Above, Jason Howard and James Carreira on their wedding day.
This is the first of a series of interviews with promoters in the Miss Gay America system. If you'd like to be featured, please contact the MGA publicist, Andy Reynolds at Popular Publicity at andy@popularpublicity.com
The first ever Miss Gay Nevada America will take place this Friday, April 27th in Las Vegas. The promoters, James Carreira and Jason Howard, married with children and a grandchild, are promising a spectacular debut. And from what we hear, we can't wait for the big night.
In addiziona to a dramatic opening number and the show being cohosted by comedian Alec Mapa and the fabulously talented Coco Montrese, the pageant has a slew of sponsors and is making a donation to Be Brave, an anti-bullying organization based in Las Vegas.
Meet Miss Gay Nevada America promoters, James Carreira and Jason Howard:
1 You two have an event production company.
Yes! GlamSquad702 Events Inc. is an events design company and the premier provider of hair and makeup services for photography, weddings and events. We’ve been taking care of Las Vegas for 14 years now.
2 How did you become involved, what inspired you to produce the very first Miss Gay Nevada America?
We were excited to experience Miss Gay America 2018 in New Orleans with Kelly Ray. During that time, we were struck by the history and stature of the system. We had many discussions with former winners, and owners Michael and Rob. We knew we’d be a good fit with our background in production. It was important that Miss Gay Nevada America was produced in a way that showcases the artistry and entertainment of drag in addition to highlighting charity.
Above: James, Kelly Ray, and Jason
3 Your winner prize package includes one of the best prizes a contestant could ask for, a full production number for talent at the Miss Gay America pageant! We understand that you produced Kelly Ray Shelton’s number for last year’s Miss Gay America. Have you produced numbers for MGA contestants in the past? How did you come to work with Kelly Ray? What other MGA contestants have you worked with and in what capacity?
Kelly Ray has been a close friend for the past 25 years and the only contestant we've produced for and worked with. We agreed to produce for Kelly on two conditions: a 3-week rehearsal schedule here in Las Vegas, and all dancers and choreographers were from Las Vegas. Kelly worked extremely hard and we were thrilled with the result of the final night talent. Two things were important to us when deciding on prize packages. The first was our winner would be treated like the winners of other prestigious pageants like Miss USA and Miss America. Second as promoters we would fully support our winner with our resources and talents.
4 You’re planning to start the MGNA show off with a dramatic number. Is this supposed to be a surprise or can you tell us something about what to expect?
LOL. It’s interesting that you used the word “dramatic.” While my boys were growing up, whenever I’d get passionate or angry about anything, my boys would say with an eyeroll: “Dramatica is back.” We don’t want to give it all away, but built the opening number around Deva and our charity, Be Brave. There will be dancers, singers and it will even feature my 8-year-old grandson, Robes. We’re going for spectacular.
5 You guys recently married. You have sons who are dancers in two different Cirque du Soleil shows. Your grandson is in the opening number. For you, like the married owners (with kids) of the Miss Gay America pageant, this is really a family affair. What do you have to say to people who are surprised by this?
We’d like them to know that we are filled with gratitude to be able to involve our family. We’ve been able to work with our whole family including ones of blood and choice. When my boys were growing up, so many people told me that I was going to make them gay as if it was the worst possible thing that could happen to them. The thoughts that kept me going was I knew it wasn’t in my hands and so what if they were?
Before Jason and I were married, I took my then 6-year-old grandson (Robes) to Toys-R-Us where the following conversation occurred. (He calls me "Papa."):
Robes: Papa, you’re getting married?
James: Yes.
R: To Jason?
J: Yes.
R: You were married to grandma, and she was a girl. Now you’re getting married to Jason and he's a boy.
J: Yes. (He went silent for a while.) You okay?
R: Yeah, I just didn’t know you were gay, papa.
J: (I laughed.) when did you figure that out?
R: Two weeks ago, when daddy told me you were marrying Jason.
J: Oh. Will you be the ring bearer?
R: Yes, on two conditions: One, you have to buy me a really cool tuxedo and two, I get to break dance at your wedding.
What I got out of this conversation was that my grandson saw no issue with his papa being gay. He just saw his papa. We’ve come a long way because we’re teaching our kids to love and not to hate.
6 Furthermore, as MGA is not only family to so many who have been rejected by their own blood families, but MGA pageants are classy, family-friendly events; many contestants show up with families in tow. You have one contestant from Texas, who is bringing 30 family members with her! What does that say to you and to the world about MGA?
Yes! That contestant is Sofia Anderson and she is indeed bringing along 30 family members. It’s amazing and we love to see it. For us, it puts further emphasizes the importance of a strong support system for contestants and people in general.
7 You’ve got a great sponsor line-up. What has been their reaction to news of the first ever MGNA pageant?
Thank you! We are excited and grateful to be working with GS702, Peggy’s Kitchen, Mundo at Mingo, Chapel of the Flowers, Art of Entertainment, Glam Gives, Be Brave, MAC Cosmetics, Cadillac of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Pride, Authentic Skin Care Remedies, Downtown Grand, Made for a Queen, Charlie’s Las Vegas, and Queens and Cocktails. It’s amazing to work with so many companies that share our core values. They’ve all been so supportive, loving and generous.
8 Giving back is a big deal for you. You are donating proceeds from the MGNA pageant to the very Be Brave Nation, which empowers children to prevent and fight bullying. Ironically, you too faced discrimination and lame excuses when you were approached various charities offering donations: as soon as they found out this was an LBGT event they had to “get back to you” (and I’m sure they never did). Do you care to name those who turned you down or make a comment?
We are donating the proceeds from merchandise to Be Brave and Deva’s charity, Camp Sunrise. It was surprising! A lot of the charities we reached out to were excited until they heard the word “gay.” They fell silent and didn’t get back to us at all. Be Brave, however, was all in from the beginning, stating that we are all the same. We’d rather not name the others. If we ask for excellence, we have to do our best to represent excellence.
9 We like the custom MGNA logo. What’s the story behind it?
Thank you! We are in love with it! Las Vegas is the entertainment capital and is known for its legendary showgirls. We wanted to pay homage to both. It was initially just a sketch of a showgirl Jason redesigned. He was able to imbue her with all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.
10 How did Alex Mapa become involved as your cohost?
Alec Mapa and I have never met but we have a mutual friend. I reached out to pitch him and he was generous in agreeing to co-host our event. We adore and respect him immensely.
Read the MGAZINE interview with Alec here.
11 You’re big fans of Coco Montrese. Do you have a history with her or is this your first time working together?
Yes! We LOVE Coco. We were lucky enough to meet her at Miss Gay America 2018. Coco saw Kelly Ray’s talent and was generous with praise for our production. After a long conversation, we knew we needed to work together. Coco Montrese along with Tiffany Bonet, and Lawanda Jackson have been our circle of support sharing their experience, strength and hope.
Miss Gay Nevada America
April 27, 2018 6:00 PM
The Space
3460 Cavaretta Court
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Miss Gay Nevada America Facebook page: http://facebook.com/MissGayNevadaAmerica
Tickets: www.thespacelv.com/event/miss-gay-nevada-america/
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