The Penelope Perspective - JUNE 2025

​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