Hello Integrity Readers,

My name is Desi M. Andrews and I would like to introduce myself by sharing a little about my journey to Mr. Gay USofA.

I’ve been a male entertainer for about 4 years. I started performing in clubs that would give me a chance to be creative and show off my talents in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first male entertainer that I was so intrigued and mesmerized by was Jordan Mathews, former Mr. Gay Texas USofA from El Paso, Texas. When I first started performing he was the one that I would ask for advice and guidance. Speed up about a year, my first Mr. Gay USofA contest when Christopher Iman won in 2013. I was just blown away from all the competition and all the talent! From that moment, I fell in love with this system and I had to be part of it. But, you just have to love the way the universe works because little did I know, my husband was in Jordan Mathews talent. We met very briefly that night but I had a goal to compete with the Texas boys, so I set my goal and the only contest that was open was Mr. Texas Hotbody. Unfortunately, I didn’t win that night but the best thing that came out of the trip was I got to spend more time with the love of my life. After that night at the contest, we stayed in contact till the next opportunity that we had to see each other again, which was Mr. Gay Texas USofA when Micheal LaMasters won in 2014.

After spending that week with Manny and Alyssa, I knew that we couldn’t be separated from one another for a long period of time. I made the biggest decision of my life to move to San Antonio, Texas with them both. That was the best decision I have ever made! Alyssa and I were seriously attached at the hip. At this moment after a marriage, him competing my eyes were set on Mr. Gay Texas USofA. That was my first year in the USofA system. I competed at Mr. Gay Texas USofA twice. My first year I placed 3 rd runner with a ton of small issues doing an Aladdin remake. My second year I got 1 st runner up doing a hip hop dance mix, Asian inspired. But within those two years I learned so much. I educated myself about the system. I learned from my mistakes and applied it to my first year at Mr. Gay USofA. When I was on that stage at Mr. Gay Texas USofA holding that plaque that said, 1 st runner-up I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t be holding anything below 1st runner up! So, for the next four months I worked really hard on making sure I had the right mix, had the right dancers, and booking myself throughout Texas to be more comfortable on stage. I worked hard on getting benefit shows together. As we all know, doing a pageant is not cheap. But at the end of the day I just didn’t want to disappoint the people that believed in me and that took the time to come to the shows and tip me, to the performers that took the time to do a number at my benefit show or my sponsors (Club 212, The Hidden Door, The Recovery Room, Vinny, & The Pegasus) and my team (Victor, Diego, Tony, Maryoh, Jonah, Crystal Lauren, Sasha Andrews, Rita Andrews, Janet Andrews & Sasha Lauren). But most of all, not to disappoint the two people that mean the most to me, Alyssa and my husband Manny. Because without them I wouldn’t be where I am today! Mr. Gay USofA 2016.

My experience there was so amazing. Everyone was so nice to me and so welcoming. It was my first year at nationals and I was scared but I knew I had my Texas USofA family. So I had to stop, relax, and say a little prayer. If this was meant to be then let it happen. From that point on I just had fun, did what I went to do. Show everyone what hard work, being yourself and consistency can get you!

I seriously had the best time of my life at Mr. Gay USofA and I am ready to get this year started! I hope to see everyone out with a drink in your hand and a smile on your face and ready for an amazing show!

Love,

Desi M. Andrews Mr. Gay USofA