July/August 2013 - Christa's Column and MGMA Board Newsletters

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  to Miss Diva Coppafeel, who is your new Miss Metropolitan 2014 and her First Alternate, Miss Monique Heart on winning their ticket to Miss Missouri 2014.  Miss Metropolitan  2014 was held in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday July 21st  at Sidekicks Saloon.  Ms. Trixie LaRue was handing down the mantle. She was as gracious as she was beautiful. Thank you Trixie for  an amazing year and for being a shining star in the Missouri America system. There were two former Miss Metropolitans that performed. Tajma Stetson and  Musica Malone, they lent their wonderful talents to the night.  

Miss Metropolitan 2014 Diva Coppafeel (Center) and First Alternate Monique Hart (Far Right)

This was my first prelim, and everyone helped make it a memorable night. The Board of Directors were in attendance and they helped run an amazingly smooth night. Jade Sinclair, performed, as did Lexus Chaney, who also emceed the proceedings with flair. Jade acted as a co-host and along the way managed to give little words of wisdom to help me with my duties for the coming year. I am also grateful to Sparkle Iman who helped me stay on top of the evening by helping me in the dressing room.  Vanessa Vincent was her helpful and wise self giving me pearls along the way which will not only help me for this year but, throughout my life. Colin Murphy, Executive Editor of Vital VOICE,  attended and was one of the judges for the evening.  A special thanks goes out to Ms. Reba Lamkey, who showed me how to multi-task and was quick and precise as lightning with the scores. It was such a treat to have Atheena Voce', who has recently began performing again, in the house. I can't wait to work with you in Columbia Mo. 

 

This evening really solidified why I am such a fan of the America System. The sisterhood and legacy were so present, that I felt completely surrounded by love. I am so thankful for this and so blessed to be a part of this legacy. I want everyone who has the desire to run have this feeling as well. 

  

We are entering a special period in our history as Americans, gay or otherwise, that I want us all to take a moment to realize how fortunate we are to witness. The overturning of DOMA (The so-called Defense of Marriage Act), the overturning of Don't Ask,  Don't Tell and PROP 8. There is still a long way to go with Women's Issues and Racial issues, but I believe we'll get there soon and along the way we love each other a little more and support each other, even with the smallest thing,  it will be an amazingly smooth journey. B.L.T.(Believe, Love and Trust) each other and we'll all succeed!! It doesn't matter  who gets there first, but look behind you and lend a hand to the ones following you. Love is the end goal!!

Miss Gay Missouri America 2013,

Christa Collins 

 JULY/AUGUST MGMA BOARD NEWSLETTER

Hello Miss Gay Missouri America family and friends;

It has been an amazing month since our last newsletter. June 26th made history for the LGBT community as the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that DOMA (The so-called Defense of Marriage Act) was unconstitutional and struck it down, and helped pave the way for same-sex marriage in this country. Children who are born today in this country will grow up in a world without DOMA, and these very same children, who if they happen to be gay, will be free to love and marry who they want. All of this happened eight days before our country celebrated the 4^th of July. On July 4^th 1776, our country signed the Declaration of Independence to separate the United States from Great Britain to once and for all be free. It seems that freedom is ringing loud and proud this month, not just for America, but also for the LGBT community. We may not be where we want to be but we are not where we used to be, we have a long way to go - but change is happening.

On July 13, 2013, I (Lexsus Chaney) married my partner, Franklin of 3 and half years. We made history for the state of Missouri as we were the first gay couple to have our relationship blessed and acknowledged by the diocese of the Episcopal Church. Reverend Bill McVey gave a sermon witnessed by our friends and family that “love is love” and all human beings, whether gay or straight, deserve to be loved and for that love to be recognized. Love is a gift from God and we all deserve to marry who we choose whether it be a man and woman, two men or two women, and no one has a right to say otherwise. Our ceremony was followed by a reception and a dance, we were both totally exhausted but it will be a day we will never ever forget.

Sunday, July 21, 2013, was the Miss Gay Metropolitan America pageant and was held at Sidekicks Saloon. Diva Coppafeel was the winner and Monique Hart was the First Alternate, both girls will now compete at Miss Gay Missouri America in April, 2014. Christa Collins was amazing and did a wonderful job at her first prelim as MGMA. We are so very proud of Christa Collins and the job she is doing, she has done her job above and beyond expectations proving that she truly wanted this position and is going to do her job as it should be done by anyone who wins this title. She is the true professional administratively that MGMA has needed. The MGMA board is truly excited to work with Christa Collins and watch her grow as an entertainer and administrator.

There are two pageants coming up and they are both open preliminaries. Miss Gay Kansas City America 2014, will be held on September 27th and 28th here in Kansas City. It will take place in three different venues with the formers Revue Show Friday evening. Contact L’Oreal or Christa Collins at ChristaCollinsMGMA2013@gmail.com. Miss Springfield will be held on Sunday October 20th in Springfield Mo. Contact Vince Edwards or Christa Collins if you have any questions. 

The dates for the Miss Gay America 2014 pageant are: October 09 - 13, 2013 in St. Louis, Missouri at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis. If you have never been to Miss Gay America you should come and watch, you will be amazed and learn a lot just by watching. These girls will be amazing! Mention Miss Gay America to receive the America room rate. So as you have read, July was a very busy month. I can’t wait to see what August will bring to the MGMA system - we are growing and going strong. Until next month be well, be happy and most of all be loved.

Emilio Olvera/Lexsus Chaney, MGM 2000

June/July 2013 - Christa's Column & MGMA Board Newsletter

This month we celebrated Father's Day and we are still in the midst of Pride month around the country.  Congratulations to all the celebrants. I am certainly thankful for the love, pride and acceptance that I have received from my father - it is truly a blessing and it is the reason that I am able to be the person that I am today. Thank you, Dad.  It was his and my favorite Uncles ability to accept me as I was with every flaw, and see me for the person that I was and am now. Their love was transformative and inclusive of all I was to become as an adult. And for that I am truly grateful.

 The feeling of being included into  your family or any group that you may be a part of is important. It allows you to be who you are. In some circumstances, they make you a better person and allow you to grow into a bond that is at times frustrating, but can be wondrous as well.

This feeling of inclusivity led me to the Miss Gay Kansas City and Miss Gay Missouri America pageant system: The feeling of being included in a legacy of sisterhood that grows stronger every year and the good that this organization can do for the community at large. Not just the gay community, but, the ones in which we live, work and inhabit everyday. The ability to do good for someone or something  else outside of our own circle is an amazing feeling that I would like more people to play a part.

 I would like to formally invite former contestants and new entries to come join our family. Enter a local or state preliminary competition. Being included in this organization has been one of the most  amazing experiences I have ever been involved with. These ladies/gentleman have taken me under their wing and are teaching me to be a better  person as well as an entertainer. And I would like to pass these lessons along to you. Now I know that this takes time, money and effort so - I will talk to another group of people...

This is an informal invitation, a plea, if you will, to former and current and hopefully new promoters. I would like to humbly ask you to reconsider your role in this wonderful journey of legacy. The Miss Gay Missouri Board of Directors are truly gifted and talented at their jobs. There is not a detail or situation that is overlooked. They make sure everything is run smoothly, calmly, fairly and most of all, honestly. I think if you take a look at the new Board, consisting of six former Miss Missouri's, you will fall in love with the system all over again or for the very first time.

I want everyone to have this feeling of love and acceptance. I want you to have the feeling that what you do as an entertainer or as a person is important. I want to INCLUDE YOU in this family.  I have learned a great deal about myself so far and cant wait to share it with others. To know that love and keeping a positive spirit and attitude can not only change you, but the community and the world around you,is a powerful and wonderful feeling - that is the feeling I would like to share with all of you.  So contestants and promoters alike, come and share all this magic with us.

If you have any questions on becoming a contestant or a promoter,please feel free to contact me at ChristaCollinsMGMA2013@gmail.com. I look forward to talking to and meeting you all soon.

Prelims are coming around ladies: Miss Metropolitan will be held in Kansas City, Mo. on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at Sidekicks. Miss Gay Kansas City will be held on Friday and Saturday September 27 and 28 in Kansas City at Missie B's, Sidekicks and Hamburger Mary's and Miss Gay Springfield will be held in Springfield Mo. on Sunday October 20.

All of these pageants are open and offer amazing prize packages from some pretty terrific promoters . Get your packages together ladies and come out and be included in our festivities. I can't wait to meet and work with all of you

Miss Gay Missouri America 2013,
Christa Collins 

JUNE/JULY MGMA BOARD NEWSLETTER

I'd like to first take the time to thank the Board members of MGMA for believing in me enough to select me to sit on the Board. I'm so humbled by this, very scared - and excited too. I hope to learn and grow more as a administrator, person and entertainer.

With that being said, I can't believe it has been almost 17 years since I captured the title of Miss Gay Missouri America 1997. It sounds so long ago, I know! But it doesn't feel that long ago.It still remains to be one of my most proudest moments. I have went on to win numerous titles and place in the top twelve on a national level, but still feel the proudest about winning MGMA. 

It was my first state title, it was a dream come true. I was able to travel all over Missouri and beyond, as Miss Gay Missouri. I met so many wonderful people and connections upon which I still know and love to this day. I was treated like a true queen.Whereever I went people knew who and what title I was representing. It was incredible the way MGMA was received.

I didn't want to dissapoint anyone - not my MGMA family, my fans, contestants,  the people that selected me to be MGMA, and certainly not my drag mother, Vicki Vincent. Not only was it as important for me to be together on stage, but also as an administrator. I stayed involved with the promoters, contestants, bar owners and the community as a whole. After all, I was Miss Missouri and I did want everyone to know it. LOL

At the end of my reign, I had qualified 30 contestants. I had such and amazing time being MGMA, I didn't want my year to end. I was very fortunate to be giving my year up on the 25 Silver anniversary, At that Sheldon Concert Hall. The place was packed and all the formers that were able to attend, were there. I remember Miss Gay America, Maya Montana saying to me, "look out there girl, you must have done a great job as Miss Gay Missouri. Congratulations." That was the start of many tears for the night.

 It was the first time my mother had attended anything I had done in drag. I think she was shocked, to say the least. She thought I was just playing around in lady's clothes.LOL

At the end of the night I was sad, overwhelmed and couldn't believe a year had gone by. But to top it all off I was able to crown one of the best friends, people, mentors and sisters  I have ever had in this business. So it made it just a bit easier. I will never forget the year I had or final night, as long as I live!!

I'm so happy for Christa Collins, yeah!!! We have another Christa and she spells it different. Weeee!!!! I hope that she has as much of a wonderful time as I had. You have to put in the work and by the looks of it, you're not going to play!! The work is well worth it, years and years later.

I'm so excited to get this year off and running. Again, I hope not to disappoint anyone as I take my place on the Board. I may not know everything, but I'm sure willing to learn.

My door is always open and I have had to same cell number for 13 years. If its in my power, I'm going to help.

Thanks for your time, my time, and till the next time. So long.
  Randy Bryant/Krista Versace, MGM 1997

May/June 2013 - Christa's Column & MGMA Board Newsletter

According to "Webster's" , the word PRIDE means a feeling or deep pleasure derived from one's own achievements. Pride is also the subject of many fables,parables and biblical quotes. It is one of the seven deadly sins; we are told that Pride cometh before the fall, and various other phrases that depict us as being  shallow and unresponsive to any one else's needs. But let me explain all the wonderful things PRIDE(People-Realizing-Ideas and Dreams Effortlessly), have done for our community.

 

Let us move ahead to Stonewall and the Sexual Revolution, and the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. There were so many brave and selfless people who fought and cried, prayed and died all that we may enjoy what we have today. We are now standing on their shoulders and asking for Marriage Equality and asking for acceptance no matter what part of the community we assign ourselves to or identify with.  Yes, we are drag queens(female impersonators or illusionists) - and twinks and bears and leather men and so many other incorporations within the LGBT community. So much so - that sometimes we find ourselves at odds with each other in our own tribe. But we are also doctors, lawyers,teachers,mothers and fathers. We can be a very compassionate and loving community, who accepts all walks of life with no judgement. We have accomplished so many amazing things as a people and as individuals all within our community, be it from small towns or a large metropolis.

 I am so proud to be who and what I am (because to me they are one and the same), and I am so proud to be a part of this community with all of its faults and successes. I am proud that my extended gay family accepts and loves me for who I am with all of my successes and failures.

So what exactly are we celebrating during this month of Pride? We are celebrating fierce love, family, joy, community and spirit. We are celebrating each other. Let us be a little kinder to each other, have a little bit more patience with one another, and celebrate all of the wonderful things that we have together. And let's not just do it at a big festival or street party with a parade - but let us do all year around. Let us celebrate what I was told by my grandmother long ago: "We ain't what we should be, we ain't what we're gonna be, but, at least we ain't what we was."

 Have a great month of Pride, stay cool and celebrate our diversity, our strength, our wit and most of all, our LOVE. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Our firt MGM 2014 preliminary, Miss Metropolitan, will be held on July 21 in Kansas City at Sidekicks and it is an open pageant. There is also a tentative date for Miss Springfield set for November 10. I will let you know if that date is earlier or later than scheduled. I am also sending out a letter to current and former promoters about opening their pageants back up. So ladies, keep your eyes and ears open for further details and get those gowns ready. 

Miss Gay Missouri America 2013,
Christa Collins 


MAY/JUNE MGMA BOARD NEWSLETTER

It’s been over five years since I have written a newsletter.

I was overly excited when I received the phone call regarding the possibility of me joining the MGM board.  I was unsure if I would be able to contribute the time and effort it would take. Was I worthy of a position like this?  Why NOT me? I thought, “I’m just as good as anyone else."  And now I am so thrilled to be a part of the board for Miss Gay Missouri America. I hope I perform in a fashion more than pleasing to all board members, formers and contestants. It is an honor and a privileged to sit beside these five alumni board members. Thank you all for this wonderful opportunity.

When I first started to compete at MGM I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I did it because I was told to, and after the first year I had a point to prove. Each year it became a harder task for me due to people continuing to give up on me and my dream. I wanted it for myself so badly and I always felt as if I needed to come back harder and stronger each year. Each time was a learning experience for me.  But I felt as though I learned the most when I stepped away from my circle and reached out for help. Being Miss Gay Missouri became my dream and I wasn’t going to stop until I won, no matter how many times it took. After five years, the title became mine; I was more than thrilled. I don’t believe I was ready to be Miss Gay Missouri until that moment. I became grateful of those five years of competition that taught me so much and helped me through my reign. People always said, “You will win when the time is right for you.” I believe that is what happened. And I was able to share one of the happiest nights of my life with my mother, baby sister, close family and friends. I do believe it was worth the wait.

I say all of this so you'll know that - if being Miss Gay Missouri is what your heart desires, don’t give up on your dream. Keep fighting until you reach it. I know that after all the preparation and hard work it hurts to not get what you feel you deserve. But in the end, once you are crowned, it will all be worth it. You will understand why it didn’t happen for you last year, or the year before or however long it takes you.  Just know that when it is your time, all of your MGM sisters will be there to welcome you into the family with open arms.

Christa Collins, MGMA 2013 - I’m so excited to see what you will bring to the family and I can’t wait to work with you personally. You were amazing all weekend and I am so happy for you. I know you will be a true inspiration to all of the girls who are new to the Miss Gay Missouri experience. 

Girls, the preliminaries are beginning to set dates. Please do not wait until the last minute to get your seat on the MGM 2014 bus. Miss Metro will be held July 21, 2013 at Sidekicks Saloon in Kansas City. We have also discussed possible dates for Miss Springfield and Miss Gay Kansas City. Be sure to check the website www.mgmpageantry.com or our Facebook page for preliminary updates and information on Miss Gay Missouri 2014.

  Ricky McRoy/Sparkle Iman, MGM 2008

April/May 2013 - Christa's Column & MGMA Board Newsletter

I would like to start this newsletter off with an introduction. I am Christa Collins (Christopher Barksdale-Burns) and, I am the new Miss Gay Missouri America 2013. I come to you very humbled and excited about my victory.

I am a newcomer myself to the the system, so I will tell you a bit about my history. I am a former dancer with the Kansas City Ballet where I danced, for 21 seasons. 17 of those years as a Principal or lead dancer. I have also been a part of two national touring companies. The Will Rogers Follies (as the Indian of the Dawn) and a very short run of Thoroughly Modern Millie. During this long period of performing I also studied voice at the University of Missouri Kansas City. I have gotten to work in opera houses both here and abroad as a singer and done other musical theatre shows and workshops all over the country.

My introduction to the pageant system came in 1994 when I became friends with China Collins.  After seeing her perform at a local club called the"Cabaret", we struck up a conversation about working together. I admitted to her that I may be new to the art form known as Female Impersonation, but I am not new to people and/or movement and putting the two of them together. So we began a friendship and a working relationship that is still growing and thriving and it's where I get my surname Collins. Later on, I met and worked with other performers, but one of my absolute favorites was and still is Lexsus Chaney. When she approached me about choreographing a talent for her, I immediately said, "YES". We worked for 5 months, 3 days a week, with many dancers, gymnast, and other performers to bring her winning talent of Smokey Joe's Cafe to life. It wasn't until later that I learned that everyone was always upset with me for yelling at them constantly to get it right. Practice does not make perfect, "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect"!  As a result she won talent at the state and national levels.

When I am asked about how or why I entered the business, I have one answer. I want to put my own stamp on it. I have helped in the background for years and now I want to play in the sandbox with all the other pretty girls. 

 Winning Miss Gay Missouri America is a huge thrill, but now I am ready for the work. I would like to be a positive step in the right direction. I want to see the pageant grow and add more preliminaries, so that Missouri will be a force to reckon with throughout the country. In the coming weeks, I will be contacting promoters to set up some summer and early fall prelims. I will also be contacting former promoters to get them back into our family.

 I am looking forward to seeing, working, and having a great time with all of the girls from this year's pageant and to making new friends. 

 I am so proud to be a part of a year and a system that had people in it like, Adria Andrews (who is one of the most gracious and accommodating people I have ever met), Kitty Denise Litter (a ferociously talented lady), Loreal K.C's Queen of Comedy (such an amazing person, an awesome promoter and great friend filled with the wisdom of this  business) and Trixie LaRue (such a sweet spirit and one of the kindest hearts around).  I am so honored to have gone through this event with all of you. I will continue to learn and grow not only from you ladies, but from the rest of our sisters that went on this journey with us. LaDreama Funn, thank you for you all of your kind words. And to Miss Diva Coppafeel , the best words of advice from the weekend that I will take with me all year, "Just be and stay YOU" . Thank you for that encouragement. I will keep that in my heart all year and beyond as I get ready for Miss Gay America.

I would also like to give a special shout out to Regina LaRae, Moltyn Decadance and Heidi Banks, for all of the love, laughter hard work and fierceness that they provided me with not only on this weekend but on a daily basis. I Love you all!! GO TEAM K.C. Thank you Sally Sparkles for being a true and shining "Symbol of Excellence"

 As I close this letter, we are entering into "AIDS WAlK" events all  over the country. Let us remember and honor those who have passed on and those still living with this disease. I would also like us to be mindful of the events that happened this past week . The Boston Marathon bombings and the fertilizer plant explosions in West, Texas. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We are all celebrants on this earth and living together sometimes makes us angry and caustic - but we are also survivors and  if we learn to love one another and try to understand each other's differences, this dance that we call life will be one amazing party.

Miss Gay Missouri America 2013,
Christa Collins 


 APRIL/MAY MGMA BOARD NEWSLETTER

Well the  40th Miss Gay Missouri America pageant has come and gone,  and  I must say that

despite all of the hard work and stress, it was worth it. We have much to celebrate and  so many people to thank:

Thank you to MCCGS: for the providing a very special space to hold  MGMA -  the venue was filled to capacity on final night with more than 500 pageant watchers in attendance. Kudos to EVERYONE that worked  back stage, from organizing music, tabulating , dressing  formers, stage managing , props, and back drops....  from working the  front  door, clean -up crew  , DJ - what an amazing group of people. Thanks to  all the  city preliminary promoters  for what they do throughout the year and our many business and community supporters throughout the state! If I have  forgotten anyone,  forgive  me , please know  you are  appreciated .

Standing before the capacity crowd, I felt "IT" energy, the very thing MGMA should be - the  building  and  everyone in it  was a buzz. Indeed, it felt like the glory days of our storied pageant.  Three years  ago, our  goal  for MGMA was  to give it a new birth , and  the past two years  were nothing short of amazing  and set  the stage for a fabulous final night  this  year to prepare the ground for the next 40 years. It  was  amazing,  It made  me  tear up to see  and  feel  the  energy in that room!

I hope our  new  MGMA 2013 CHRISTA COLLINS  realizes what a great night  it was for her to be crowned in such a fabulous venue, before the  packed  crowd.  I also hope  each of the  stelllar contestants know that  there  can only be one winner,  as we  say,  but  each and every one of  them "brought it" this  year. Our First Alternate  Adria Andrews equally has  a lot to be  proud of  this year.  S/he did an  amazing job and our two top girls  will represent Missouri well at Miss GAy America in St. Louis this October.  Believe me when I say that I wish we could send all of our  contestants  to MGA this  year  - the calibre of talent was just that good!

Christa - you were  a delight all  week end  long  , and you have a  very big  job to do this  year as  you mark the  start of the  next four decades  MGMA. Live your reign to its  fullest , and as  you witnessed over the pageant  weekend,  winning  MGMA really does  change  your  life. But remember, only you control the how your life changes . Be honest  , be fair,  be gracious.  Know that  you are  always MGMA even when not  in gown or crown... people like hearing  from you , be it in person, or  in print,  etc. Be the best MGMA  you can be  and  it will come  back to you ten fold and  reward  you more than you realize. Welcome to the  family  of  MGMA and we look forward  to seeing throughout your year and  what you do for the job you have  landed!

July 21 st  is our first 2014 prelim, Miss Metropolitan. It  is scheduled to be held  in Kansas City at Sidekicks. This is an open prelim, look  for  application s  and information  very soon! Contact  Vanessa Vincent  (Daniel Flier) or Brenda Liegh  for info  on Facebook  or  danieljflier@me.com.

Daniel Flier/Vanessa Vincent, MGM 1982