JULY: Hot. Hot. Hot. That’s the only way I can describe the month of July—and the work we’ve been putting in to prepare for the start of prelim season! Not only is July my birthday month, but it was also the last month of no prelims before my preliminary season kicked off leading into the national pageant in January. Knowing the next six months will be the busiest of my reign, I treated July as a chance to slow down, refocus, and recenter myself on my goals before we really turn up the heat.

As many of you know, one of the biggest goals of my reign is to remain visible. That means not only being booked across the state, but also staying approachable and available to entertainers who call Missouri home. This month, I leaned into that by starting a small Facebook Live series focused on helping potential contestants feel more comfortable with the America system and maybe even inspired to run for a city prelim title this year. I remember when I first started competing in the America system—not that long ago—I was terrified I wouldn’t have the money or the connections to “run with the big dogs,” so to speak. I remember the hesitations of navigating such rocky, unfamiliar territory, and how much I just wanted someone to say, let me help. Through these Facebook Lives, I was able to answer questions, share my own experiences, and connect entertainers with people who could help them on their journeys.

Funny enough, Miss Gay Springfield America was the very first pageant I ever ran for in the America system. This month, I was fortunate enough to return to Springfield and MIX Ultralounge for a little show. Springfield—and the owner of MIX, Jeremy Kirkland—have always been so good to me, and it was wonderful to spend some much-needed time with good friends, my parents, and my precious niece. I’ll be back in Springfield in late November for the 50th Anniversary Miss Gay Springfield America, promoted by Vince Edwards, Ruby Diamond, Autumn Holiday, and Daniel Stone. It promises to be a massive celebration, and I can’t wait to cheer on my good Judy, Miss Priscilla, as she steps down from her role as the 49th Miss Gay Springfield America.

The approach of prelim season is always bittersweet—I know the real work is about to begin, but it also means my reign is already almost halfway over. Time has flown, no doubt about it—not only in my drag life but also in my personal life. I was blessed to celebrate my 31st birthday at the end of the month with my love and dear friends in St. Louis, surrounded by the drag community in my new home. Receiving messages from entertainers, friends, family, and even complete strangers had me feeling so loved as I step into another trip around the sun.

And that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it? Connection. Love. Joy. Celebration. That’s why we do this—it’s definitely why I do this. As I prepare for prelim season beginning next month, I encourage everyone to head into August remembering why you chose to do what you’re doing. Sometimes those reminders of our passions and goals are exactly the fire we need to keep moving forward—so let’s keep going.

AUGUST: Summer may be winding down, but prelim season is just heating up!

It’s been pedal to the metal, and I’m thrilled to say I have my very first prelim as the 51st Miss Gay Missouri America under my belt. All the preparation, planning, and behind-the-scenes work came together with all the pomp and circumstance I could have hoped for. August was also a big month outside of drag as I traveled to Fort Worth, Texas for a theatrical design contract with Stage West Theatre—but more on that in a moment.

First, let’s talk about Kansas City and the Miss Gay City of Fountains America preliminary, beautifully promoted by Chad Salmans. Not only was it special to be back in my hometown, but I also had the chance to meet new faces and reconnect with longtime friends. I’ll admit—I was nervous. Prelims are such an important part of a successful MGMA reign, and while I trusted my abilities, I wanted to rise to the expectations of everyone involved. But as I’ve said before, the MGMA family truly is a family. With support from my sisters Vivian Versace (MGMA 2024) and Tajma Stetson (MGMA 2022), dear friends like Reba Lamkey and Tyson Huff-Garza, and board members like Lexus Chaney (MGMA 2000), I felt encouraged every step of the way.

The night was a success. We crowned the very first city titleholder of the 2026 class, Nikolette Kilz, and welcomed her first alternate, Nadine Darling, both of whom impressed with their passion and drive. Watching them reminded me of the excitement that fuels this system, and I can’t wait to see what they bring to the MGMA stage in March.

While in Kansas City, I also had the joy of performing at Missie B’s for KC Sunshine’s Sunshine Saturdays. Sharing the stage with Mr. Gay America 2022 was a true highlight, and the hospitality from KC and my Kansas City sisters was unmatched. I’ll be back on October 19th for Miss Gay Kansas City America, where we’ll add another contestant to the 2026 class!

Outside of pageantry, I headed to Fort Worth for a lighting design contract with Stage West Theatre’s area premiere of Fat Ham. This sharp, funny play parallels Shakespeare’s Hamlet through the lens of Juicy, a queer Black protagonist, and I highly recommend seeing it if you get the chance. Returning to DFW, where I studied at TCU and began my design career, was both nostalgic and inspiring. Sharing those memories with my partner, Hallie, made the trip even more meaningful.

As August came to a close, I found myself reflecting with gratitude—for opportunities, friendships old and new, family, love, and the exciting months ahead. Being the 51st Miss Gay Missouri America has not only opened doors but also sparked a hunger for growth and challenge. With just under five months until the national stage, the climb has begun, and I couldn’t be more eager for the summit.

As always, with love and respect,

Penelope Booze
51st Miss Gay Missouri America

​Another Pride Month has come and gone, and despite the challenges we continue to face as a community, Missouri shone brightly with love, unity, and fierce celebration. From special appearances and performances to crisscrossing the state and diving into preparations for nationals, this month has been a whirlwind—and a beautiful one at that.

​June began with a splash—literally—in Kansas City, where I joined many of my Miss Gay Missouri sisters for KC Pride. If you follow me on TikTok or Facebook, you probably caught a glimpse of my soggier side as the rain poured down during the festivities. But honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. That weekend gave me more than just a funny story to tell future titleholders—it gave me the chance to bring joy and resilience to paradegoers who might’ve thought their Pride was rained out. It was a reminder that even under gray skies, our community radiates light. I closed the day performing at Missie B’s alongside Miss Missouri sisters Vivian Versace (50th MGMA), Lexus Chaney (27th MGMA), and Melinda Ryder (10th MGMA), celebrating the birthdays of Miss Gay Kansas City America promoters, Lexus Chaney and Thomas Hall.

Next stop: Springfield. Celebrating in the city where I began my drag journey and built my chosen family was a full-circle moment. Hosting part of the Main Stage at Ozarks Pridefest, surrounded by the cheers of an audience of all ages and demographics, filled me with gratitude and hope. I left with a full heart—and a box full of gifts and trinkets from young attendees and first-time Pride goers. Those moments will live with me long after my reign.

Joplin was next, where I partnered once again with the incredible team behind JOMO Pride. This organization has become more than a community partner—it’s become family. JOMO has played a huge role in shaping me as both a performer and an advocate. This year’s fundraiser show included some of Joplin’s favorite entertainers—and I was honored to share the stage with my partner and the love of my life, Devorah the Doll. There is nothing like sharing your passion and your purpose with someone who shares your heart.

We wrapped up this unforgettable month in St. Louis for PrideFest 45. From shows at some of our favorite venues to reconnecting with longtime friends and fellow entertainers, our time in St. Louis was vibrant and affirming. But the true highlight was riding in the parade downtown. Seeing the streets lined with familiar faces—and strangers turned supporters—cheering side by side reminded me what Pride is really about: visibility, joy, and unity in action.
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But Pride isn’t confined to a single month. Our existence, our power, and our beauty don’t vanish come July 1st. We are a vibrant, resilient, and diverse tapestry of individuals who belong in every room and at every table—not just during Pride Month, but every day of the year.

As your 51st Miss Gay Missouri America, I will continue to use my platform to encourage others to speak boldly, live authentically, and demand their seat at the table. We each have the right to shape the world we want to live in—and it begins by deciding that silence is not an option.

So as we move forward, let’s carry the spirit of Pride with us. Let’s celebrate like it’s June 1st every single day.

As always, with love and respect,

Penelope Booze
51st Miss Gay Missouri America

Time truly flies when you're doing what you love! It's hard to believe we're just over two months into my reign as Miss Gay Missouri America. The past month has been a whirlwind—filled with national pageants, performances across the state, the announcement of our preliminary contests, and preparations for what’s sure to be an incredible Pride Month

One of the standout moments this month was attending the Miss Gay USofA National Pageant, where the radiant Jade Perez was crowned. It was a wonderful experience—surrounded by fierce talent, new friends, and unforgettable memories. I was fortunate to share time with my dear friends Athena Sinclair and Tre Levell, and of course, our reigning Miss Gay America, Ivy Dripp. Being in the company of such powerful artists and trailblazers reminded me of an important truth: the world is what you make it. Keep your foot on the gas, and don’t wait for permission to chase your dreams.

That idea—of showing up boldly and unapologetically — has been at the heart of my reign from day one. My personal mantra, "There’s Always A Seat At The Table," is a call to action for anyone who dreams of something more. Whether you're brand new to the stage or a seasoned entertainer, you deserve to take your seat and claim your space. I was fortunate enough to see that mantra come to life at the Ozark PrideFest Pageant, where I had the honor of judging several first-time competitors. Watching these emerging entertainers step into the spotlight was incredibly moving. Offering feedback and encouragement reminded me that building the future of drag means doing more than talking the talk—it means creating real opportunities, lifting up new voices, and making space at the table for the next generation of leaders.

Outside of the spotlight, I’ve also been working to strike a healthier balance between my duties as Miss Gay Missouri America and my personal life. As someone who thrives on structure and goals, it’s easy to get swept up in the work. But this month, I intentionally made time for rest and connection. I celebrated my partner Hallie’s graduation from Missouri State's photography program, spent quality time with my one-year-old niece, and joined friends in St. Louis to celebrate the birthday of the incomparable Avery C. Lauren. These moments filled my cup and reminded me why this balance is so important—not just for my reign, but for my mental and emotional well-being.

Now, all eyes are on Pride Month—the Gay Super Bowl, if you will! I encourage each of you to get out, show up, and make your voices heard. Pride is more than a celebration—it's a statement, a movement, and a responsibility. Whether you march in a parade, amplify your favorite LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations, or simply show kindness in your everyday interactions—every action matters. We need each other now more than ever.

So as we head into June, let’s lead with love, lift each other up, and remember that unity is our greatest strength.

As always, with love and respect,

Penelope Booze
51st Miss Gay Missouri America

Hello Missouri—and Happy Spring!

As warmer weather approaches and my first 30 days as Miss Gay Missouri America come to a close, I felt it was time to officially introduce myself and let you know what I’ve been up to. It has already been a whirlwind experience—one that my team and I were fully prepared for. We’ve taken that momentum and launched our flight toward Miss Gay America 2026, as well as the exciting journey to crown the next Miss Gay Missouri America next spring.

Let’s start with introductions. I was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, for most of my life before moving to Texas for college in 2016. From a young age, my life was filled with music and the performing arts, which eventually led to a full career as a choreographer, designer, and performer in the world of theatre and dance. I still work in that field today as a freelance theatrical lighting, scenic, and visual designer for entertainment venues and theatres across the country. But it wasn’t until I moved to Orlando and saw drag for the first time that I fell deeply in love with the art form. After that—well, as they say, the rest is history. When I moved back to Missouri during the pandemic, I continued to build my brand and develop the persona that is Penelope Booze.

Fast forward a few years, and we arrive at March 2024, when I made my first attempt at the Miss Gay Missouri crown. That year, I gained invaluable insight—not only about my drag, goals, and dreams, but also about myself as a person. I learned how to build a team as driven as I was, how to apply feedback effectively, and how to present the best version of myself through a personal pageant package. Applying all of that knowledge to this year’s pageant led to my being crowned the 51st Miss Gay Missouri America—and we haven’t slowed down since.

I asked our promoters to remember that “There’s Always a Seat at the Table” with Miss Gay Missouri America. I believe that anyone who wants to be Miss Missouri can be—if they’re ready to put in the work it takes to show their best self. I don’t want anyone to think they can’t be Miss Missouri because they don’t have the “right” look, or they’re nervous about interview, or they don’t have a perfected talent. It’s my goal this year to ensure that anyone with the desire to be Miss Missouri has access to the tools or connections they need to prepare for that job.

On a broader scale, if we’re going to stand against the bigotry and injustice that we will no doubt face in the coming months and years, we’ll need all the help we can get. We need as many people at the “table” as possible—to plan, to speak out, to protest, to legislate, and to be visible. Pageants and Miss Missouri may seem like a small part of that equation, but I intend to use every ounce of my platform to make as much noise as possible—with as many contestants, promoters, and patrons as I can. By growing Miss Gay Missouri America—by increasing the interest and attendance at our prelims and events—we send a clear message: we are here, and we’re not going anywhere.

I look forward to sharing all the exciting things we have planned for this year in the weeks and months to come—and I hope to see you somewhere around our great state of Missouri very soon!

Until then, with much love and respect,
Penelope Booze
51st Miss Gay Missouri America