Drag pageantry

Drag pageantry is a highly developed form of pageantry for female impersonators and trans women, styled after traditional beauty pageants or beauty contests for cisgender women.

In more recent years, it has also evolved into a highly developed form of pageantry for male impersonators and transmen, modeled in the same style and spirit as female-centered pageantry (see above).

National Pageants in the United States

National drag pageants became enmeshed within the gay community during the 1970s, and have become increasingly prevalent since. The first 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

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. 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.

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.^[1]

Former titleholders

YEAR	TITLEHOLDER	GIVEN NAME	FIRST ALTERNATE	CROWNING VENUE	NOTES
1973	Norma Kristie, Miss Gay Arkansas America	Norman Jones	Charlie Brown	Watch Your Hat & Coat Saloon, Nashville, Tennessee	Retired From Regular Performances
1974	Lady Baronessa, Miss Gay Illinois America	Carmel Santiago	Roski Fernandez	The Glass Menagery Nightclub, Nashville, Tennessee	Deceased, 1992 - *1
1975	Shawn Luis,		Roski Fernandez	Atlanta Americana Hotel Ballroom, Atlanta, Georgia	Retired; underwent gender reassignment following her reign
1976A	Shan Covington,		Michael Andrews	The Depository Nightclub, Houston, Texas	Decrowned, Deceased - *2
1976B	Dani Daletto, Miss Gay Michigan America	Jose Mondelano		Vapors Nightclub, Hot Springs, Arkansas	Deceased, 1989
1977	Michael Andrews,	Michael Androlewicz	Naomi Simms	The Old Plantation Nightclub, Houston, Texas	Deceased, 1989
1978	Jimi Dee, Miss Gay South Regional America		Hot Chocolate, Miss Gay Texas America	Machinist's Hall, St. Louis, Missouri	Deceased
1979	Rachel Wells, Miss Gay South Regional America, First Alternate	John Greenwell	Hot Chocolate	Fox Theater, Dallas, Texas	Retired, 2006 [2]
1980	Hot Chocolate, Miss Gay East Coast America	Larry Edwards	Lady Shawn, Miss Gay Texas America	Atlanta Convention Center, Atlanta, Georgia	Las Vegas Headliner
1981	Lady Shawn, Miss Gay East Coast America	Shawn Marshall	Genevieve Ryder, Miss Gay Missouri America	Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan	Deceased
1982	Jennifer Foxx, Miss Gay North Regional America	Bobby Bruno	Francesca Wakeland,	Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas	-
1983	Francesca Wakeland,	Jon Meadows	Tasha Kohl, Miss Gay Texas	Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, North Carolina	Retired
1984	Tasha Kohl, Miss Gay Mid-America	Jerry Faulkner	Naomi Sims, Miss Gay South Regional America	Oklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	Retired From Regular Performances
1985	Naomi Sims, Miss Gay Tri-States America	Newman S. Braud	Fritz Capone	Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX	Deceased, 1992
1986	Lauren Colby, Miss Gay North Carolina America, First Alternate		Diana Black, Miss Gay Great Lakes America	Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana	-
1987	Blaze Starr, Miss Gay Tri-States America	?	Cherry Lane	Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas	Retired
1988	Cherry Lane, Miss Gay Tri-States America	Michael Smothers	Rachel Masters	Fox Theater-Atlanta, Georgia	Retired
1989	Vicki Vincent, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic States America	Roger Piatt	Brandi Alexander, Miss Gay North Regional America	Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas	-
1990	Brandi Alexander	Randy Fenoli	Valerie Lohr, Miss Gay Texas America	Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas	Retired
1991	Valerie Lohr, Miss Gay South Regional America, First Alternate	Gary Lytle	Coco, Miss Gay Texas America	Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas	-
1992	Tiffany Bonet, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic States America	Acie Hendricks	Leslie Rage	Majestic Theater, Dallas, Texas	-
1993	Leslie Rage, Miss Gay Mid-East America		Coco	Majestic Theater, Dallas, Texas	Deceased
1994	Jacqueline DeVaroe, Miss Gay Delta States America, First Alternate	Darius Cordell	Ramona LeGer'	Majestic Theater, Dallas, Texas	Retired
1995-A	Ramona LeGer', Miss Gay Mid-East America		Patti Le Plae Safe, Miss Gay Gulf States America	Majestic Theater, Dallas, Texas	Deceased, 1995 - *3
1995-B	Patti Le Plae Safe, Miss Gay Gulf States America	Rodd Grey	Nicole Dubois, Miss Gay Southern Elegance	Robinson Center Music Auditorium, Little Rock, Arkansas (During the 1996 Pageant)	-
1996	Kerri Nichols, Miss Gay Mid-America	Jeff Capell	Lauren Taylor	Robinson Center Music Auditorium, Little Rock, Arkansas	-
1997	Lauren Taylor, Miss Gay Texas America	Darrell Cantu	Laken Edwards	Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, North Carolina	Retired
1998	Maya Montana, Miss Gay Virginia America		Linda Carrero	Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, North Carolina	-
1999	Linda Carrero, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic America	Omar Reyes	Kirby Colby, Miss Gay West Virginia America	Athena Theater, Little Rock, Arkansas	-
2000	Catia Lee Love, Miss Gay Mid-America America	Aron Harvey	Charity Case, Miss Gay Southern Elegance America	Lincoln Theater, Washington D.C.	-
2001	Charity Case, Miss Gay Central States America	Mark Coleman	Sabrina White	Athena Theater, Little Rock, Arkansas	-
2002	Sabrina White, Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic America	Russell Marcum	Kitty Bob Aimes, Miss Gay Oklahoma America	Dallas Convention Center-Dallas, Texas	-
2003	Dominique Sanchez, Miss Gay Mid-America	Chris Williams	Jayda Alexander, Miss Gay Louisiana America, First Alternate	Athena Theater-Little Rock, Arkansas	-
2004	Rachael Erikks, Miss Gay Heart of America		Alana Steele, Miss Gay Indiana America, First Alternate	Athena Theater, Little Rock, Arkansas	-
2005	Raquel Chevallier, Miss Gay Tri-States America		Alina Meletti, Miss Gay Florida, First Alternate	Athena Theater, Little Rock, Arkansas	-
2006	Nicole DuBois, Miss Gay Mid-America	Tommy Davis	Coti Collins, Miss Gay East Coast America	Cannon Center, Memphis, Tennessee	-
2007	Luscious, Miss Gay Western States America		Coti Collins, Miss Gay North Carolina America	Cannon Center, Memphis, Tennessee	-
2008	Mikaila Kay, Miss Gay Western States America, First Alternate	Josh Bolin	Layla Larue, Miss Gay Southern Elegance America, First Alternate	Holiday Inn Select Airport Grand Ballroom-Memphis, Tennessee	-
2009	Victoria DePaula, Miss Gay District of Columbia (D.C.) America	Carl Glorioso	Chantel Reshae, Miss Gay East Coast America	Millennium Hotel Grand Ballroom-St. Louis, Missouri	-
2010-A	Alyssa Edwards, Miss Gay Heartland America, First Alternate[3]	Justin Johnson	Coco Montrese, Miss Gay Heart of America	Millennium Hotel Ballroom, St. Louis, Missouri	Decrowned - *4
2010-B	Coco Montrese, Miss Gay Heart of America	Martin Cooper	Jessica Jade, Miss Gay District of Columbia (D.C.) America	The Grey Fox Nightclub, St. Louis, Missouri	-
2011	Coti Collins, Miss Gay District of Columbia (D.C.) America	David Lowman	Jessica Jade, Miss Gay Mid-East America	Lifestyles Pavilion Auditorium, Columbus, Ohio	*5
2012	Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay District of Columbia (D.C.) America	Mark Smith	Jessica Jade, Miss Gay Atlantic States	The Capitol Theatre at the Riffe Center, Columbus, Ohio	-
2013	Sally Sparkles, Miss Gay Mid-America	Michael Sharp	Blair Williams, Miss Gay Mid-America, First Alternate	The Sheraton Hotel Ball Room, Columbus, Ohio	-
2014	Jessica Jade, Miss Gay East Coast America	Billy Wilson	Blair Williams, Miss Gay D.C. America	The Millennium Hotel Grand Ball Room St. Louis, MO	-
2015	Blair Williams, Miss Gay Southern States America	Todd Mauldin	Truly Fabu, Miss Gay Eastern States 1st. Alt	The Millennium Maxwell House Ball Room Nashville, TN	-
2016	Asia O'Hara, Miss Gay Texas	Real Name	Kelly Ray, Miss Gay Southeast	Holiday Inn Express Memphis Airport, Memphis, TN	-

• *1 Lady Baronessa's full name was "The Lady Baroness Maria Andrea del Santiago."
• *2 Shan Covington had his title revoked for conduct unbecoming a Miss Gay America titleholder. The title was offered to the 1976 First Alternate, Michael Andrews, who passed it up because he wanted to win the title. The title was then passed to the 1976 Second Alternate, Dani Daletto. Dani Daletto was crowned in a special ceremony at the 1976 Miss Gay South Pageant held at Vapors Nightclub in Hot Springs, AR.
• *3 Ramona LeGer' died 5 months into his reign. 1995 First Alternate, Patti Le Plae Safe, requested not to be crowned or wear the crown during the pageant year in Romona's memory. Patti La Plae Safe served as the official Miss Gay America Representative, until the night of the 1996 Miss Gay America Pageant, at which he was finally crowned the official 1995 Miss Gay America in a special ceremony.
• *4 Alyssa had his title revoked due to scheduling conflicts with previous engagements and his 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.
• *5 Coti Collins is the longest competing Miss Gay America winner. His first appearance at Miss Gay America was in 1988 as the First Alternate from the Miss Gay West Virginia America franchise.

Miss Continental U.S.A.

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. Today, Miss Continental has preliminaries representing various U.S. states as well as Canada and Europe.

List of Former Miss Continental Titleholders:

(All winners were crowned in Chicago, IL)

YEAR	TITLEHOLDER	FIRST ALTERNATE	SECOND ALTERNATE	THIRD ALTERNATE	FOURTH ALTERNATE	FIFTH ALTERNATE	Notes
1980	Chilli Pepper	Andrea Necole	Dina Jacobs	?	?	N/A
1981	Heather Fontaine	Tiffany Arieagus	Amber Richards	Dana Douglas	Chena Black	N/A
1982	Tiffany Arieagus	Chena Black	Dina Jacobs	Andrea Necole	Cherine Alexander	N/A
1983	Chena Black	Cherine Alexander	?	?	?	N/A
1984	Cherine Alexander	Dina Jacobs	Dawn Dupree	Candi Stratton	Kelly Lauren	N/A	Deceased
1985	Maya Douglas	Candi Stratton	Alana Kela	Shanté (Alexandra Billings)	Tissy Malone	N/A
1986	Tandi Andrews	Dana Douglas	Ginger Grant	Shanté	Alana Kela	N/A	Deceased
1987	Dana Douglas	?	?	?	?	N/A
1988	Kelly Lauren	Shanté	Whitney Carlysle	Nikki Adams	Amber Richards	N/A
1989	Lakesha Lucky	Christina D’Angelo	Chanel Dupree	Ginger Valdez	Amber Richards	N/A
1990	Chanel Dupree	Lauren Michaels	Monica Munro	Mimi Marks	Bobbie Blake	N/A
1991	Amber Richards	Chena Kelly	Monica Munro	Brandy Lee	Kerrin Alexander	N/A	Deceased
1992	Mimi Marks	Cézanne Blincoe	Christina Piaget	Sasha Valentino	Tasha Long	N/A
1993	Monica Munro	Kelly Anderson	Michelle Mitchells	Natasha Mills	Tasha Long	Obsession
1994	Cézanne Blincoe	Paris Frantz	Natasha Richards	Angela Carrera	Sherri Payne	Danielle Hunter
1995	The Lady Catiria Reyes	Natasha Richards	Paris Frantz	Sasha Valentino	Jasmine Bonét	N/A	Deceased
1996	Paris Frantz	Tasha Long	Basia	Danielle Hunter	Tommie Ross	N/A
1997	Tasha Long	Ashley Kruiz	Danielle Hunter	Amy DeMilo	Damianne Dee-Vine (Allanah Starr)	N/A
1998	Michelle Dupree	Silkie Munro	Sasha Valentino	Erica Andrews	Armani	N/A
1999	Tommie Ross	Erika Norell	Michelle Mitchells	Kourtney Paige Van Wales	Sasha Valentino	N/A
2000	Danielle Hunter	Erika Norell	Candis Cayne	Amalia Black	Tina Sparkles	N/A
2001	Candis Cayne	Yoshiko Oshiro	Raquell Lord	Sasha Valentino	Amalia Black	Erica Andrews
2002	Yoshiko Oshiro	Barbra Herr	Armani Stevens	Raquell Lord	Stasha Sanchez	N/A
2003	Erika Norell	Fontasia L’Amour	Stasha Sanchez	Lorna Vando	Regine Phillips	N/A
2004	Erica Andrews	Sasha Valentino	Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington	Barbra Herr	Regine Phillips	N/A	Deceased
2005	Domanique Shappelle	Sasha Valentino	Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington	Jasmine Bonet	Sasha Colby	N/A
2006	Victoria LePaige	Necole Luv Dupree	Regine Phillips	Mokha Montrese	Jasmine International	N/A
2007	Necole Luv Dupree	Armani Stevens	Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington	Lorna Vando	Jasmine International	N/A
2008	Tulsi Balram	Sasha Colby	Mokha Montrese	Shantell DeMarco	Melania Cortez	N/A
2009	Armani Stevens	Mokha Montrese	Naysha Lopez	Kim Moore	Aurora Sexton	N/A
2010	Mokha Montrese	Sassy Devine	Fontasia L’Amour	Angel Cavali	Melina Varela	N/A
2011	Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington	Fontasia L’Amour	Tiffany T. Hunter	Stasha Sanchez	Jennifer St. Cartier	N/A
2012	Sasha Colby	Fontasia L’Amour	Kourtney Paige Van Wales	Stasha Sanchez	Queen Bee Ho	Tiffany T. Hunter
2013	Naysha Lopez	Brooke Lynn Hytes	Stasha Sanchez	Aurora Sexton	Tiffany T. Hunter	Shantell DeMarco
2014	Brooke Lynn Hytes	Joan Jullian Stratton	Queen Bee Ho	Aria B. Cassadine	Regine Phillips	N/A
2015	Tiffany T. Hunter	Kourtney Paige Van Wales	Fontasia L'Amour	Serenity Lopez	Renaita Ferrara	N/A
2016	Winner	1st Runner-up	2nd Runner-up	3rd Runner-up	4th Runner-up	N/A

Miss Continental Plus Winners

• 1991 - Ginger Grant
• 1992 - Denise Russell
• 1993 - The Lady Catiria Reyes (Deceased)
• 1994 - Erica Christian
• 1995 - Carmella Marcella Garcia
• 1996 - Victoria LePaige
• 1997 - Dena Cass
• 1998 - Santana T. Summers (Deceased)
• 1999 - Terri Williams
• 2000 - Tumara Mahorning
• 2001 - Angel Sherdian
• 2002 - Chevelle Brooks
• 2003 - Victoria Parker
• 2004 - Angelica Sanchez
• 2005 - Amaya
• 2006 - Desiree Demornay
• 2007 - Tajma Hall (Deceased)
• 2008 - Mercedes Tyler
• 2009 - CoCo Van Cartier
• 2010 - Roxxxy Andrews
• 2011 - Chelsea Pearl
• 2012 - Tanisha Cassadine
• 2013 - Whitney Paige (Deceased)
• 2013 - Farra N. Hyte (Succeeded)
• 2014 - Tahjee Iman
• 2015 - Kofi
• 2016 - Natasha Douglas

Miss Continental Elite Winners

• 2004 - Nikki Adams
• 2005 - Barbra Herr
• 2006 - Maya Douglas
• 2007 - Danielle Hunter
• 2008 - Angel Sheridan
• 2009 - Michelle Fighter
• 2010 - Electra
• 2011 - Daesha Richards
• 2012 - Dana Douglas
• 2013 - Kourtney Van Wales
• 2014 - Lady Charisse Estrada
• 2015 - Chantel Reshae
• 2016 - Teryl Lynn Foxx

Mr. Continental Winners

• 2004 - Carl Harris (Dethroned)
• 2004 - Ray Matthews
• 2005 - Antonio Edwards
• 2006 - Tony Desario
• 2007 - Simba Hall
• 2008 - Rasean Montrese
• 2009 - David "Freklz" Hunter
• 2010 - Christopher Iman
• 2011 - Nick Gray
• 2012 - Phillip Alexander
• 2013 - Angel Amador
• 2014 - Kalil Valentino
• 2015 - Joey Taylor
• 2016 - Mykul Jay Valentine

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.^[4]

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
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	Kitty Litter
2008	Nina West	Armani	Domanique Shappelle
2009	Bianca Nicole	Vanessa DeMornay	Deangela Shannon
2010	Vanessa DeMornay	Shangela Laquifa Wadley	Erika Norell
2011	Aurora Sexton	Trinity Taylor	Kristina Kelly
2012	Mokha Montrese	Raquell Lord	Shae Shae LaReese
2013	Raquell Lord	Brooke Lynn Hytes	Alana Steele
2014	Trinity Taylor	Alyssa Edwards	Eureka O'Hara
2015	Sunny Dee-Lite	Delores T. Van Cartier	Shontelle Sparkles
2016	Winner	1st Runner-up	2nd Runner-up

Mr. Entertainer of the Year

• 2002 - Carl Harris
• 2003 - D'Andre
• 2004 - Romeo Avila
• 2005 - Rasean Montrese
• 2006 - William Benion
• 2007 - Monte St. James
• 2008 - Savion Simpson (Deceased)
• 2009 - Xavier Valentino Litter
• 2010 - Alex Stabler
• 2011 - Mykul Jay Valentine
• 2012 - Xavier Cole
• 2013 - David "Freklz" Hunter
• 2014 - Matthew Jay Kelly
• 2015 - Judas Elliot
• 2016 -

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	NOTES
2011	Spacee Kadett	Richard Cranium
2012	Mystikal	Spikey Van Dykey
2013	Owen McCord	Michael Christian
2014	Chase McGroin	Gunner Daimon Gatlyn
2015	Chaos	Bruno Diaz

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

^{[5] [6]}

Miss Gay USofA

Houston, Texas based MGA promoter Jerry Bird purchased the bankrupt Miss Gay USA pageant from former MGA Jimi Dee in 1985.^[7] 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 it is interesting to note that 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); and, Luscious, Miss Gay USofA 2011 (Miss Gay America 2007).

List of Miss Gay USA, Miss Gay USofA, Miss Gay USofA Classic, Miss Gay USofA At-Large, Miss Gay USofA Newcomer, Mr. Gay USofA, Mr. Gay USofA At-Large, Mister USofA MI, Mister USofA MI Classic and Miss DIVA USofA Titleholders

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 Miss GAY U.S.A 1980 Jahnau Reis (Jahna Steele) Dina Jacobs Roskie Fernandez Sabrina Ross Miss GAY U.S.A 1981 Dina Jacobs No Contest Held Dina carried over from the previous year Miss GAY U.S.A 1982 Eartha Kitt Odessa Brown Vonda DeLayne Crowned at the Austin Country Nightclub – Austin, TX Miss GAY U.S.A 1983 Lady Nova Bernard Miss GAY U.S.A 1984 Lisa King Crowned in Atlanta, GA Miss GAY U.S.A 1985 No Contest Miss GAY U.S.A 1986 Michael Andrews Tandi Andrews Tommie Ross Jerry Harper Lauren Brach Crowned in Columbia, SC Miss Gay USA 1987 Diana Hutton Crowned in Columbia, SC Miss Gay USA 1988 Tommie Ross Netasha Edwards Candi Stratton Rita Ross Tina DeVore Crowned in Indianapolis, IN Miss Gay USA 1989 Netasha Edwards Candi Stratton Eddie Dee Monica Monroe Carmella Marcella Garcia Crowned in St. Louis, MO Miss Gay USA 1990 C’ezanne Rita Ross Bianca Paige Crowned in Atlanta, GA Miss Gay USA 1991 Sable Chanel Crowned in Atlanta, GA Miss Gay USA 1992 Tandi Andrews Mahogany Bianca Paige Denise Darcell Sweet Savage Crowned in San Antonio, TX Miss Gay USA 1993 Sweet Savage Nicole DuBois Jamie Hunter Coco Victoria West Crowned in San Antonio, TX Miss Gay USA 1994 Coco Victoria West Amber Richards Natasha Richards Teryl Lynn Fox Crowned in St. Louis, MO Miss Gay USA 1995 Maya Douglas Natasha Richards Victoria West Coti Collins Jamie Hunter Crowned in the Masonic Theater – Dayton, OH Miss Gay USofA 1996 Natasha Richards Monica Munro Crowned in the Dallas Grand Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 1997 Jacqulyn DeVaroe Crowned in the Dallas Grand Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 1998 Lauren Taylor Crowned in the Dallas Grand Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 1999 Erica Andrews Whitney Paige Crowned in the Dallas Grand Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2000 Chevelle Brooks Whitney Paige Michelle Dupree Crystle Chambers Cherry Pie Crowned in the Dallas Grand Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2001 Erika Norell Crowned in the Dallas Merchandise Mart in Dallas, TX 2002 Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington Crowned in the Adams Mark Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2003 Raquell Lord Crowned in the Adams Mark Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2004 Layla LaRue Tamisha Iman Crowned in the Adams Mark Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2005 Tamisha Iman Crowned in the Adams Mark Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2006 Alyssa Edwards Crowned in the Adams Mark Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2007 Asia O’Hara Crowned in the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2008 Kara Young-Ross Crowned in the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2009 Stasha Sanchez Crowned in the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2010 Dominique Sanchez Crowned at the Lakewood Theater – Dallas, TX 2011 Luscious Crowned at the House of Blues – Dallas, TX 2012 Lawanda Jackson Margeaux Powell Nina DiAngelo Alexis Mateo Sunny Dee-Lite Crowned at the Palladium Ballroom – Dallas, TX 2013 Shae Shae LaReese Alexis Mateo Naomi St. James Sasha Lauren Coti Collins Crowned at the Palladium Ballroom – Dalla, TX 2014 Jenna Skyy Necole Luv Dupree Victoria LePaige Mokha Montrese Porsche Paris Crowned at the South Side Ballroom - Dallas, TX 2015 Mokha Montrese Krystal Summers Nina DiAngelo Alexis Mateo Amy DeMilo Crowned at the South Side Ballroom - Dallas, TX 2016 Winner 1st Runner-up 2nd Runner-up 3rd Runner-up 4th Runner-up Crowned at the South Side Ballroom - Dallas, TX Miss Gay USofA At Large: 1989 - Carmella Marcella Garcia 1990 - Denise Russell 1991 - Jeana Jones 1992 - Nancy Newton 1993 - Jaqueline St. James - Crowned at Club Cabaret in Hickory, NC 1994 - Maxi Houston (Deceased) 1995 - Chelsea Pearl - Crowned in Dayton, OH 1996 - Stacey Holliday 1997 - Whitney Paige - Crowned at Club Cabaret in Hickory, NC - Deceased 1998 - Dena Cass 1999 - Victoria LePaige - Crowned in Indianapolis, IN 2000 - Kofi - Crowned in Houston, TX 2001 - Niesha Dupree- Crowned at Club Odyssey in Winston-Salem, NC 2002 - Alicia Markstone 2003 - Kelexis Davenport 2004 - Kitty Litter 2005 - Raven St. James - Crowned at The Rose Room (Village Station) in Dallas, TX 2006 - Kathryn York - Crowned at Inergy in Houston, TX 2007 - Mahogany Knight - Crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX 2008 - Tajma Hall - Crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX - Deceased 2009 - April Reign - Crowned at Talbott Street in Indianapolis, IN 2010 - Tahjee Iman - Crowned at The Honey Pot in Tampa, FL 2011 - Desiree Demornay - Crowned at the Honey Pot in Tampa, FL 2012 - Dorae Saunders - Crowned at The Parliament House in Orlando, FL 2013 - Angelica Sanchez - Crowned at The Parliament House in Orlando, FL 2014 - Danielle DeLong - Crowned at The Parliament House in Orlando, FL 2015 - Ka`aliyah McKim Diamond - Crowned at Axis in Columbus, OH Miss Gay USofA Classic: 2003 - Tina Devore - from Atlanta, GA - Emeritus 2004 - Ginger Manchester - from Ft. Wayne, IN - crowned in St. Louis, MO 2005 - Latoya Bacall - from Lexington, KY - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2006 - Chelsea Pearl - from Lexington, KY - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2007 - Anita Mann - from Springfield, IL - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2008 - Shae Shae LaReese - from Laguna Beach, CA - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2009 - Lawanda Jackson - from Houston, TX - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2010 - Whitney Paige - from Little Rock, AR - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX - Deceased 2011 - Catia Lee Love - from Tulsa, OK - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2012 - Layla LaRue - from Dallas/San Antonio, TX - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2013 - Amy DeMilo - from Tampa, FL - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2014 - Chevelle Brooks - from Orlando, FL - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX 2015 - Roxie Hart - from Oklahoma City, OK - crowned at the Round Up Saloon in Dallas, TX Miss Gay USofA Newcomer: 2010 - Phalon M. Steele - crowned at Talbott Street in Indianapolis, IN 2011 - Arianna Evans - crowned at the Honey Pot in Tampa, FL 2012 - Ka`aliyah McKim Diamond - crowned at Angles Events Center in Oklahoma City, OK 2013 - Tonica E. Cavalli - crowned at Angles Events Center in Oklahoma City, OK 2014 - Kira Daniels - crowned at the Park Inn Champagne Ballroom in Dallas, TX 2015 - Mari Jane - crowned at Love Field Inn and Suites in Dallas, TX Mr. Gay USofA: 2008 - Ram Crawford - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2009 - Simba Hall - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2010 - David "Freklz" Hunter - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2011 - GQ - crowned in Houston, TX 2012 - Rasean Montrese - crowned in Houston, TX 2013 - Christopher Iman - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2014 - Jeffrey Kelly - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2015 - Michael LaMasters - crowned in San Antonio, TX Mr. Gay USofA At-Large: 2008 - Samson - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2009 - Seymour Chilton - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2010 - Ty Juan Davis - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2011 - Felix "Big Fee" Correa - crowned in Houston, TX 2012 - Nikko Andrews - crowned in Houston, TX 2013 - O'Dey D. Brooks - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2014 - Zayer - crowned in San Antonio, TX 2015 - Kane Connors - crowned in San Antonio, TX Mister USofA MI: 2008 - Xander Kinidy - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2009 - Richard Cranium - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2010 - Amedeus K. York - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2011 - Jordan Allen - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2012 - Damian Matrix - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2013 - Will Ryder - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK (resigned) 2013 - Ivory Onyx - replaced Will Ryder after resignation 2014 - Eazy Love - crowned in Nashville, TN 2015 - Papa Cherry-Matrix - Crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2016 - Abs Hart - Crowned in Oklahoma City, OK Mister USofA MI Classic: 2012 - Marc Meridian - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2013 - D Luv Savyion - crowned in Oklahoma City, OK 2014 - Brandon Packer - crowned in Nashville, TN 2015 - DC - crowned in Oklahoma City,OK 2016 - Valentino Rios - Crowned in Oklahoma City, OK Miss DIVA USofA: (femme) 2014 - Brandi Amara Skyy - crowned in Nashville, TN 2015 - Bella Nicole Harlow - crowned in Oklahoma City,OK 2016 - Victoria Rios - crowned in Oklahoma City,OK 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. 2007 - Latoya Bacall 2008 - India Ferrah 2009 - Candi Stratton 2010 - Alyssa Edwards (Decrowned/Recrowned) 2011 - Alana Steele 2012 - Asia O'Hara 2013 - Brittany Moore 2014 - Sunny Dee-Lite 2015 - Dena Cass 2016 - All American Goddess at Large 2009 - Lawren LaMoore 2010 - Kelexis Davenport 2011 - Dena Cass 2012 - Whitney Paige (Deceased) 2013 - Danielle DeLong 2014 - Brooklyn Starr 2015 - Juliza Alezae 2016 - Kristina Kelly All American Gent 2013 - Monte St. James 2014 - Rasean Montrese 2015 - No Contest 2016 - Jose Vega 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.) 1972 - Tricia Marie 1973 - Emoré DuBois 1974 - Roxanne Russell 1975 - Noly Greer 1976 - Hot Chocolate 1977 - Dana Manchester 1978 - Tiffany Arieagus 1979 - Rachaell Santoni 1980 - Tiffani Middlesexx 1981 - Nikki Adams 1982 - Dana Douglas 1983 - Victoria Lawrence 1984 - Chena Black 1985 - Amber Richards 1986 - Mahogany 1987 - Sandy Laurent 1988 - Lakesha Lucky 1989 - Shanté (Alexandra Billings) (see note below) 1990 - Chena Kelly 1991 - Bobbie Lake 1992 - Stephanie Shippae/Monica Munro ́ (see note below) 1993 - Esmeralda Russell 1994 - Gloria Klein 1995 - Heather Fontaine 1996 - Jasmine Bonét 1997 - Electra 1998 - Erika Norell 1999 - Danielle Hunter 2000 - Amy DeMilo 2001 - Valentina 2002 - Tasha Long 2003 - Cézanne 2004 - Angelique Ali (dethroned), Gina DiAngelo 2005 - Champagne Bordeaux 2006 - No contest 2007 - Victoria Michaels 2008–2013 - Inactive 2014 - Brittany Moore 2015 - Chasity Ross Boen Miss Florida FI at Large 1988 - Angel Sheridan 1989 - Joey Brooks 1990 - Andrea Lovelace 1991 - Robin Knight (dethroned), Lola Lush 1992 - Luna 1993 - Alicia Brooks 1994 - Sierrah Foxx 1995 - Lorrie Del Mar 1996–1999 - Inactive 2000 - Carmella Marcella Garcia 2001 - Nicolette Ashton 2002 - Jasmine Skiies 2003 - No contest 2004 - Jocelyn Summers 2005 - Sasha Sommers 2006 - No contest 2007 - TP Lords 2008–2015 - Inactive 2016 - Nicole T. Phillips Note: In 1989, ownership of the pageant fell into dispute after its creator-owner, Keith Landon, died. An alternative pageant called Miss Florida State was held that year; Shanté (Alexandra Billings) was crowned the winner but is not officially recognized as a former Miss Florida FI. In 1992, ownership of the pageant again fell into dispute after the death of its second owner, René Rodriguez. This time, two competing pageants were held: Miss Florida FI, won by Stephanie Shippae ́, and National Miss Florida, won by Monica Munro. Monica is also unrecognized as an official former, but she walked in the Parade of Miss Floridas that opened the 2001 pageant at the invitation of the owners. Miss National This pageant was a huge part of the National pageant system in the 1990s and early 2000s, was one of the "BIG 5" and was thought to be revived in the Fall of 2015 in Orlando,FL. It was first created by Kevin Scott in 1994 and is now under the new ownership of Josh Maywalt. The first "winner" was Tandi Andrews, but she was later dethroned due to scheduling conflicts. Tommie Ross assumed the crown. Tandi will always be a Miss National. In 2009 2 people from Alabama tried to purchase the contest and appointed Mokha Montrese as Miss National 2009. That sale fell through and was never completed. Mokha did attend the only prelim in 2015 as the reigning Miss National. This contest had plans to return November 2015 in Orlando, FL. However, new owner Josh Maywalt has decided to once again postpone the pageant. 1994 - Tandi Andrews/Tommie Ross 1995 - Tasha Long 1996 - Tamisha Iman 1997 - C'ezanne 1998 - Ashley Kruiz 1999 - Shawnna Brooks 2000 - Terri Vanessa Coleman 2001 - Nicole DuBois 2002 - Martina Diamante 2003 - Natasha Richards 2004-2008 - Inactive 2009 - Mokha Montrese 2010-present - Inactive Miss National at Large 1997- Sierrah Foxx 1998- Niesha Dupree 1999- Clarissa Cavalier 2000- Darcel Stevens 2001- Latoya Bacall 2002- Monica Van Pelt 2003- Chelsea Pearl 2004-present - Inactive Mr. National 2000- Carl Harris 2001- Calvin St. Claire 2002- Monte St. James 2003-present - Inactive 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. 1984 - Linda DeCrimsen 1985 - Cher Marisa 1986 - Michelle Tomas 1987 - Yoshiko Oshiro 1988 - Whitney Carlysle 1989 - Brandy Olsen 1990 - Dina Jacobs 1991 - Coco Vaughn 1992 - Kelly Ray 1993 - Angela Carrera 1994 - Aiko 1995 - Sharee L'Amour 1996 - Cézanne 1997 - Keisha 1998 - Jacqueline 1999 - Maya Douglas 2000 - Tasha Lee 2001 - Kaina Jacobs 2002 - Raven 2003 - Zia De Zaneiro 2004 - Erica Andrews 2005 - Cassandra Colby 2006 - Raquell Lord 2007 - Maddalyn Ashton 2008 - Cocoa Chandelier 2009 - Yuni Carey 2010 - Perla Welch 2011 - DeeRanged 2012 - Christina Doll 2013 - Shalani Dante 2014 - Marina Del Rey 2015 - Jerrica Benton Miss Gay International (Formerly Miss Amateur National) This pageant founded for newer queens transformed into what is now Miss International Inc. Promoter Christine Mancini who is currently a prostitute out of Texas. The system split in 2009 into International Inc. and Miss Gay International 2000 - Christine Mancini - (Dethroned by original owner, rethroned herself as Emeritus after taking possession of the contest) From Clinton, MD 2000 - Stefani Valentino - From Ohio 2001 - Lady Angelica (dethroned then rethroned) - From Akron, OH 2001 - Chelsey Clinton (rumored dethroned after crowning successor, rethroned as honorary, then dethroned after personal disagreement with promoter Mancini in 2005) - From Nashville, TN 2002 - Jessica Spaulding - From Washington, DC 2003 - Starr Powers 2004 - Kiarra Marlowe Fontaine (Deceased) 2005 - Miss D. Meanor - From Dupont, PA 2006 - Mone't Dupree (Dethroned) - From Washington, DC 2006 - Amaya Mann 2007 - Vicki Valentino 2008 - Takiya Valentino Wynters 2009 - Malaysia Andrews Ravor 2010 - Sy'ria Sinclair Miss International Plus 2000 - Gayla DeLust (Was crowned by a previous owner) 2000 - Samantha Styles 2001 - Peaches 2004 - Dena Cass 2005 - Victoria Parker 2007 - Kitty Litter 2008 - Danielle Revlon 2009 - Chevelle Brooks 2010 - Sandra Onassis Lopez Master Male Illusionist A lifetime, international career title for Drag Kings/Male Illusionists 2011 - Gunner Gatlyn 2012 - Erick LaRue 2013 - AJ Menendez 2014 - Brandon Young 2014 (H) - Spacee Kadett See also Drag (clothing) Drag queens Drag kings Faux queen List of transgender-related topics List of drag queens References http://www.nlgja.org/outnewswire/2016/02/08/miss-gay-america-pageant-sold-to-mad-angel-entertainment/. Missing or empty |title= (help) Greenwell, John. "Teased Hair & the Quest for Tiaras: The Story of Rachel Wells, Miss Gay America 1979". Retrieved December 12, 2012. Hartwig, Gabe (2009-11-02). "50 contestants, 4 days, 1 Miss Gay America". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 2013-02-01. http://www.eoy.net NEOY Pageantry / www.eoy.net Click Click Expose Gay Entertainment Media / www.clickclickexpose.com Fairfield, Carrie. "Interview with Jerry Bird". Retrieved 2006-08-17.