From October 4-7 (four nights), the Hyatt Regency New Orleans will be the setting for the 47th national Miss Gay America pageant.
Established in Nashville in 1972–37 years before “RuPaul’s Drag Race“–it is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator competition. To date, over 10,000 men from over thirty states have competed for the Miss Gay America crown.
Though public is welcome to attend all four nights of the pageant (October 4-7), the not-to-miss nights to attend are October 6, for the spectacular Revue Show, and the final night, Saturday, October 7, when the top 10 contestants will compete and the new Miss Gay America will be crowned.
For those wondering, the Miss Gay America pageant is G-Rated, classy, dazzling, and family-friendly entertainment. Many of the contestants arrive with spouses, children, parents and cheering relatives in tow.
Le Cirque MGA
The evening’s theme is “Le Cirque MGA”, which contestants have been asked to interpret in their gown, costume and look. Chosen each year by the reigning Miss Gay America, Miss Gay America 2017 Suzy Wong describes this year’s theme as an “homage to vaudeville style entertainment from the early 20th Century with inspiration from the Steam Punk movement and designed with a post apocalyptic era in mind.”
Over forty title holders from 22 state, regional and city preliminary competitions (a total over 700 contestants) will compete for four nights in five rigorously judged categories to win the Miss Gay America 2018 crown: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Presentation (theme based costume), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers). The pageant will honour the current Miss Gay America 2017, Suzy Wong (above), of Nashville and Palm Springs. On the final night of the pageant, she will step down to pass on the crown to Miss Gay America 2018.
Fun fact: Suzy Wong is the alter ego of Arnold Myint, the Nashville-based chef and restaurateur of Bravo’s “Top Chef” and Food Network fame.
More about The Miss Gay America Pageant and its 45 year history can be found on the Miss Gay America website. Fans will also want to check out the Miss Gay America blog, MGAZINE, both at www.missgayamerica.com
Miss Gay America 2017 Suzy Wong in a “Le Cirque MGA” theme look Photo: Scotty Kirby
