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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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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]

Miss Gay America Femme

[edit]

In 2024, the owners of Miss Gay America decided to expand the contest to cis and trans women to showcase their unique journeys and stories. The mission is to strive to foster community involvement, advocate for acceptance, and serve as role models for all LGBTQ individuals everywhere.

Former titleholders

[edit]
Year Titleholder First alternate Second alternate Third alternate Fourth alternate Crowning venue Notes
2025 Naomi St. James Moxie Cotin Chevelle Brooks Mokha Montrese Veronica Savage Rose Robinson Center, Little Rock, AR Active

Miss Continental

[edit]
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.

National Entertainer of the Year

[edit]

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.[3] The headquarters for the contest was also in the Connection.[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 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[5] 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
2024 Genesis Mulan Alexander Dallas DuBois

Mr. Entertainer of the Year

[edit]
  • 2002 - Carl Harris
  • 2003 - D'Andre
  • 2004 - Romeo Avila[6]
  • 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 - Rolly Villaverde
  • 2017 - Charlton Alicea
  • 2018 - Prince Travi
  • 2019 - Prince Cole (Deceased 2024)
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - Zodiacx Iman
  • 2022 - Jericho Habib
  • 2023 - My'Kel Knight-Addams Iman
  • 2024 - Tyson N. Reign

King Entertainer of the Year

[edit]

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
[edit]

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

[7][8]

Miss Gay USofA

[edit]

Houston, Texas based MGA promoter Jerry Bird purchased the bankrupt Miss Gay USA pageant from former MGA Jimi Dee in 1985.[9] 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

[edit]
Year Titleholder First alternate Second alternate Third alternate Fourth alternate Location Notes
1979 Naomi Sims Michael Andrews Dina Jacobs X X Crowned in Houston, TX Deceased
1980 Jahnau Reis (Jahna Steele) Dina Jacobs Roski Fernandez X X Crowned in Houston, TX Deceased
1981 Dina Jacobs X X X X X No Contest Held Dina carried over from the previous year
1982 Eartha Kitt Odessa Brown Vonda DeLayne X X Crowned in Austin, TX Deceased
1983 Lady Nova Bernard ? ? X X Crowned in Houston, TX Deceased
1984 Lisa King ? ? X X Crowned in Atlanta, GA Deceased
1985 No Contest X X X X X Jerry Bird purchased the Miss Gay USA Pageant & became its promoter.
1986 Michael Andrews Tandi Andrews Tommie Ross Jerry Harper Lauren Brach Crowned in Houston, TX Deceased
1987 Diana Hutton Tiffany Arieagus Tommie Ross Erica Adams Dina Jacobs Crowned in Columbia, SC Deceased
1988 Tommie Ross Netasha Edwards Candi Stratton Rita Ross Tina DeVore Crowned in Indianapolis, IN Active
1989 Netasha Edwards Candi Stratton Eddie Dee Monica Munro Carmella Marcella Garcia Crowned in St. Louis, MO Deceased
1990 C’ezanne Blincoe Rita Ross Bianca Paige Farrah McCray Jamie Monroe Crowned in Louisville, KY Active
1991 Sable Chanel Tandi Andrews Mahogany Rita Ross Amber Richards Crowned in Atlanta, GA Retired
1992 Tandi Andrews Mahogany Bianca Paige Denise Darcell Sweet Savage Crowned in San Antonio, TX Deceased
1993 Sweet Savage Nicole DuBois Jamie Hunter Coco Victoria West Crowned in San Antonio, TX Deceased
1994 Coco Victoria West Amber Richards Natasha Richards Terryl Lynn Fox Crowned in St. Louis, MO Deceased - Due to copyright threats from Donald Trump who was then co-owner of Miss USA/Miss Universe, the pageant was renamed Miss Gay USofA. Coco was the last "Miss Gay USA"
1995 Maya Douglas Natasha Richards Victoria West Coti Collins Jamie Hunter Crowned in Dayton, OH Active
1996 Natasha Richards Monica Munro Victoria West Shae Shae LaReese Jacqulyn DeVaroe Crowned in Dallas, TX Deceased
1997 Jacqulyn DeVaroe Kourtney Van Wales Erica Andrews Shae Shae LaReese Tamisha Iman Crowned in Dallas, TX Retired
1998 Lauren Taylor Ashley Kruiz Dana St. James Layla LaRue Victoria Lace Crowned in Dallas, TX Semi-Retired
1999 Erica Andrews Whitney Paige Cherry Pie Tamisha Iman Kara Dion Crowned in Dallas, TX Deceased
2000 Chevelle Brooks Whitney Paige Michelle Dupree Crystle Chambers Cherry Pie Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2001 Erika Norell Ashley Kruiz Alicia Markstone Roxy Marquis Nina DiAngelo Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2002 Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington Layla LaRue Necole Luv Dupree Nina DiAngelo Lawanda Jackson Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2003 Raquell Lord Layla LaRue Danielle Hunter Roxy Marquis Jame Perry Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2004 Layla LaRue Tamisha Iman Whitney Paige Angelique Ali Tersa Mathews Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2005 Tamisha Iman Whitney Paige Victoria Lace Nina DiAngelo Roxy Marquis Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2006 Alyssa Edwards Asia O'Hara Roxy Marquis Danielle Hunter Victoria Lace Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2007 Asia O'Hara Kara Young-Ross Dominique Sanchez Tasha Long Stasha Sanchez Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2008 Kara Young-Ross Sasha Andrews Stasha Sanchez Kelexis Davenport Natasha Braxton Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2009 Stasha Sanchez Natasha Braxton Coti Collins Dorae Saunders Dominique Sanchez Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2010 Dominique Sanchez Luscious Amy DeMilo Christina Ross Tionia Steele Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2011 Luscious Amy DeMilo Natasha Braxton Naomi St. James Delores T. Van Cartier Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2012 Lawanda Jackson Margeaux Powell Nina DiAngelo Alexis Mateo Sunny Dee Lite Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2013 Shae Shae LaReese Alexis Mateo Naomi St. James Sasha Lauren Coti Collins Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2014 Jenna Skyy Necole Luv Dupree Victoria LePaige Mokha Montrese Porsche Paris Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2015 Mokha Montrese Krystal Summers Nina DiAngelo Alexis Mateo Amy DeMilo Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2016 Aurora Sexton Porsche Paris Aria B. Cassadine Sasha Andrews Crystal V. Lauren Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2017 Roxie Hart Kennedy Davenport Amanda Nicole Porsche Paris Ka'Aliyah McKim Diamond Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2018 Janet Fierce Andrews Dee Ranged Trinity K. Bonet Sasha Lauren Qya Cristal Crowned in Dallas, TX Deceased
2019 Kennedy Davenport Porsche Paris Ivy League Mari Jane April Rition Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2020 No contest due to COVID-19
2021 No contest due to COVID-19
2022 Tonica E. Cavalli Ivy League Josephine O'hara Andrews Eva De Leon Jessica Jade Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2023 Porsche Paris Mulan Alexander Jessica Jade Dion Summers Josephine O'hara Andrews Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2024 Jessica Jade Alexxa Oasis Silky Nutmeg Ganache Alannah Davis Sapphire Davenport Crowned in Dallas, TX Active
2025 Jade Perez Crowned in Dallas, TX Active

Miss Gay USofA at Large

[edit]
  • 1989 - Carmella Marcella Garcia - Deceased
  • 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 - Deceased
  • 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-Crowned at Village Station (Station 4) Dallas, TX
  • 2004 - Kitty Litter-Crowned at Throckmorton Mining Company- Dallas, TX
  • 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 - Deceased
  • 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
  • 2016 - Sasha Lauren - Crowned at Axis in Columbus, OH
  • 2017 - Kenya M. Black - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4)- Dallas, TX
  • 2018 - Shavonna B. Brooks - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2019 - Des'ree St. James - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2022 - Armani Nicole Davenport - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2023 - Bubblez - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2024 - Loretta Armani Mack - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX

Miss Gay USofA Classic

[edit]
  • 2003 - Tina Devore - from Atlanta, GA - Emeritus- Deceased
  • 2004 - Ginger Manchester - from Ft. Wayne, IN - crowned in St. Louis, MO - Deceased
  • 2005 - Latoya Bacall - from Lexington, KY - crowned at the Rose Room in Dallas, TX
  • 2006 - Chelsea Pearl - from Lexington, KY - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX - Deceased
  • 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
  • 2016 - Nancy Taylor - from Houston, TX - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2017 - Dominique Sanchez - from Little Rock, AR - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2018 - Tasha Long - from Birmingham, AL - crowned in the Rose Room at S4 in Dallas, TX
  • 2019 - Stacey Holliday - from Hereford, TX - crowned in the Rose Room at S4 in Dallas, TX
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2022 - Myah Ross Monroe - from Atlanta, GA - crowned in the Rose Room at S4 in Dallas, TX
  • 2023 - Malaysia Black - from Atlanta, GA - crowned in the Rose Room at S4 in Dallas, TX
  • 2024 - Yosmein Campbell Starr - from Birmingham, AL - crowned in the Rose Room at S4 in Dallas, TX

Miss Gay USofA Newcomer

[edit]
  • 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 Champagne Ballroom in Dallas, TX
  • 2016 - Vanity St. James - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2017 - Domita Sanchez - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2018 - Eva DeLeon - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2019 - Alexxa Oasis - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2022 - Stacie Alexis Davenport - crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX (Stepped down)
  • 2022 - Sapphire Davenport - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX (Succeeded)
  • 2023 - Angelique Rodriguez Davenport - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2024 - Taylor Summers - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX

Mr. Gay USofA

[edit]
  • 2008 - Ram Crawford - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2009 - Simba Hall - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2010 - David "Freklz" Hunter - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2011 - GQ - crowned at Club Crystal in Houston, TX
  • 2012 - Rasean Montrese - crowned at Club Crystal in Houston, TX
  • 2013 - Christopher Iman - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2014 - Jeffrey Kelly - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2015 - Michael LaMasters - crowned at the Heat in San Antonio, TX
  • 2016 - Desi M. Andrews - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2017 - Dione Kelly - crowned at Rich's in Houston, TX
  • 2018 - Angel - crowned at Rich's in Houston, TX
  • 2019 - Roman Tajoure - crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - Ky'Ron Iman Dickerson - crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2022 - Q Dominican Sanchez - crowned at Club Crystal - Houston, TX

Mr. Gay USofA at Large

[edit]
  • 2008 - Samson - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2009 - Seymour Chilton - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2010 - Ty Juan Davis - crowned at the Saint in San Antonio, TX
  • 2011 - Felix "Big Fee" Correa - crowned at Club Crystal in Houston, TX
  • 2012 - Nikko Andrews - crowned at Club Crystal in Houston, TX
  • 2013 - O'Dey D. Brooks - crowned at The Heat in San Antonio, TX
  • 2014 - Zayer York - crowned at the Heat in San Antonio, TX
  • 2015 - Kane Connors - crowned at the Heat in San Antonio, TX
  • 2016 - Dakota Whitney - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX
  • 2017 - Ade' Tajoure - crowned at Rich's in Houston, TX
  • 2018 - RyYon Tajoure - crowned at Rich's in Houston, TX
  • 2019 - La’Darius Mirage Jackson - Crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - Lil Nugg - crowned at The Rose Room (Station 4) - Dallas, TX
  • 2022 - JC Anthony-Crawford - crowned at Club Crystal - Houston, TX

Mister USofA MI

[edit]
  • 2008 - Xander Kinidy - crowned at Angles in Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2009 - Richard Cranium - crowned at Angles in Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2010 - Amedeus K. York - crowned at Angles in Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2011 - Jordan Allen - crowned at Angles in Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2012 - Damian Matrix - crowned at Angles in Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2013 - Will Ryder - crowned at Angles 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 at Angles in Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2016 - Abs Hart - crowned at Angles in Oklahoma City, OK
  • 2017 - Eddie Broadway - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2018 - D'Angelo - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2019 - Dustin Riot - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2022 - Brandon KC Young - crowned at Discovery Night Club in Little Rock, AR

Mister USofA MI Classic

[edit]
  • 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
  • 2017 - Ivory Onyx - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2018 - Ken Dartanyan - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2019 - Freddy Prinze Charming - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2022 - Justin Case - crowned at Discovery Night Club in Little Rock, AR

Miss USofA DIVA (femme)

[edit]
  • 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
  • 2017 - Seduction D. Dickerson - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2018 - Ruby Scott Jacquet - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2019 - Glam Davenport - crowned in Dayton, OH
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2022 - Khamillion Adonis Dickerson Dartanyan - crowned at Discovery Night Club in Little Rock, AR
  • 2023 - Honey Davenport - crowned at the Round-Up Saloon in Dallas, TX

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

[edit]

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.[10]

  • 2007 - Latoya Bacall
  • 2008 - India Ferrah
  • 2009 - Candi Stratton
  • 2010 - Alyssa Edwards
  • 2011 - Alana Steele
  • 2012 - Asia O'Hara
  • 2013 - Brittany Moore
  • 2014 - Sunny Dee-Lite
  • 2015 - Dena Cass
  • 2016 - Alexis Mateo
  • 2017 - Antwanette Chanel Roberts
  • 2018 - Nikki Vixxen
  • 2019 - Tiffany T. Hunter
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - Olivia Rae Taylor
  • 2022 - Kamaree Williams
  • 2023 - Tabbi Katt
  • 2024 - Nina DiAngelo

All American Goddess at Large

[edit]
  • 2009 - Lawren LaMoore (Deceased)
  • 2010 - Kelexis Davenport
  • 2011 - Dena Cass
  • 2012 - Whitney Paige (Deceased)
  • 2013 - Danielle DeLong
  • 2014 - Brooklyn Starr
  • 2015 - Juliza T. Alezae
  • 2016 - Kristina Kelly
  • 2017 - Alexis Nicole Whitney
  • 2018 - Adriana P.T. Fuentes
  • 2019 - Sandra Onassis Lopez
  • 2020 - Monica Moore
  • 2021 - Lindsay Paige
  • 2022 - Nadine Hughes
  • 2023 - Jelitza Fearce
  • 2024 - Ariel Nicole Knight-Addams

All American Gent

[edit]
  • 2013 - Monte R. St. James
  • 2014 - Rasean Montrese
  • 2015 - No Contest
  • 2016 - Jose Manuel Vega
  • 2017 - Cielo Whitney
  • 2018 - Jeffrey Kelly
  • 2019 - Antonio Edwards
  • 2020 - Matthew Steele
  • 2021 - Mykul Jay Valentine
  • 2022 - Jovan Cardin IV
  • 2023 - Angel Saez Amador
  • 2024 - Roman Black

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

[edit]

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)
  • 2004 - Gina DiAngelo
  • 2005 - Champagne Bordeaux
  • 2006 - No contest
  • 2007 - Victoria Michaels
  • 2008–2013 - Inactive
  • 2014 - Brittany Moore
  • 2015 - Chasity Ross Boen
  • 2016 - Shantell D'Marco
  • 2017 - Kalah Mendoza
  • 2018 - Jazell Barbie Royale
  • 2019 - Kylee Hunter
  • 2020 - No Contest due to Covid
  • 2021 - Melony VonKruz
  • 2022 - Juliana Rivera
  • 2023 - Yeisa Jovovich
  • 2024 - Gadfrie Arbulu

Miss Florida FI at Large

[edit]
  • 1988 - Angel Sheridan
  • 1989 - Joey Brooks
  • 1990 - Andrea Lovelace
  • 1991 - Robin Knight (dethroned), Lola Lush
  • 1992 - Luna
  • 1993 - Alicia Brooks
  • 1994 - Sierrah Foxx (Deceased)
  • 1995 - Lorrie Del Mar
  • 1996–1999 - Inactive
  • 2000 - Carmella Marcella Garcia (Deceased)
  • 2001 - Nicolette Ashton
  • 2002 - Jasmine Skiies
  • 2003 - No contest
  • 2004 - Jocelyn Summers
  • 2005 - Sasha Sommers (Deceased)
  • 2006 - No contest
  • 2007 - TP Lords
  • 2008–2015 - Inactive
  • 2016 - Nicole T. Phillips
  • 2017 - Angelica Sanchez
  • 2018 - Noel Leon
  • 2019 - Kimberly Venom
  • 2020 - No Contest due to Covid
  • 2021 - Velvet Lenore
  • 2022 - Tayanna Love
  • 2023 - Dorae Saunders
  • 2024 - Jelitza Fierce

Miss Florida FI Supreme

[edit]
  • 2018 - Dana Douglas (Emeritus)
  • 2019 - Erika Norell
  • 2020 - No Contest due to Covid
  • 2021 - Kelly Anderson (Stepped down)
  • 2021 - Joanna James (Succeeded)
  • 2022 - Tasha Long
  • 2023 - Brittany Moore
  • 2024 - Daesha Richards

Mr. Florida M.E

[edit]
  • 2016 - Jose Manuel Vega (Emeritus)
  • 2017 - Antonio Edwards
  • 2018 - Carlos Roque
  • 2019 - Raul Vegas
  • 2020 - No Contest due to Covid
  • 2021 - Gustavo G. Rivers
  • 2022 - Rolly Villaverde
  • 2023 - Bobby Iman
  • 2024 - Isaiah Sanchez Hilton
  • 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. Alyson Thomas became President and CEO of Miss Florida F.I. Pageanty, Inc in 2014. Under her control, she acknowledged Shante and Monica Munro as former Miss Florida F.I.s

Universal ShowQueen

[edit]

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
  • 2016 - Sofia Andrews
  • 2017 - Vicky Chavarria
  • 2018 - Alina Malletti Galore
  • 2019 - Chevelle Brooks
  • 2020 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2021 - No pageant due to COVID-19
  • 2022 - Gadfrie Arbulu
  • 2023 - VV Vixen

Miss Gay International

[edit]

(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.

  • 1999 - Christine Mancini - From Clinton, MD
  • 2000 - Stefani Valentino - From Toledo, OH
  • 2001 - Lady Angelica - From Akron, OH
  • 2001 - Chelsey Clinton *honorary - From Nashville, TN ~
  • 2002 - Jessica Spaulding - From Washington D.C. - Deceased
  • 2003 - Starr Powers - From Harrisburg, PA
  • 2004 - Kiarra Marlowe Fontaine - From Toledo, OH - Deceased
  • 2005 - Miss D. Meanor - From Wilmington, DE
  • 2006 - Monet Dupree - From Washington, D.C. ~~
  • 2006 - Amaya Mann - From Bloomington, IL
  • 2007 - Vicki Valentino - From St, Louis, MO
  • 2008 - Takiya Valentino Wynters - From Atlanta, GA
  • 2009 - Sierra Spaulding - From Newark, DE
  • 2010 - The Minx - From Orlando, FL
  • 2011 - Rachel Mykels - From Austin, TX
  • 2012 - Adora Blake - From Richmond, VA
  • 2013 - Amanda Love - Parkersburg, WV
  • 2014 - Danielle Revlon - From Baltimore, MD
  • 2015 - Ivy Profen - From Charleston, WV
  • 2016 - Pageant discontinued

~ 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

[edit]
  • 1999 - Gayla DeLust
  • 2000 - Samantha Styles
  • 2001 - Miss Peaches
  • 2004 - Dena Cass
  • 2005 - Victoria Parker
  • 2007 - Kitty Litter
  • 2008 - Danielle Revlon
  • 2009 - Chevelle Brooks
  • 2010 - Adina Ronee
  • 2011 - Pageant Was Discontinued

National Bearded Queen

[edit]

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

[edit]

Bearded Pageantry Inc created America's Bearded Queen in 2019 and the first national contest was held in November 2021. It will be held in November each year in Dallas, TX.

Year Titleholder First alternate Second alternate Third alternate Fourth alternate Crowning venue
2021 Starlet Skye Ms Mykie Blackberri Myss Myka none Rose Room, Dallas, TX
2022 Sasha V. King Jasmine Pryce Lords Rita Room Natalia Masters Jacklyn Dior Rose Room, Dallas, TX
2023 Natalia Masters Karmella Uchawi Taszia De'Assassin LeMore Ross Sarah Tonin Katz Fatty Acid Rose Room, Dallas, TX
2024 Sarah Tonin Katz Paris Starz Sinema Larue Lumber Jill Robyn DaCultyre Rose Room, Dallas, TX

America's King

[edit]

Bearded Pageantry Inc created America's King in 2024 and the first national contest was held in October 2024.

Year Titleholder First alternate Second alternate Third alternate Fourth alternate Crowning venue
2024 Chamo DeLour King August Edwards Kamarian Lavish Davian St. James Justin Case Rose Room, Dallas, TX

America's Queen

[edit]

Bearded Pageantry Inc created America's Queen in 2024 and the first national contest was held in October 2024.

Year Titleholder First alternate Second alternate Third alternate Fourth alternate Crowning venue
2024 Sasha V. Davenport King Keri Traid Polly Trix Savage Diamond Star Lyht Pinky Promise Rose Room, Dallas, TX

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  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. ^ "NEOYHOME". entoftheyear. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ Thurston, Susan (17 July 2009). "Will This Lady Be a Champ?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 4 May 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Clyde Harris". resume.castingnetworks.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved 2019-11-17.
  7. ^ "Homepage". EOY Pageantry. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  8. ^ Click Click Expose Gay Entertainment Media / http://www.clickclickexpose.com
  9. ^ Fairfield, Carrie. "Interview with Jerry Bird". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2006-08-17.
  10. ^ "About Us". Archived from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
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