole Dubois, Miss Gay Southern Elegance AmericaRamona LeGer' died five months into his reign due to complications from AIDS.
1995-BPatti Le Plae SafeRodd GreyRobinson Center Music Auditorium, Little Rock, ArkansasPatti Le Plae Safe was crowned Miss Gay America 1995 in a special ceremony prior to the 1996 pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas.
1996Kerri NicholsJeff CapellRobinson Center Music Auditorium, Little Rock, ArkansasLauren Taylor, Miss Gay Texas AmericaLinda Carrero
1997Lauren TaylorDarrell CantuOvens Auditorium, Charlotte, North CarolinaLaken EdwardsLana EastmanLauren Taylor also held the title of Miss Gay USofA 1998.
1998Maya MontanaOvens Auditorium, Charlotte, North CarolinaLinda Carrero, Miss Gay Mid-AmericaLana Eastman
1999Linda CarreroOmar ReyesAthena Theater, Little Rock, ArkansasKirby Colby, Miss Gay West Virginia AmericaCatia Lee Love
2000Catia Lee LoveAron HarveyLincoln Theater, Washington D.C.Charity Case, Miss Gay Southern Elegance AmericaKirby KolbyCatia is also former Miss Gay Oklahoma America 1998, and Miss Gay USofA Classic 2011.
2001Charity CaseMarc ColemanAthena Theater, Little Rock, ArkansasSabrina WhiteDominique SanchezCharity Case competed 11 times at Miss Gay America between 1984 and 2001 before winning the Miss Gay America 2001 title. Charity was the first and still only plus size individual to win the title.
2002Sabrina WhiteRussell MarcumDallas Convention Center-Dallas, TexasKitty Bob Aimes, Miss Gay Oklahoma AmericaAngela Dodd
2003Dominique SanchezChris WilliamsAthena Theater-Little Rock, ArkansasJayda Alexander, Miss Gay Louisiana AmericaAngela DoddDominique has also held the titles of Miss Gay Arkansas America 1998 and Miss Gay USofA 2010.
2004Rachael ErikksAthena Theater, Little Rock, ArkansasAlana Steele, Miss Gay Indiana AmericaTruly Fabu
2005Raquel ChevallierAthena Theater, Little Rock, ArkansasAlina Meletti, Miss Gay Florida AmericaAlyssa Edwards
2006Nicole DuBoisTommy DavisCannon Center, Memphis, TennesseeCoti Collins, Miss Gay East Coast AmericaVictoria Parker
2007LusciousCannon Center, Memphis, TennesseeCoti Collins, Miss Gay North CarolinaChantel ReshaeLuscious has also held the title of Miss Gay USofA 2011.
2008Mikayla KayJosh BolinHoliday Inn Select Airport Grand Ballroom, Memphis, TennesseeLayla Larue, Miss Gay Southern Elegance AmericaVictoria DePaula, Miss Gay Midwest America
2009Victoria DePaulaCarl GloriosoMillennium Hotel Grand Ballroom, St. Louis, MissouriChantel Reshae, Miss Gay East Coast AmericaCoti Collins, Miss Gay Mideast America
2010-AAlyssa Edwards[12]Justin JohnsonMillennium Hotel Ballroom, St. Louis, MissouriCoco Montrese, Miss Gay Heart of AmericaJessica Jade, Miss Gay D.C. AmericaTitle revoked due to unprofessionalism.
2010-BCoco MontreseMartin CooperThe Grey Fox Nightclub, St. Louis, Missouri
2011Coti CollinsDavid LowmanLifestyles Pavilion Auditorium, Columbus, OhioJessica Jade, Miss Gay Mid-East AmericaChantel Reshae, Miss Gay Gulf States AmericaCoti Collins is the second longest competing Miss Gay America winner.
2012Kirby KolbyCapitol Theatre at the Riffe Center, Columbus, OhioJessica Jade, Miss Gay Atlantic StatesJenna Skyy, Miss Gay Texas America
2013Sally SparklesMichael SharpSheraton Hotel Ballroom, Columbus, OhioBlair Williams, First Alternate to Miss Gay Mid-AmericaJessica Jade, Miss Gay Southern Elegance AmericaSally Sparkles was the first contestant to win the title Miss Gay America and Miss Congeniality the same year.
2014Jessica JadeBilly WilsonMillennium Hotel Ball Room, St. Louis, MissouriBlair Williams, Miss Gay D.C. AmericaKrista Collins, Miss Gay Missouri America
2015Blair WilliamsTodd MauldinMillennium Hotel Ball Room, St. Louis, MissouriTruly Fabu, Miss Gay Eastern States America, 1st AlternateKelly Ray, Miss Gay North Carolina America
2016Asia O'HaraAntwan LeeMemphis, TennesseeKelli Ray Shelton, Miss Gay Southeast AmericaDextaci, Miss Gay Southern States AmericaAsia was the first to be crowned Miss Gay America on her first try since Lauren Colby. Asia is also a former Miss Gay USofA (2007) and All-American Goddess (2012).
2017 Suzy Wong Arnold Myint Memphis, Tennessee Kelly Ray Shelton, Miss Gay Heart of America 2016 Sofia Anderson, Miss Gay Texas America 2016
2018 Deva Station New Orleans, Louisiana Brooke Lynn Hytes, 1st Alternate Miss Gay Heart of America 2017 Kelly Ray Shelton, Miss Gay New York America 2017
2019 Andora Te’Tee Michael Collins St. Louis, Missouri Dessie Love Blake, 1st Alternate, Miss Gay New York America 2018 Sofia Anderson, Miss Gay Nevada America 2018
2020 Pattaya Hart Plu Sayampol O’Fallon, Illinois Dextaci, 1st Alrernate, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic 2019 Ivy Dripp, Miss Gay Louisiana 2019 Pattaya won on her first attempt at MGA as 1st Alrernate To Miss Gay New York. The third person overall to achieve this.

Notable events

Shan Covington's title revocation

In 1976, Shan Covington's title was revoked 7 months into her reign for conduct unbecoming of a Miss Gay America titleholder. The title was offered to the 1976 First Alternate, Michael Andrews, who declined because she wanted to win the title. The title was then passed to the 1976 Second Alternate, Dani Daletto. This incident sparked the development of the current mandatory first alternate succession rules.

Showtime's Dream Boy's Revue

In 1985, titleholder Naomi Sims was also the crowned winner of the 1985 National Female Impersonator of the Year contest. That contest was organized by Norma Kristie, Inc., owner of the Miss Gay America pageant, but was created, produced and televised by the Showtime network in a television special called Dream Boy's Revue. The audience believed the pageant was real, but according to "finalist" Rachel Wells, the pageant was staged and each of the contestants were paid substantially to "compete." Additionally, the televised special faced issues with copyright infringement associated with certain lip syncing performances, which required much of the talent portion of the show to be dubbed when it was aired.

Death of titleholder Ramona LeGer'

In 1995, titleholder Ramona LeGer' died 5 months into her reign due to complications from AIDS. First Alternate Patti Le Plae Safe requested not to be crowned or wear the crown during the pageant year, instead serving as the official Miss Gay America Representative to honor Ramona LeGer's memory. Patti Le Plae Safe was crowned Miss Gay America 1995 in a special ceremony prior to the 1996 pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas. Patti donated large portions of her performance fees to AIDS charities while representing Miss Gay America 1995.

Alyssa Edwards' title revocation

In 2010, winner Alyssa Edwards had her title revoked due to scheduling conflicts with previous engagements and her Miss Gay America duties. The title was passed to the 2010 first alternate, Coco Montrese, who was crowned in a special ceremony at The Grey Fox Nightclub in St. Louis, MO. Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese appeared as contestants in season five of RuPaul's Drag Race, where the 2010 Miss Gay America pageant issues and animosity between Alyssa and Coco played a central theme throughout the season. L&T Productions later released a statement about the dramatized events, explaining their reasons for revoking Alyssa's title and their lack of knowledge about how this issue would be portrayed in the television series. They had been approached by the producers to provide copyright clearance for both Alyssa's and Coco's official Miss Gay America photos.

Mr. Gay All-American

The Mr. Gay All-American Contest was founded by Norma Kristie, Inc. in 1983 by the operators of Miss Gay America, Norman Jones and Carmel Santiago (Lady Baronessa, Miss Gay America 1974). The MGAA Contest was started to provide a venue for gay men to showcase their intellect, community service, and talent. It launched careers in professional entertainment for many young gay men. MGAA was the first contest of its kind, and its winner was considered to be the co-titleholder to Miss Gay America.

In 1995, Jones sold the Mr. Gay All-American Contest to Gib Hauersperger, who had been the contest director since the death of Carmel Santiago. Hauersperger operated the pageant until his retirement in 1999. Paul Lopez (Mr. Gay All-American 2000) operated the contest from 1999 to 2003, when Richard Greer (Mr. Gay All-American 1999) assumed the directorial role. John Beebe (Mr. Gay All-American 1996) succeeded Greer as director. In 2009, Beebe and Hauersperger announced that the Mr. Gay All-American Contest system would cease operations indefinitely.[13]

Mr. Gay All-American Titleholders
YearTitleholder
1983, 1984Ron East
1985Keith Mitchell
1986Ered Matthew
1987Medwin Johnson
1988Brad Bemis
1989Patrick Boyd
1990Milo Masters
1991TJ McKay
1992John Michael Gordon
1993EJ White
1994David Pace
1995John Reny
1996John Martin Beebe
1997Jonathan George
1998Antonio Edwards
1999Richard Greer
2000Kristian Martinez
2001Paul Lopez
2002Ryan Davis
2003Enrique Perez
2004Dave Morgan
2005Lucas Lander
2006John Lucas
2007Taz Bailey
2008Sebastian Armonte
2009Rasean Montrese

Mr. Gay America

In January 2017, Mad Angel Entertainment announced the return of Mr. Gay All-American as Mr. Gay America.[5][14]

Mr. Gay America Titleholders
YearTitleholder
2017Kyle Ean
2018Judas Elliot
2019Simba R. Hall

In film

The 2008 documentary film Pageant presents a behind-the-scenes look at the 34th Miss Gay America pageant and some of the competitors, many of whom have since won the title of Miss Gay America.[15]

In 1982, Elizabeth Gracen, Miss America 1982, made her directorial debut with a documentary feature called The Damn Deal. The film is an intimate portrait of three female impersonators participating in the events surrounding the Miss Gay Little Rock Arkansas America pageant.[16]

References
  1. L&T Entertainment. "What is Miss Gay America?". Archived from the original on May 18, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  2. Margaret Ellis. "Miss Gay America Pageant: Battle for the Crown". Out and About Nashville.
  3. L&T Entertainment. "Miss Gay America: Pageant History". Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  4. "Miss Gay America Pageant Sold to Mad Angel Entertainment".
  5. "MGAZINE".
  6. "Miss Gay New York America (A Standard Regional Preliminary)". Missgayamerica.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  7. L&T Productions. "Miss Gay America Categories". Archived from the original on 2014-05-19.
  8. L&T Productions. "Miss Gay America 2015 Schedule". Archived from the original on 2014-05-19.
  9. "Internet Movie Database: Michael A. Andrews". Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  10. Greenwell, John. "Teased Hair & the Quest for Tiaras: The Story of Rachel Wells, Miss Gay America 1979". Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  11. "Internet Movie Database".
  12. Hartwig, Gabe (2009-11-02). "50 contestants, 4 days, 1 Miss Gay America". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  13. CarrieFairfield.com Forums. "Mr. Gay All-American 1983-2009". Archived from the original on 2014-05-18. Retrieved 2014-05-18.
  14. "The boys are back in town - Dallas Voice". 30 June 2017.
  15. Lee, Nathan (2008-12-25). "There She Is, Miss ... Well, Actually, It's Mr". The New York Times. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  16. thesmokingpen.co.uk. "The Smoking Pen: Elizabeth Gracen".
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