This past Saturday night (April 13), if you love drag and live in Maryland, you were very likely to be found cheering on your favorite queen at the annual Miss Gay Maryland America pageant at the Horseshoe Casino.
Miss Gay Maryland America is one of over one hundred city, state and regional preliminary Miss Gay America pageants across the country leading up to 48th annual Miss Gay America Pageant in St. Louis this October.
Established in Nashville in 1972, The Miss Gay America Pageant is the world’s first, longest running and most prestigious female impersonator (aka drag) competition.
Miss Gay Maryland America was a limited regional preliminary, meaning only contestants from Maryland and DC and states that border Maryland could enter.
The winner and new Miss Gay Maryland America 2019 is Chasity Vain of Hagerstown, MD. Onyx D. Pearl of Baltimore was named First Alternate to Miss Gay Maryland America 2019. Both will go on to compete with nearly 50 other female impersonators from across the U.S. for the Miss Gay America 2020 crown this October in St. Louis.
Contestants competed in four judged categories: Male Interview (in suit and tie), Evening Gown, On Stage Interview and Talent (big production number with costumes, sets and dancers).
For their Presentation to the judges and audience, which is not judged at the preliminary level, contestants were asked to interpret the pageant’s “XtraTerrestrial Invasion” theme in their costume and look. Check out the spectacular themed costumes in this YouTube video of the pageant’s opening.
The prelim was presided over by the reigning Miss Gay America, Andora Te’tee, formerly of Baltimore, now of New York City, who won Miss Gay Maryland America in 2006.
Since 2016, the Miss Gay America pageant has been owned by Michael Dutzer and Rob Mansman, proud parents to two drag-loving daughters, of Frederick, Maryland. Mansman also owns Smile Frederick Orthodontics of Frederick.
Two more photos from the evening:
Above: Miss Gay Maryland 2018 Nicole James, Miss Gay Maryland America 2019 Chasity Vain, First Alternate to Miss Gay Maryland America 2019 Onyx D. Pearl, Miss Gay America 2019 Andora Te'tee. Photo by Trenchard Photography.
MGA ON FACEBOOK
