Tajma's Haul - December 2022

​Hello, holiday season and happy December!

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. 

Since my last newsletter, I have completed three prelims! We have added six stellar contestants to the MGMA Class of 2023 bringing us to eight in total and from those eight I have learned much. Most recently we added contestants from Miss Gay Springfield--Jennipher Jameson and Nikki Tension, from MIss Gay Mid-MO--Venus O'Hara and Mary Ann Bright, and from Miss Gay City of Columbia--Kaycee Adams and Lorilie. And when I say all these competitors give something special to their presence, that's an understatement. But they are not to be understated and you'll find out when they hit the MGMA stage in the spring of 2023.

Miss Gay Springfield, honoring my Team Missouri sis Misty Meanor, showed me that gratitude toward your sisters provides you with a lifetime of memories. The things you share and hold close keep you close and in this life we need that closeness and gratitude. TIme and time again we hear the Springfield sisters say (and I never get tired of hearing it) that the pageant isn't what keeps them close, it's the sisterhood—the relationships that are cemented. The MGSA promoters Ruby Diamond, Autumn Holiday, Daniel Stone, and Vince Edwards know that and they insist on putting family first in their work to put on such a great pageant And girl, was it! Mr. Gay America, KC Sunshine made an appearance but extra special for me was my sister, MGMA 2021 Trixie LaRue was also there with hugs, laughs, and pizza as well as MGMA 2000 Lexsus Cheney who stepped in as head judge.

​Miss Gay Mid-Missouri America held in Columbia was next in the schedule and the Nclusion Plus team made sure that everything was a beautiful fairyland for Miss Faye King as she stepped down. And if there was an award for best hand-down look, Miss Faye is definitely in the running because she dazzled us all with a custom white gown and stunning performance. And speaking of dazzle, Miss Gay St. Louis, Akasha Royale was in attendance not only to cheer on her sisters in the competition, but to give us a taste (for the right price) of her gorgeous jewelry line, A. Royale & Co. I was lucky enough to walk away with two beautiful sets that will feature well in my reign and remind me not only of a wonderful time at MGMMA but of one my dearest sisters and cheerleaders, Miss LaDreama Funn (MGMMA 2015) with whom I have the privilege of knowing and laughing with for many years. 

Two weeks after my trip to Columbia for Mid-MO and I was back to join a very special queen, Miss Veronika Versace. She is not only the promoter of MIss Gay City of Columbia, but holds an interest and reverence for pageantry much like I do. She's a high-achieving individual in everything she does taking great care of her work and the people that are involved. With so many friends in attendance, I couldn't help but have a blast! Jennicka Fierce (celebrating a milestone 10 years since being crowned MGCoCA), Musica Malone (the reigning Missouri EOY), and Amanda Lay (traveling all the way from Oregon) were all there to celebrate Miss Venus O'Hara's hand down complete with Beauty and the Beast costumery at its best. Also, it was extra special for me to have a great friend there, Miss Reba Lamkey. She is not only a supporter of the dignity of the America system but a supporter of mine and to her I could never be more grateful to have her at Miss City that particular weekend. ​

Finally (for now), being MIss Gay Missouri America is the best reason for me to be a grateful individual. The obstacles that get thrown in the way are always reasons to have a conversation, to educate myself, to have compassion for those that are close and those that are not but to whom I pay attention. For those reasons and millions more am I thankful. Please take a moment to realize your finite capabilities as an individual and then be grateful for knowing that your capabilities are so much more when you realize you're not in it alone. 

Thanking you and very grateful,
Tajma Stetson
Miss Gay Missouri America 2022