Tajma's Haul - November 2022

Happy November!

Now that the exciting section of my reign as MIss Gay MIssouri America is underway, I would like to pivot my newsletters to bring you with me as I learn and grow into what it is to be Miss Gay Missouri America. Of course, I'm referring to prelim pageants and my experiences with contestants, promoters, judges, and finding the next dedicated individual to take the title in 2023. I would like to share some things I've learned, things I've experienced, and things that make MGMA a legacy in pageantry that is one of the most sought-after in the industry. 


For this month, I'd like it to be known that my first prelim, Miss Gay St. Louis, was a really eye-oening and fulfilling experience for me. A big thanks goes to promoter, Jade Sinclair and her team, but the boldest eye-opening moment was being with our judging panel--Victoria Rose, Karma T. Cassidy, and Robyn Hearts--all former Miss Gay St. Louis title holders and all ready with experience. Between the expert interview questions and thoughtful final critiques, I learned that each judge wanted our contestants to demonstrate two things: dedication to craft and dedication to self. And in return, they adjudicated each contestant with passionate attention to every word spoken, every garment worn, and every motion made on stage. Even I came away with dazzling advice and guidance from all three of them that I will never forget. 


Another thing--I learned that the joy in pageant events is not lost if you come with new eyes and if you come prepared to receive an uplifting experience. I was confronted with this exuberant attitude by the-one-and-only Vicki Vincent, MGMA 1983 and MGA 1989, as we watched the pageant and chatted about my reign. Vicki had only exciting things to share with me about my up-coming candidacy at MIss Gay America and it got my mind racing about being back there again. She spoke with urgency because she sees what preparing for MGA is like and even though it's been a while since 1989, she knows what one goes through in preparing and what the contest will be like. She couldn't help but be excited for me and see the best in what I was doing as Miss Gay Missouri. It is quite humbling to experience that type of adulation from a legendary figure and friend that I hold so dearly.

Photo courtesy of Cassie Wolosyk

By the end of the night we crowned Miss Akasha Royale the new Miss Gay St. Louis, congratulated Miss Amazing Grace as she secured her spot in the MGMA Class of 2023, and made new friends with a beautiful and promising new entertainer, Venus DM. In the dressing room, Trixie LaRue and Tabbi were there for me as they have been for years by encouraging me, as only they can do, and giving expert guidance on pinning my crown. Along with those I've spoken about, I was over the moon at the number of formers that were in attendance--Bella Rose, Roxxy Malone, Kirsten Dubo, Erica Foxx, Alexis Principle, and Dieta Pepsi with whom I grabbed the perfect on-stage selfie. And finally, we honored a truly inspiring Miss Gay St. Louis, Avery C. Lauren as she was the most beautiful balladier of the night.

All this makes me so grateful to get to be Miss Gay Missouri America this year. Even after just one prelim, I can see that I will be the lucky recipient of an incredible year of fulfillment thanks to the family by whom I'm surrounded. 

On to the next! 
Tajma Stetson
Miss Gay Missouri America 2022