Regina's Intergalactic Transmissions - April 2017

​"A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being." 

My time as Miss Gay Missouri America has been the best year of my life. I have had so many experiences that I never would have imagined I could be a part of. I have made lifelong friends and I am forever grateful for each and every one! The love and support I received from everyone has done so much for my life that going forward, my life will never be the same. Thank you all for everything!
 
Miss Gay Missouri America is HERE! I looked over the program set up and stopped on the contestant page and at first I thought to myself, where's my photo?! It hasn't hit me yet that it's almost over. It feels like just yesterday I was over seeing my first preliminary....... Where has the time gone!
 
To the 22 contestants, enjoy every moment of Miss Gay Missouri America! You all have earned your place in the class of 2017! You have all put your heart and soul into building a package that best represents you. You know what you are capable of and it’s important to remember that. You are the author of your own story and no one and I mean NO ONE can change that. Don't let other cast doubt in your mind no matter who they are. The only person who can defeat you is you. Every single one of you is worthy of being Miss Gay Missouri America, it's not a matter of if, but more a matter of when!
 
 When I started out on this journey of wanting to be Miss Gay Missouri America, I knew that one day I would achieve that goal. What I didn't know is what being Miss Gay Missouri America would actually be like. You instantly become a strong voice in your community, all eyes are focused on you the moment the crown is placed on your head. What you do that year as Miss Gay Missouri America is so important to the success of keeping the legacy alive.  Live every moment like it's your last and enjoy yourself.
 
There are 22 contestants, only one can walk away with the title. What I have to say to those who aren't not lucky to be crowned this year. It's not over, you all have what it takes to wear the Miss Gay Missouri America crown.
 
 "You cannot know true success without knowing the beauty of failure."
 
I got to spend my last two shows as Miss Gay Missouri America in some of my favorite places.
 
First stop was Yin Yang Nightclub in Columbia. For a cosplay themed show hosted by Amanda Lay and Kaighlynn LaFaye. It was a show filled with all the nerdiness you could handle.
 
I then traveled to St Louis which has become a home away from home to perform and I got to guest star for the first time at Rehab. I would like to thank Akasha Royale for inviting me to perform and for the hospitality she offered to my husband and I.  Rehab has become one of my favorite places in St. Louis.

Sunday is got to spend a relaxing day with Akasha Royale, Adria Andrews, Craig and friends at the St. Louis Botanical Garden. It was great to walk around in a very relaxing environment for a few hours. Just what I needed to get my mind off the events to come and have some fun.

To The Miss Gay Missouri America Promoters, Thank you for all the hospitality throughout the year and for making me feel special. You are all invaluable members of the Miss Gay Missouri America Family and I am so happy to have gotten to know you all a little better this past year!
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To The Miss Gay Missouri America Board, Thank you for everything. Thank you for being my rock throughout my reign, thank you for allowing me to express myself and stay individualized. With your guidance I was able to be the best Miss Gay Missouri I could be and am forever grateful!
 
To all the dreamers out there, get up, get out and do something about! Stop sitting around waiting for your dreams to come to you, go out and find them. Being successful in anything is about taking a leap of faith and just going for it. It’s scary but the reward for not just thinking about it and actually doing it is a rewarding experience. I would not be where I am today if I had not put faith in myself and just went for it. Life is too short to be singing shoulda, coulda, woulda! So take that leap and follow your dreams!

Regina La-Rae
Miss Gay Missouri America 2016