So a couple of weeks ago, I did something that I never thought I would do, and I had so much fun! So what kind of adventure did I set out on, you ask?
I attended a drag queen pageant!
My friend Gregory (a former co-worker) was a judge for the Miss Gay Youth Pride pageant, and he invited me to come watch. He himself was originally supposed to be dressed in drag too, but unfortunately it didn't work out that way, and I didn't get to see Venus Starr.
Now, I am a pretty conservative person, but I am also involved in the "theater community", which tends to have a fairly large gay population. But I have never experienced anything like this before. What a fun night!
Gregory (right) with Vega Starr (center) and Flame Debonair (Miss Gay Youth Utah 2005)
London Dreemz (Miss Gay Youth Utah 2007)
Krystyna Shaylee - I *LOVED* her hair!
Vivaca Starr von Cartiay - Miss Congeniality
Passion Starr
Scarlett Deveraux Starr (Gregory told us that this dress weighs about 40 lbs.)
Emily Rose (My friend Robert loved her!)
MY favorite, however, was Paris Starr. She was incredible!
She didn't win that night, but she was Miss Gay Youth Utah 2006.
Alexus Starr - Miss Gay Youth Pride 2008
One of my favorite moments of the night was a performance by Katrianna Da'Beers Cheesecake (the out-going Miss Gay Youth Pride). The song she performed to was "This Is My Life" by Shirley Bassey. Her emotion and passion was infectious, and I sat there with tears in my eyes and goose bumps up and down my arms as I listened to the lyrics.
This Is my life
Today, tomorrow, love will come and find me
But that's the way that I was born to be
This is me
This is me
One last thing... As a white, heterosexual, Mormon living in Utah, I will never experience the discrimination that oftentimes affects the gay community. I admire those who are able to be confident with themselves and shine in their own light. Everyone that we met treated us so kindly and were so friendly, I felt completely at ease and welcomed the whole night. Gay pride in Utah is abundant and exciting, and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to experience, even for just a few hours, a tiny part of this lifestyle and these incredible people.
(For more info on Utah Pride 2008, visit their website)
My friend Gregory (a former co-worker) was a judge for the Miss Gay Youth Pride pageant, and he invited me to come watch. He himself was originally supposed to be dressed in drag too, but unfortunately it didn't work out that way, and I didn't get to see Venus Starr.
Now, I am a pretty conservative person, but I am also involved in the "theater community", which tends to have a fairly large gay population. But I have never experienced anything like this before. What a fun night!
Gregory (right) with Vega Starr (center) and Flame Debonair (Miss Gay Youth Utah 2005)
London Dreemz (Miss Gay Youth Utah 2007)
Krystyna Shaylee - I *LOVED* her hair!
Vivaca Starr von Cartiay - Miss Congeniality
Passion Starr
Scarlett Deveraux Starr (Gregory told us that this dress weighs about 40 lbs.)
Emily Rose (My friend Robert loved her!)MY favorite, however, was Paris Starr. She was incredible!
She didn't win that night, but she was Miss Gay Youth Utah 2006.
Alexus Starr - Miss Gay Youth Pride 2008
One of my favorite moments of the night was a performance by Katrianna Da'Beers Cheesecake (the out-going Miss Gay Youth Pride). The song she performed to was "This Is My Life" by Shirley Bassey. Her emotion and passion was infectious, and I sat there with tears in my eyes and goose bumps up and down my arms as I listened to the lyrics.This Is my life
Today, tomorrow, love will come and find me
But that's the way that I was born to be
This is me
This is me
One last thing... As a white, heterosexual, Mormon living in Utah, I will never experience the discrimination that oftentimes affects the gay community. I admire those who are able to be confident with themselves and shine in their own light. Everyone that we met treated us so kindly and were so friendly, I felt completely at ease and welcomed the whole night. Gay pride in Utah is abundant and exciting, and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to experience, even for just a few hours, a tiny part of this lifestyle and these incredible people.
(For more info on Utah Pride 2008, visit their website)
3 comments:
Jami,
I'm glad that you had a good time and enjoyed yourself. It's nice to hear that my drag family and friends made you feel comfortable, especially since you were out of your element. It was a fun night and I enjoyed seeing you and Robert and had a great time judging. I'll keep you two posted of any other events like this and maybe next time you can see Venus! :) She'll be in town next weekend for Pride most likely. :P
You totally rock Jami! I would have LOVED to have gone! What a blast! I would really like to get in the behind the scenes action to see them get ready! Gorgeous!
Drag shows are quite the experiance aren't they! Some of them are so beautiful and they are all so wonderful to watch! My brother and his partner both do drag and I have gone to a show or 2 in Salt Lake. :D aww the memories of my 1st show. lol
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