MARCH Volume 2019 Issue 3

Volume 2019 Issue 3 MARCH

USofA Pageants LLC INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1713 Garden Road #2  Planet Janet  What’s on my Mind Pearland, TX 77581  The Tasha Longevity  Keeping it Sweet with Office - 832-425-1240 Journey Shugah Fax - 281-617-7788  The Gospel Accord-  Pageant Chronicles  www.usofa.org ing to Shavonna The Deets with D’Angelo  Happily Eva After  Kickin’ it with Ken [email protected]  March USofA Events [email protected]  Final Night Tickets © 2019 USofA Pageants LLC MARCH P AGE 2

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 3 Janet Fierce Andrews Planet Janet Miss Gay USofA 2018 [email protected] Welcome back readers! February is a short month but I feel like a lot has happened. At the beginning of the February I visited Oklahoma and had a great name but you definitely saw him time. Everywhere I go dance. Whether at Miss Gay Texas everyone is so nice USofA or at multiple national pag- and sweet. Congrats to eants. He’s danced for some of the Alizay Z Paige on cap- greats such as Erica Andrews, Layla turing the title of Miss Larue, Sasha Andrews, Tersa Gay Oklahoma USofA Mathews and even myself. And that and congrats to first is just to name a few. He also com- alternate Franchesqua peted for Mr. Gay Texas Minaj. I happen to sit USofA numerous times and always next to Alizay the first made top twelve. He had a great night and struck up a love for drag and the stage and al- conversation about ways had a smile on his face. I love her competing and you Joe, we all love you. You will history with the pre- be greatly missed. Tomorrow is not lim. It was her fifth promised to anyone. Make sure to attempt and she was tell those you love how you feel. ready to win that crown, and that’s ex- May is coming up very soon. In actly what she did. I about three months I will be step- can relate to wanting ping down as Miss Gay USofA. It’s something greatly and a bitter sweet feeling knowing its being persistent at almost over. I’ve had an amazing chasing it. She’s anoth- experience and made so many new er example of what connections. As I prepare for the can happen if you end, I think about what I want my don’t give up. personal legacy to be. What I want for people to remember about me. My next stop was I proudly carry my drag mothers Bloomington, Illinois for Miss Gay Illinois USofA. I name, but I am also my own creation. I want people to had the privilege to travel and work with Lauren say how incredibly entertaining I was. I have a full week Taylor, former Miss Gay USofA. Even though we of performances. I’ll be pulling out some Cher, Selena, had some delays, we had a great time traveling to- and bringing back my Lose My Breathe Talent. Make gether. Sharon ShareALike and her husband Michael sure you purchase your tickets for final night were great hosts. They invited us into their beautiful at www.usofa.org/tickets. Thank you for taking the home and cooked for us. Sharon was so sweet and time to read my articles. It means the world to me. made sure we were very well taken care of. Congrats to your new Miss Gay Illinois USofA Artemisia With so much Love, VanHo and first alternate Miss Flo NoMo, both on their way to Miss Gay USofA, May 21 - 24 in Dallas, Janet Fierce Andrews TX. Next stop Little Rock Arkansas. Miss Gay USofA

On February 20, 2019, one of my dear friends Joe Lara, aka Jay Mathews, passed away after a battle with cancer. Some of you may not know him by www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 4 Tasha Long The Tasha Longevity Miss Gay USofA Classic 2018 Journey [email protected]

Well I hope this month Integrity article finds everyone in great health and many blessings. nessee USofA Classic on March 16th, Miss Gay Okla- homa USofA Classic on April 13th, Miss Gay Texas A big congratulations to the winners of Miss Gay USofA Classic on April 14th, and Miss Gay Georgia Iowa USofA Classic - Lyrica Simone and her 1st Al- USofA Classic on April 15th. ternate - Theresa Holiday, and a big thank you to the beautiful promoters of Miss Gay Iowa USofA As we all know February is known as Black History Classic, your hospitality was overwhelming. Com- month and although we are now entering March, I ing up on March 1st - Miss Gay Arkansas USofA would like to salute my Classic in Little Rock, AR. dear sister and friend, a Classic lady, for be- I'm so excited to be doing the national walk ing a trailblazer in our at Miss Black America, March 15th 16th and community. Someone 17th in Atlanta, GA. I will also be perform- that is well respected, ing with the cast of the Stars of the Century not only by me, but by on Monday, March 18th. Then it’s off to so many entertainers Texas University for a special guest perfor- present and past. Her mance on Wednesday, March 20th. knowledge of this business is parallel to To all my Classic ladies. We still have more none. She’s my sister preliminaries on the books. Miss Gay Ten- and friend, Miss Gay USofA Classic 2003 - TINA DEVORE. Short but sweet this month,

Tasha Long Miss Gay USofA Clas- sic

“The Longevity Journey”

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 5

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 6 Shavonna Brooks The Gospel According Miss Gay USofA at Large 2018 to Shavonna [email protected] Well hello again across the USofA!

Spring is rapidly ap- proaching, and I am certainly excited for the next quarter of this amazing reign.

This past month I wrapped up life as it exists in Atlanta GA, where I’ve resided for the last 13 years. I’ve had a great run in the city of Atlanta. I am truly going to miss so many loved ones, but I believe there is more out in God’s green earth for us to see, and I pray that Houston’s drag community em- braces me and life will be just as sweet.

If you’re in the Columbus, Ohio area on March 23rd, we would like to invite you to witness Miss Gay Ohio USofA at Large at Axis Nightclub. Pageant will begin at 7pm and guess what - NO COVER CHARGE! So, come and meet your USofA family and enjoy a festive night of pageantry.

Have a good Gospel month,

Shavonna Brooks Miss Gay USofA at Large

#BarbieUSofAatLg18

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 7

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 8 Happily Eva After Eva DeLeon Miss Gay USofA Newcomer 2018 Hello from the sky! [email protected]

I am currently on my way back from Phoenix, AZ after attending the Miss Gay Supernova USofA Aaron Hurley, and Christina Stoker for showing me Newcomer Pageant. This month has been filed with such a wonderful time while I was in Kentucky and many great places and friends and I am looking for- Indiana. They knew no ends when it came to hospitali- ward to March which looks to be filled with even ty and taking care of me while I was there. Also, to De- more. metrius Thomas for having a special care package ready for me when he picked me up from the airport in This month we had 4 prelims leading up to nationals North Carolina for Miss Gay East Coast USofA New- in August and a huge round of congratulations is in comer. Lastly to Mia Inez Adams for welcoming me order for this month’s new qualified contestants. into her home for a few days, showing me a great time Miss Gay Kentucky USofA Newcomer; Winner - at the casino, and taking me and Anahi Norell hiking Sheena Cassidine, 1st Alternate - Aramiss, 2nd Alter- up the South Mountain in Phoenix. You all are such nate – Summer Sue Sage. Miss Gay Indiana USofA great assets to our system, and Newcomer; I am lucky to call you my Winner – friends. Thank you! Karina Phoenix, 1st It is with a heavy heart that at Alternate – the end of this month we will Sierra D’an- be saying goodbye to Ken elli. Miss Dartanyan, Ruby Scott, and Gay East D’Angelo. You all have done Coast USofA such an amazing job this year Newcomer; with your reigns and I am so Winner – sad I will not be able to be Saniya Cha- there and share the joy of your nel Iman. stepdown. You all are in my Miss Gay hearts and will forever be my Supernova Kings and Diva. With this sad- USofA New- ness we will find joy in wel- comer; Win- coming two new brothers and ner – Anahi a sister into our USofA Family. Norell, 1st Alternate – This month welcomes 4 more opportunities to qualify Cassandra A McKenzie. for nationals; Miss Gay USofA Iowa Newcomer, Miss Gay California USofA Newcomer, Miss Gay Wisconsin This pageant season is really binging out some USofA Newcomer, and Miss Gay Minnesota USofA amazing talent all around and keeps getting me more Newcomer. I hope to see many of you out at the pre- and more excited for nationals. One thing I truly lims, whether it be at as and contestant or as a support- love about this system is that our contestants are still er. treating our pageants as if they were competing for Miss Gay USofA or any other national title. They Thank you all for following me on this journey, know and understand that we do not lower our standards or expectations just because we are New- Eva DeLeon comers. Miss Gay USofA Newcomer

I want to send a special shout out to Michael Stoker, www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 9

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 10

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 11 USofA EVENTS Make sure to get your Pageant or Contest listed by sending your event poster to [email protected] 1 - Miss Gay Arkansas USofA 1 - Miss Gay Arkansas USofA Classic 9 - Miss Gay Iowa USofA Newcomer 16 - Miss Gay Tennessee USofA 22 - Miss Gay Great Plains USofA 23 - Miss Gay Ohio USofA at Large 23 - Mr. Gay Ohio USofA at Large 23 - Miss Gay Nebraska USofA 23 - Mr. Gay California USofA 24 - Miss Gay California USofA Newcomer 28 - MISTER USofA MI CLASSIC 29 - 31 - MISTER USofA MI 29 - 31 - MISS USofA DIVA 30 - Miss Gay Louisiana USofA 30 - Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA Newcomer 31 - Miss Gay Iron Throne USofA 31 - Miss Gay Minnesota USofA Newcomer

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 12

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Angel What’s on my Mind Mr. Gay USofA 2018 [email protected] Hello from Chicago!

This month was a little quiet but still really productive. I have been doing a lot of work reaching out to some friends, contestants and promoters. I’m getting myself ready for a year full of a lot of work.

We already have a few new preliminaries and one of them is coming up on March 23rd and 24th - Mr. Gay California USofA. It will be held at Rich’s in San Diego.

I want to congratulate my two Kings, D’Angelo – Mister USofA MI and Ken Dartanyan – Mister USofA MI Classic, and my Queen Ruby Scott - Miss USofA Diva. They have had an amazing reign!

Love always,

Angel Mr. Gay USofA

Upcoming Preliminaries –

May 4th Mr. Gay Iowa USofA Held in Des Moines, Iowa at the Garden Nightclub

May 9th Mr. Gay South Central USofA Held in Dallas, Texas at the Round-Up Saloon

May 25th Mr. Gay Sin City USofA Held in Las Vegas, Nevada at Piranha’s Nightclub

May 26th Mr. Gay Sin City Supreme USofA Held in Las Vegas, Nevada at Piranha’s Nightclub

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 14

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 15 Ry’Yon “Shugahbear” Tajoure Keeping it Sweet with Mr. Gay USofA at Large 2018 Shugah [email protected]

Hello everyone and welcome back to “Keeping It Sweet with Shugah” Vol 4. The strength of a mother. I would like to celebrate the mothers of the world because mothers are the rock of the family. I thank my mother for teaching me the values of life and I know I would not be the man I am today without her nurturing spirit and loving heart. My mother has been through a lot over the years but with keeping God first and the support of our family, my mother has been a fighting soldier. I love you and Thank you mommy!

I must say I’ve been having an amazing journey as Mr Gay USofA at Large and I’ve gotten so much love as “King X” For the stops I’ve made thus far, thank you, to my Sweetheart Family for a great experience, it’s always a special moment going back to one of the first pageants I won. Also, thank you to the Wessland family for allowing me to be a part of a wonderful night. It was a pleasure and honor performing.

As we go further into my year, I want everyone to know I am so full of love. I will continue to work hard and represent the legacy the best way I can. It’s value in being YOU! The love and support means the world.

So, until next time!!!!

Much love,

Ry’Yon “Shugahbear” Tajoure Mr. Gay USofA at Large

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 16

Ruby Scott Pageant Chronicles Miss USofA Diva 2018 [email protected]

Greetings and farewell,

As my chapter comes to and end and I type my last article and tears swell my eyes. It is surreal and a bit- tersweet moment. In a month I will crown the next lucky lady to carry on the Diva legacy.

I have had the honor to work with some of the most beautiful people in pageantry. It has been a beautiful, and sometimes hard learning experience. I would like to thank all the Divas for being the Queens that you are.

I truly owe a debt of gratitude to Devin and Gage for giving us a platform to express our craft and or art form. I remember the first year you, Gage, came to me and said that I would some day be crowned. Who would've thought, that after 5 attempts, I finally became your Queen. You both were driving forces in my reign and without you I would have not been as successful I as was. My reign had been a dream come true and I have been on cloud nine the entire time. The conversations, guidance, and advice you have me helped me to become the Queen that USofA embod- ies. I will always love you both too the Moon and back.

Thank you, Jerry Bird for being such a wonderful hu- man being and allowing us all to become part of your world and family. You have built an empire that is a household name and everyone wishes to become. The USofA system is a model for all other pageantry sys- tems across the country and I am now a part of it for eternity.

Your Eternal Queen,

Ruby Scott Miss USofA Diva

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 17

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 18 D’Angelo The Deets with D’Angelo Mister USofA MI 2018 [email protected] Wow. I can't believe it’s the time to sit and write this article. All things must come to an end, right? However, I can't say it's a farewell by any means because I'm not going anywhere! USofA is my home and I'm so thankful for what it has given the prelims that we were able to have together, and actually me thus far! This year has been one of the most spend quality time! You've been a constant in my journey humbling and rewarding of opportunities that has from the very first year I competed. You reached out to me ever been presented to me. I still feel so very hon- and stayed in my corner ever since the beginning! You are ored to experience not only that crowning mo- truly a big brother to me. I love you man. It's truly been ment, but all of the years I've had the pleasure of such an honor and I'm truly humbled to stand beside you being a part of this amazing system and division! both this year, and at the end of this month! I love you both so much! We made it! I would have to say that my top moments throughout the year To the rest of the reigning court: Janet, Angel, Eva, Shav- was getting to onna, RyYon, Tasha, what an amazing spend time with my court to be a part of and to witness your counterparts at pre- reigns! The time I did get to spend with lims and getting to each of you was incredible and I defi- know contestants nitely plan to see you all soon! Sending together! It's amaz- love and light to you all and to the rest ing that we are dif- of your year! ferent divisions but we are so tightly I'd like to say some Thank You’s for a knit together even bit. To reign, you absolutely cannot do still! it alone and it takes a special group of people that care for you to see you Ruby, I will always through that year. First, I want to say and forever believe thank you to my God for placing me that it was more right where I need to be every time and than a coincidence always keeping me safe and sane. To all that we captured the of my Oklahoma drag family, thank you crown on the same for continuously loving me year after year. There are year and allowing me to be a part of a some similarities glorious community! My dancers with our journeys, throughout the many years of doing and I think it easily prelims up to nationals – O’dey, Iysis, drew us closer to- Krystal, Iman, Mari Jane, Cruz, thank gether. You've giv- you guy's so much for wanting to be a en me some really part of team D'Angelo and believing amazing conversa- that I could do it, pushing yourselves tions and I love our and myself included! I love you guys! To wine parties, we've had so much fun! Thank you, my cousin, Aren, thanks for always be- Queen, for always making me feel like a true king ing that crazy fan I can count on to make sure I'm always darling, I love you! embarrassed (LOL) and of course for always having my back! Sara De La Hoya, I just want you to know how much Ken, my Classic brother and roommate! I cherish Continued on Page 19

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 19 Continued from Page 18 and getting to witness the beauty of the Brotherhood that way is unbelievable! You boys are the heart and soul! I truly I love and appreciate your support and friendship, believe that lifetime friends and family are made within this it means everything! Supporters who've really system. Thank you all for simply being you and shining so made a major difference - Christina Garcia, Jessica bright! I can't wait to see who takes the crown next! Patterson, Marco Del Gatto, Teddy Devin and Gage, what can I really say that Michael, Chase could really describe the love I have for the Sky, Travis Hard, two of you? I've been grateful enough to get Lane Ackerson, to know you both over the years and seen Teekee Larue, how raw and real your love for USofA and Brandon Pickett, the Brotherhood is! I truly feel a connection Tione Technique - to you guys and I am so lucky to be a part of thank you all so something you love and cherish so much! much for being in Please know my heart is so full! Thank you, I my corner all this love you both so very much! time! I love y'all! Ashley, thank you Jerry Bird, you GAVE us this platform to for driving me showcase what we had to offer the USofA around every- system and I personally cannot thank you where. I definitely enough! What an incredible man that you are would have and I have so much love for you! I look for- stressed myself to ward to see what the years to come will bring the bone without for USofA! you taking care of me! I owe you so I certainly hope that I didn't forget anyone, much! Abs and but in all reality, it takes more than a village Eazy thank you for and that takes some crazy time! It's time for a always being hard new King to step up and take the reign! It is on me. I can't say not an easy task, but something that I was how much I ap- told before I won was, don't ever hesitate to reach out. As preciate every ounce of wisdom and advice you I said before, you don't have to do it alone! To whoever two have given me throughout the years. You two wins, it's going to be a wild ride, but it's well worth every played such a major part in me being the brother I single second of it! I'm super anxious to see what happens am today! at crowning! If you find yourself available, catch the Mister USofA MI, Mister USofA MI Classic and Miss USofA Di- To my partner in life and love - Ethan. You have va in Dayton, Ohio on March 27th – 31st! It's going to be a been there literally from the beginning of my jour- fantastic event, you sure do not want to miss it! ney, believing and pushing me to succeed. You took a chance when this king was still just a This has been an absolute honor and a pleasure to be your prince! You are my pusher, my backbone and mo- king for the year. Know, that I will be back VERY soon! tivator. Thank you for showing me that I'm worth it! We actually made It, I love you so much For the last time ... much love to all of you, my USofA “babylove”! family and Integrity readers,

To the contestants - watching you boys this year D’Angelo has been the epitome of a life changing experience. I've watched as I competed throughout the Mister USofA MI years, but the perspective of being the titleholder

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 20 Ken Dartanyan Kickin’ it with Ken Mister USofA MI Classic 2018 [email protected]

As I embark on my last 28 days of March as Mister USofA MI Classic, it became clear that this will be the last Integrity article I will write. As I write this, I begin to tear up not because I'm sad but because I accomplished something, I set out to win back in 2009. I can remember when that crown was placed on my head. I felt such joy I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face. Oh my, I had no idea of the amazing adventure that was to follow.

This year has been an amazingly humbling, rewarding and sometimes very taxing experience and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I have seen the brotherhood and sisterhood bonds grow stronger with every passing prelim. Now that we are preparing to compete at nationals, I cannot wait to see even more friendships between promoters and contestants form.

With that being said I could not have made it through this year without the love and support of my Florida Family, my sash sister and brother and every Classic promoter and contestant. DC Camp- bell, Robin Grondin, Patrena Kilgore, Star Hayes and D'Luv Saviyon, you guys have been my rock. Thank you for always been there day or night for whatever I needed.

Ruby Scott - this year as your King has been so much fun. I am so glad we went through this year together." Come on Queen we are going to be late" (LOL)! I will always have your back.

D'Angelo, my brother, you are a beast. I remember the first time we met in Oklahoma. You were like a sponge wanting to learn everything about the craft. I want to give a HUGE congratulations to the class of It has been a joy to watch you grow within the 2019 AKA The Fearless 9! USofA brand. You have gone from a boy to a KING. Mister King of the Desert USofA MI Classic Freddy Prince Charming To all of the Classic promoters; we could not have had a successful year without you. Each of you Mister Florida USofA MI Classic have shown unwavering support, love and belief in SYR Kam'Ron Dickerson the USofA brand. Thank you for giving your time Hawk Taylor and hard-earned money, so that we would have a Continued on Page 21 place to shine.

www.usofa.org MARCH P AGE 21 Continued from Page 20

Mister Texas USofA MI Classic Devin Dame and Gage Gatlyn - you guys are simply Ian Syder Blake amazing. Thank you for believing in the Classic division Randy D. Hardness and continuing to make us "OLDER DUDES" a part of the USofA family. I'm not gone, I'm just a Former and Mister Arkansas USofA MI Classic only a phone call away. I love you guys! RC Mischief Justin Case Mr. Jerry Bird - Thank you so much for every gift, every card and your support of the MI and Diva division. Mister Missouri USofA MI Classic Without you Sir, NONE of this would be possible! Stephan Storm Zayne "The Dragon" Riall To My formers - You have all had a part in setting the standard of what a national titleholder should be. It has I am so proud of each and every one of been an honor to continue that legacy. Thank you for all you. Brothers, keep pushing and striving to reach of the love and support you all have shown me during your goal. I will see you all on that stage in Ohio my reign. and I know you will bring your best. To the Fear- less 9, make your state and promoters proud but Thank you all! most of all when you come off that stage know that you have given your all! You DID NOT let Classically Yours, the naysayers, fear nor doubt dictate the pursuit of your dream. Just remember, as trials and tribula- Ken Dartanyan tions come your way as you prepare for nationals. I Mister USofA MI Classic am here for each of you to help with whatever you may need to put the best package possible on stage on March 28, 2019.