Tajma's Haul - October 2022 - Timing

​Trust in timing.

The timing for my final experience as a contestant at Miss Gay Missouri was driven by timing—some calculated by me and some by life’s timing. I was inspired in my early years as a drag performer and as a Kansas Citian to enter a local MGMA prelim by encouragement from energized individuals who helped me believe that I could be successful in pageantry. They showed me that using my intelligence, my stage performance experience, and my bravery would pay off—and it did. But a big part of my being crowned Miss Gay Missouri America 2022 was timing.

GROWTH
After competing three times and placing first alternate each time, I knew I needed to step away and gain some perspective about why I wanted to accomplish such a big goal. I knew I needed to get my timing together. Once I took a break, I ended up with a better perspective and managed to see growth in myself. I grew as a stage performer, I grew as a citizen of my community, I grew as a professional, I grew as a musician, and I grew as a committed competitor. I now see myself as an active member of the pageant community striving, as Miss Gay Missouri America, to introduce myself to the top tier of Miss Gay America contestants.  ​

MATURITY
It's one thing to hit the ground running as a brave young queen breaking records, dazzling onstage, winning contests, and growing a fan base, but only timing will provide proper maturity. It takes a level of maturity to recognize that perfection is not demanded and that approachability is much more important. It's the maturity, not age, of a queen that sets her apart in competition and in the grand scheme of life's happiness. And if we truly allow ourselves to be patient, time will show us ways to mature that are unique to ourselves. 

GRATITUDE
The timing of my claim to the MGMA title also gained me a greater appreciation for the title—the job. When coming into competition, I realized that I knew the job of MGMA better than I ever thought I knew it. Now that I'm reigning, it's much more exciting than I thought in the interview chair but at least the timing had given the growth of perspective and the maturity as a drag artist to have the fortitude to say, "I want this job because I have what it takes to do it." 

I hope you’ll reflect on what timing has done for you. I think you’ll find moments of growth, maturity, and gratitude. I also think you’ll find ways to be patient about your future endeavors. Maybe you’ll find yourself with new focus on your goals. 

In good time, 
Tajma Stetson
Miss Gay Missouri America 2022