Miss Gay USofA Newcomer 2016
Hello beautiful people of the USofA!
I actually had a very easy, stress-free September. I did have the honor and privilege of welcoming the newest member to the USofA Court, Miss Gay USofA at Large 2016, Sasha Lauren. She exuded an amazing aura all week and I could not be happier for her. You did it girl!!! Also, we did add Ka’aliyah McKim Diamond to the distinguished list of Miss Gay USofA At Large Formers. You have been an amazing reigning symbol and I can honestly say that I have learned so much from you and your reign. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and I’m so happy to call you my sister. Lastly, I want to thank Jeremy Burnette for giving me the opportunity to spend an amazing week in Ohio and be a part of such a great pageant. I had so much fun in Ohio and I am so happy to have made some new friends, networked with promoters, and be reunited with my USofA family.
Like I mentioned in my last Integrity article, my goal as Miss Gay USofA Newcomer this year is to make sure my contestants are even more prepared than last year. I hope everyone noticed another #NewcomerGraduate that made the top twelve at Miss Gay USofA At Large; Miss Brandi Williams represented herself beautifully and you could see the knowledge she gained from the Newcomer System propelled her to the top of her next goal.
An important aspect of being prepared is making every opportunity one you can learn from.
Before I began my career in drag, I spent a lot of time with the local queens, all amazing and special in their own rights. I remember one of the show directors telling a new queen at the time to always show up to her show with a CD because she would have been able to perform a number that night if she had brought one. Even though I had not started my drag career, I catalogued that little piece of information. I also remember the Saturday show director telling the girls competing at a “Drag Race” like competition to stop wearing control top tights because they were extremely noticeable; this is another example of information I learned and tucked away for later. Therefore, when I was ready to cake the makeup on and create Vanity, I knew so much information from listening and learning from the local queens. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without them. With that said, this month’s lesson is to learn from those around you. Do keep in mind though, not every piece of advice is good advice. This is where we must take what we are told and sift its validity.
This month will be jam packed with THREE national pageants!!! I will be at Miss Gay America representing the USofA Newcomer system all week. Then a week after that we will be sashing our new Mr. Gay USofA at Large and Mr. Gay USofA. I am so excited for October to get here! Come November, we will be kicking off a new prelim season. #RoadToNewcomer where we will be honoring Makenna Michaels as she gives up her title as Miss Gay Illinois USofA Newcomer. I look forward to seeing everyone there, contestants, promoters, and my Newcomer sisters. Please feel free to address your questions to Makenna Michaels, Mahogany Knight, Andy Lewis, Darryl Neumann or myself.
Xoxo,
Vanity St. James
Miss Gay USofA Newcomer