“Drag queens have been involved in some of the most significantLGBT equality victories in the last 50 years— not just here in the United States—but around the world.”
spots in the national pageant, held annually the week before Memorial Day in Dallas, Texas.” McNealy makes it clear that drag is an art form and Miss Gay Golden State USofA demands the highest artistic quality from entrants, competing in three categories: Fashion, Interview and Talent. All categories require contestants to be intelligent, capable and fashion forward. Indeed, to win this title, is to serve as a repre- sentative for LGBT Californians and Miss Gay Golden State USofA, making sure California is represented by the absolute best. When asked what is the significance of this event
for LGBT Californians, Justin Webb stated, “Anyone who attends Miss Gay Golden State USofA will wit- ness an LGBT performance extravaganza. The special entertainment during this pageant will feature top- notch talent including the reigning Miss Gay USofA, Shae Shae LaReese (Eddie McNeely) and Miss Gay Pride San Diego (Diamond Sin-Sation), along with former Miss Gay America, Maya Montana (Renante Borromeo) and Kelly Mantle from season six of Ru- Paul’s Drag Race. This contest will give both the win- ner and first alternate the opportunity to be shining examples of beauty, talent and professionalism, not only here in San Diego, but as she moves on to Dallas in May to represent America’s Finest City at the Miss Gay USofA pageant.” McNeely commented about the pageant’s history,
MISS GAY GOLDEN STATE FIRST TIME’S A CHARM
by caleb rainey Drag has long been a staple of the LGBT community
and continues to fascinate and inspire. Indeed, drag is experiencing renewed interest and acceptance in the LGBT community due to the popularity of shows likeRuPaul’s Drag Race. Drag is as much a culture as an art form, with tradi-
tions just as in any other ethos. Balls or pageants are one such tradition with a long history in the LGBT community. Miss Gay Golden State USofA is a new platform that serves as a direct regional preliminary to the national Miss Gay USofA pageant, choosing which California queens will go to the national pag- eant and compete for the title. And they are holding this preliminary right here in San Diego at the famous Lafayette Hotel! I had a chance to speak with promoter Justin Webb
and Eddie McNeely (Shae Shae LaReese, the 2013 winner of the Miss Gay USofA national pageant), about what makes this regional pageant special and why San Diegans should go. McNeely had this to say, “Miss Gay Golden State USofA is the only San Diego-based female impersonation pageant that affords contestants an opportunity to qualify for the national pageant. It represents professionalism and the utmost of quality entertainment that the art of female impersonation has to offer.” McNeely continued, “It is not easy to win this title
as it takes much talent, creativity, glamour, elegance, sophistication and a desire to entertain—to success- fully create an illusion—which will capture the title and move on to represent the San Diego LGBT com- munity. Contestants will compete for two coveted
“Miss Gay USofA began in 1986 and has grown into one of the largest pageantry systems in the United States. Every year contestants vie for the title in hopes of representing their city and state as one of the top female impersonators in the United States.” Webb highlighted another important historical facet, “Pageantry is one aspect of drag or female imper- sonation. Drag queens have been involved in some of the most significant LGBT equality victories in the last 50 years—not just here in the United States—but around the world. My hope is that this inaugural event will set in motion an increase in awareness and appreciation for not only pageantry, but female im- personation as a whole. We as a community need to come together and educate ourselves as we attempt to understand this underappreciated art form.” One way to honor that history is to support events
like Miss Gay Golden State USofA. So be sure to get tickets early, there is limited ballroom seating and you do not want to miss this extravaganza!
Miss Gay Golden State USofA takes place onSunday, March 16 in the ballroom of the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego. To purchase tickets search for Miss Gay Golden State
ateventbrite.com.
MARCH 2014 | RAGE monthly 13
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