Vivian's Voice - May 2024

Time seems to be moving at a rapid pace. One day flying by after another. I have been trying to balance my life, devoting time and effort to all avenues: my husband and son, my fur babies, my business, Miss Gay Missouri, bookings, keeping up my house and laundry, friendships, family & of course self-care. It seems like a lot, but someone once told me not to get overwhelmed and just to focus on one thing at a time. It works for me most of the time lol.

​I am also a list maker, and it makes me feel accomplished to check things off of my list. One of those things on my list was my first official photo shoot as Miss Gay Missouri America. It was with a dear friend of mine; her name is Lura Landis. Fun fact, she has done my headshots every single time I have competed at MGMA and most of them winning "Most Photogenic". She is located in Saint Joseph, MO and has her own photography business. She has always made me feel comfortable and confident. We like to say we make magic together and the photos are proof of that. I couldn't be happier with how they turned out and I am excited to collaborate with other photographers and get as many photo shoots in as possible while I reign.

It's such an amazing thing to accomplish something you have wanted for so long. You feel validated and appreciated. You pay attention to who congratulates you and I hate to say it but even those that don't, my advice is don't. Nourish the relationships and people that truly matter, the ones that you never have to question their intentions. Also, get out of your own head. Trust and believe from someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, in your head sometimes is the worst place to be. That is one of the reasons why I feel I was triumphant this year. I was focused. I saw a quote and it truly spoke to me. It was "What could you accomplish if you got out of your own way". So much of my life everyone would say such encouraging things to me, and I would never believe them. I had to believe it myself. Once I did that, I got out of my own way and magic happened. The crown happened.
I am so excited for what is coming! Pride month is almost here, and I will be making appearances at Kansas City Pride, Warrensburg Pride & Saint Louis Pride. I am also excited to speak at the Promo Gala in Saint Louis. In case you didn't know, Promo is Missouri's statewide LGBTQ+ Advocacy organization.

They confront systemic inequities to liberate the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and oppression. They want Missouri to be a state in which LGBTQ+ people and every demographic to be valued and thriving with equality. That is definitely something I support, and I am so honored to be able to represent Missouri and speak at their gala.
Another thing I have planned for June is to be on one of my best friend's podcast. Her name is Kelly Evans, and she has a true-crime podcast that is widely popular. In honor of pride month, she is going to cover the story of Matthew Shepard. I will be her co-host. It's called Mama Mystery and can be streamed on almost any streaming platform. I usually listen on Spotify. So, keep a lookout!

​Miss Gay Missouri America is out and about and spreading love, kindness, and pride!

Until next time, my dears.
Love always,
The 50th,
Vivian Versace