THE PENELOPE PERSPECTIVE - SEPT 2025

We are getting ready to move into fall—even though the weather doesn’t quite seem to be on board yet. With the start of the season right around the corner, prelim season is officially in full swing here in Missouri! As we begin to build our Class of Qualified Contestants headed to the big dance, I can’t help but reflect on my own pageantry journey and the many ups and downs that came with it.

I was fortunate to take a trip down memory lane as a special guest of Miss Gay Missouri USofA, Roxanna Rexia, and Miss Gay Missouri USofA promoter, Loreal. I began my pageantry journey running for Miss Gay Missouri USofA in 2023, and although I didn’t capture the title—or even place in the Top 10—I learned many of the lessons I needed to shift my trajectory and ultimately find my way to the America system. While in Kansas City, I had the opportunity to watch incredible contestants give their all on stage, each proving they were worthy of one of the highest honors in our state. By the end of the weekend, we celebrated the crowning of our new Miss Gay Missouri USofA, Trashanae Demornay Davenport, along with her First Alternate, Genesis Goes Global.

Traveling across our state has been one of the greatest joys of this crown, this honor, and this reign—especially the opportunity to use my platform to bring awareness and create change within our community. I was able to do just that in Joplin, Missouri, at JOMO Pride for the third consecutive year, but this time as Miss Gay Missouri America. Meeting new people from another corner of our state, performing with entertainers from across the Midwest, and sharing the stage with Anetra from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 is truly an experience that cannot be beat. I was also incredibly grateful to secure JOMO Pride as a corporate sponsor for my Miss Gay America package as we prepare for nationals in just four months.

The final checkpoint of my month was presiding over the Miss Gay St. Louis America preliminary at Prism STL with promoter Jade Sinclair, while also honoring Mary Ann Bright. Another preliminary in the books and two more contestants added to the Class of 2026: Amber Lance Valentino (Miss Gay St. Louis America) and Kaycee Adams (First Alternate). Being able to crown my drag sister and one of my closest friends was an especially sentimental moment and a true reflection of the influence and growth of the America sisterhood here in Missouri.

That sisterhood is one of the many reasons I chose—and continue—to stay with the America system. The legacy, the community, and the feeling of home are unmatched. As the 51st Miss Gay Missouri America, I hope I have continued to share that feeling across our state, inspiring performers to reach for the America crown and see where the journey may take them next.
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My own journey takes me to Kansas City next month for Miss Gay Kansas City.
I hope to see you there!

As always, with love and respect,
Penelope Booze
51st Miss Gay Missouri America