VIVIAN'S VOICE - JANUARY 2025

Well, we started off January taking a break from it all in Cancun, Mexico and it was LOVELY. It was nice to get away from all the news and disconnect for a while. I was fully planning on going to Miss Gay America a bronze goddess with a fresh tan but a lot of the days were overcast so I ended up getting like no color but I was thankful for the mental break. We made it back home and within a couple days we left for nationals.
It was my first time at Miss Gay America as a contestant. I had dreamt of this for so long. Never did I realize I would actually be there competing let alone being there with my husband and my son. I was lucky to also have one of my dearest sisters, Miss Priscilla dressing me which is a full circle moment as I dressed her for her first time competing at MGA. They say drag and pageantry can be like a chosen family and it truly is. My son loves uncle "Scilla" or "Per-Scilla" and they played video games and bantered back and forth, you never know what's gonna come out of Krews's mouth lol. I was also lucky enough to have two dear friends from home that came to support me. My friend's Gabe and Dylan. It was so nice to have some familiar faces in the audience and they also took Krew out for a day on the town the day I had talent and they went to a discovery center, out to eat and of course Krew came back with some toys. He's so spoiled. Krew isn't the biggest fan of drag so he was thankful for a break. KC Sunshine, former Mr. Gay America, was there and he and Krew had some re-lay races in the lobby of the event center. Dan Rhinehart, from Deejers Designs, had a booth with different items for sale and he let Krew make a couple pens that you could decorate with different beads, free of charge (thanks!). We went to the zoo on one of the days and Liz Anya came with us and Krew loves Aunt Liz! She was there dressing Veronika Versace but also unknowingly helped a lot with Krew. It was just so nice for my friends and colleagues to treat my son with such kindness and help entertain him as I was competing. It took a lot of stress off of me as a parent and I am thankful for such beautiful people that feel like family.

Congratulations to #49 my masculine butch dude, Akasha Royale on winning best opening at MGA! 2 years in a row Missouri has won this award (lol! no pressure for me).

I met so many wonderful talented queens and it was an amazing experience. I went in with no goals or expectations as it was my first time and I just wanted to have a good time and that's what I did! We even stayed to see history in the making and watched Miss Gay America Femme. So cool! Congratulations to your new Miss Gay America, Ivy Dripp! Just stunning from head to toe the entire competition. Congratulations also to your new and the first, Miss Gay America Femme, Naomi St. James! Absolutely gorgeous! Then after a week it was back to reality. There is a sense of accomplishment when you're Miss Gay Missouri that you feel after nationals. You want to do well and represent to your fullest but also fulfill your duties and I was happy to do just that.

I then had my second to last preliminary, Miss Gay City of Fountains and this was one of my favorite preliminaries to witness. It might seem cliche but when asked what the Miss Gay America system wants to see they reply with "you". Show us who you are. Tell us your story. Why are you here etc. one of the contestants did just that. She had a vulnerable story and a bit of a language barrier but she spoke of such substance and ended up with the victory! She just was unapologetically herself and had a good time and that's what matters. It shows through everything you do. Congratulations to your new Miss Gay City of Fountains, Chola Reyes and her first alternate Nicolette Kilz! Also congratulations to my dear friend, Chad Salmans on a beautiful first preliminary! Excited to see you both at state.

​February is next with one prelim to go (Miss Gay Mid-Missouri America) and a little more than one month left in my reign. When I think about it I get emotional. I don't want it to end but I know it has to. Plans are in motion for my step down and as I am excited to crown our 51st symbol of excellence, it's bittersweet. We just released a teaser with the theme and some information.  Check it out in my Facebook or in the MGMA 2025 info section.

I'll be soaking up the time I have left and hopefully I've left a mark...a beauty mark, on the face of Miss Gay Missouri America. Til next time my loves...

Viv
The 50th