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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 pageants in the United States

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.

Miss Gay America

Main article: Miss Gay America

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]

Former titleholders

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 Colby, 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

Miss Continental

Main article: Miss Continental

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)

List of Former Miss Continental Titleholders
Year Titleholder First alternate Second alternate Third alternate Fourth alternate Fifth alternate Notes
1980 Chilli Pepper Andrea Necole Dina Jacobs Tiffany Arieagus Amber Richards Active
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 Active
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 WOMAN/SRS
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 Active
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 VonKruz 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

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.

Miss Continental Plus Winners

Miss Continental Elite Winners

Mr. Continental Winners

Miss Continental Newcomer Winners

Mr. Continental Newcomer Winners

National Entertainer of the Year

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

Mr. Entertainer of the Year

King Entertainer of the Year

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
Femme Entertainer of the Year

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

[27][28]

Miss Gay USofA

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:

Miss Gay USofA

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

Miss Gay USofA at Large

Miss Gay USofA Classic

Miss Gay USofA Newcomer

Mr. Gay USofA

Mr. Gay USofA at Large

Mister USofA MI

Mister USofA MI Classic

Miss USofA DIVA (femme)

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.

All American Goddess

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]

All American Goddess at Large

All American Gent

The Female Impersonators’ Miss Florida Pageant (Miss Florida FI)

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.)

Miss Florida FI at Large

Miss Florida FI Supreme

Mr. Florida M.E

Universal ShowQueen

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.

Miss Gay International

(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.

Miss Gay International Plus

National Bearded Queen

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

America's Bearded Queen

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

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "About Miss Gay America". Miss Gay America. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  2. ^ "Miss Gay America Pageant Sold to Mad Angel Entertainment".
  3. ^ Greenwell, John. "Teased Hair & the Quest for Tiaras: The Story of Rachel Wells, Miss Gay America 1979". Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  4. ^ "Miss Gay America 1996 Part 3". YouTube.
  5. ^ "Miss Gay America 1996 Part 2". YouTube.
  6. ^ "Opening of Miss Gay America 1997". YouTube.
  7. ^ "Opening of Miss Gay America 1997". YouTube.
  8. ^ "Miss Gay America 1998 Friday night preliminary competition part 1". YouTube.
  9. ^ "Opening of Miss Gay America 1998". YouTube.
  10. ^ "Opening of Miss Gay America 1999". YouTube.
  11. ^ "Opening of Miss Gay America 1999". YouTube.
  12. ^ "Parade of Contestants & Top 10 - Miss Gay America 2000". YouTube.
  13. ^ "Parade of Contestants & Top 10 - Miss Gay America 2000". YouTube.
  14. ^ "Parade of Contestants & Top 10 - Miss Gay America 2000". YouTube.
  15. ^ "Sabrina White ★ Finalist MGA 2001". YouTube.
  16. ^ "Opening of Miss Gay America 2002". YouTube.
  17. ^ "Opening of Miss Gay America 2002". YouTube.
  18. ^ Hartwig, Gabe (2009-11-02). "50 contestants, 4 days, 1 Miss Gay America". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 2013-02-01.
  19. ^ "Miss Gay America 2013". YouTube.
  20. ^ Hartwig, Gabe (7 October 2018). "Miss Gay America crowns 2019 queen in St. Louis". Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  21. ^ Hartwig, Gabe (6 October 2019). "Miss Gay America pageant crowns its 49th queen in O'Fallon, Ill". Retrieved October 6, 2019.
  22. ^ "Little Rock to host 50th annual Miss Gay America pageant next week". 13 January 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  23. ^ "NEOYHOME". entoftheyear. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
  24. ^ Egerton, Judith (25 June 1994). "Think Pink". The Courier-Journal. p. 18. Retrieved 4 May 2019 – via Newspapers.com. and "Untitled". The Courier-Journal. 25 June 1994. p. 19. Retrieved 4 May 2019 – via Newspapers.com. and "Think Pink". The Courier-Journal. 25 June 1994. p. 20. Retrieved 4 May 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Thurston, Susan (17 July 2009). "Will This Lady Be a Champ?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 4 May 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "Clyde Harris". resume.castingnetworks.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
  27. ^ "Homepage". EOY Pageantry. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  28. ^ Click Click Expose Gay Entertainment Media / http://www.clickclickexpose.com
  29. ^ Fairfield, Carrie. "Interview with Jerry Bird". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2006-08-17.
  30. ^ "About Us".
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