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Tisha Towers Goes to Miss Gay America 2010 On Tuesday, l I flew out of Baltimore and had a overlay in Chicago where my departure plane was a little comuter plane. I was ok with that until the flight attendent came on over speaker and said she need 3 people from row 3 to move to row 15 to ballance out the plane but thanks to United Air, they got us there safely. Then I took a $47.50 cab ride to the Millennum Hotel which was a beautiful place. Wednesday was registration for contestants where I met some great people and some people I wish never to meet again. I was in group 3 where I had male interview at 2 oclock that day then had the rest of the night off. On Thursday had talent and wow these ladies really brought great talent this year. On Friday was evening gown and solo talent and some of the money these ladies spent on talent I could have bought a trailer, Saturday we had off and fortunate for me I had a dear friend that lived 4 blocks from the hotel so I got a tour of the city from a local. Sunday was final night and top 10 thank God I did not make top 10 because my feet were saying like Cher "take me home take me home"! To the guys that made the top 10 you deserved it because you brought your A game. My highlight of the week was Thursday night when Vicky Vinson was doing a Miss Gay America tribute and the question she was asking was who was the origjnal owner of Miss Gay America? After everybody yelling Norma Christie, Norma Christie, Norma Christie and after Vick saying No, not, next, try again etc there was complete silence. So I stood up and all spot lights were on me and I said contestant #47 says Mr Gerry Petes. The audience sat there in aww while Larry and Terry stood and applaud so I went the stage a retreved my prize which was the documentury of the pagent which by the way if you havent seen it you should. I would love to go back to watch the pageant but as a contestant never! I may not be what they are looking for in a Miss Gay America but I do know the history. Love Laughter and Duct Tape.... Tisha Towers Miss Gay Delaware America 2009

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Congratulations to our new Miss Gay Delaware America, Tisha Towers!

Saturday's pageant for my farewell and the crowning of our new representative totally exceeded my expectations and I could not have asked for a better end to such an exciting year! Thanks to Scott and Barry for putting together a top-notch evening of entertainment, and also to all those folks who helped turn Christiana Fire Hall into our “Evening at the Speakeasy”. It was a memorable evening full of camaraderie with family, friends and 'sisters', both past and present. The crowd was awesome and I have heard nothing but good things about the whole evening. Victoria DePaula was a joy to have here during our pageant weekend, and she touched many hearts in our great state!

Our three contestants pulled it out and did a fabulous job. Kudos to Janelle Collins as 1st alternate, who will also be going on to MGA, and to Natasha Rose as 2nd alternate, who dazzled everyone by winning the presentation award in her sultry “speakeasy attire”. I can't wait to see the video, as I was only able to view part of the competition and entertainment!

I look forward to working with Scott and Barry and the new additions to our MGDA family in keeping our momentum going, as they prepare to represent us at MGA in October, once again to be held in St Louis, MO.

I express heartfelt appreciation to all those who made my year a memory to treasure, and wish our new representatives best of luck as they continue to strive for excellence. I remain yours, with Love, Lashes and Lipstick always…


Karyn Thomas
MGDA 2008

Karyn’s Quill

October 2008-MGA Experience

What an amazing month October started out to be!  October 5th brought me to the Purple Parrot to perform at the MAC Viva La Viva Glam AIDS benefit, which was a fun experience for a great cause, and raised $920!  Thanks to Kelly Monroe Douglas and Roxy for including me!  After that, I popped into Cloud 9 to wish Sierra Spaulding best of luck during her benefit before we both headed out to St Louis for MGA.  Monday morning at 10am brought the start of our travels as my promoters, Scott and Barry, came up to load the van with an assortment of costumes, props and me.  Since I had started to get a cold on Saturday, they were wonderful in doing all the driving and providing me with tissues and pop-tarts for the trip, LOL.  We split the trip into 2 days, stopping in Columbus, OH for a good night’s rest before arriving on Tuesday around 2:30pm at the Millennium Hotel, where my wonderful friend and dresser, Keith, was already waiting for us.  Tuesday night was spent relaxing, unpacking and catching up with friends.

Wednesday morning at 10am was our 1st daily contestant meeting where we drew numbers embossed on beautiful commemorative plaques, to see which group we would be in.  I originally drew #43, but switched with my daughter, Jade Sinclair, who wanted to be in group 3, so I became contestant #22.  Day one for my group was talent and getting to know some of the fellow contestants in my group.  I met so many wonderful people, that it would be impossible to list them all here, but I was fortunate enough to be in the group with some of our area girls, many who made top 10, including Tatiyanna Voche and Sue Nami from MD, Alexis Matteo, Coti Collins who placed top 3, and the ultimate winner, Victoria DePaula.  Talent competition went well, but seemed to be over in a flash and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Gene and Vinny for being my master puppeteers, making “Cindy” and “Susie” come to life!

Day 2 brought evening gown and solo talent competition, which for me, were the most fun categories.  I got many compliments on my modeling and look for evening gown and also some great comments on my “Reba” impersonation for solo.  

After a grueling 2 days as Karyn, I was able to spend my 3rd day of competition in boy attire during male interview competition and onstage walk-on that evening, so I was able to get some rest that day and try to kick the cold that had been plaguing me all week.  The interview went well for me, and as usual I was a little too soft spoken, but the judges felt I answered my questions confidently.  Day 4, which was a free day for the contestants, brought more rest and the MGA review show that evening.  During the day, we received our critiques from the judges and it was great to hear what they thought of our 3 days of competition.  My critiques went very well I thought—most of the comments made by the judges were items I was aware of, so there were no blatant surprises. That evening we got to see many of the former titleholders perform, which was a treat.  Also that evening, they announced group category winners and I was thrilled when my daughter Jade was announced as talent winner for her group.

By Sunday, my cold was in full force and I had pulled my back out coughing and felt like I was walking like granny from the “Beverly Hillbillies” LOL.  As they say, “the show must go on”, so I persevered and was able to keep my chin up during our opening parade of contestants.  As we all eagerly awaited announcement of the top 10, I knew in my heart that I was happy with the package I brought and enjoyed the experience, no matter what the outcome would be.   After the announcement of top 10, I was somewhat relieved not to be included, as I knew that I would probably not be up to performing at my best if I had been announced.  After reading all the judges comments, I was able to see areas of improvement and although I was someone disappointed in placing 42nd, I was happy for many of the girls I had spent time with during the week and did not envy the judges their tough job with all the wonderful variety of talents the week brought.  All the girls not making top 10 displayed good sportsmanship and we all were anxious to see who of the 10 would be named the ultimate victor.  Once again I was elated and proud that my daughter, Jade, had made 10 top, later placing 7th overall--a wonderful achievement for only her 2nd  time there.  I know MGA 2009, Victoria DePaula, will do an amazing job, and I look forward to working with her again in March when I crown MGD 2009.

Sadly, Monday morning the week of glamour and glitz came to an end as everyone was saying their goodbyes and packing up vans, u-hauls, and getting to the airport.  Our drive home was somewhat somber, as most of us had gotten a cold at some point during the week, and Scott and Barry were wonderful, making the 14 hour drive in one day so I could spend the night in my own bed and rest up before heading back to work on Wednesday.  Thanks to Barry for missing an exit when I remembered that poor “Cindy” and “Susie” were left in the room and thanks to Jade for rescuing them for me as we made our way back to pick them up before continuing our journey home.

All in all, MGA was an experience I will never forget, and it was wonderful to share the stage with so many talented performers, some old friends and some new.   I wish special thank you’s to Eric and Scott for traveling out to cheer me on and to Robin Banks for all her encouragement during my preparations. I send special congratulations and thanks for their support out to my fellow area performers; Sierra Spaulding, Miss D’Meaner, Christina Kelley, Tatiyanna Voche and Sue Nami.  I hope I get to work with you again soon!  Also special thanks for their support and encouragement throughout the week to Champagne Douglas and Duwanna Moore and a special thanks to Victoria Dominatrix and Hellin Bed for our chats on the porch during cigarette breaks LOL.  Much love also goes out to Gene and Vinny, the best friends and puppeteers in the world, and to Keith for being the ultimate dresser and friend, despite catching my cold.  Also thanks to Scott and Barry for their driving skills (only one near miss, Scott—you know I had to bring that up after you joked about it, LOL), door decorating skills and encouragement throughout the week.

Keep watching www.missgayamerica.com for pictures and info about the entire event, and I will try to get pics out on myspace as soon as I get some.  For now I will be taking a short break to recover from the trip and my cold and will next appear on October 26th at Halloween Bingo-a-go-go at Cranston Heights Fire Hall—tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to get them in advance.  I plan to enjoy the remainder of my reign as MDGA performing throughout the area and recruiting potential contestants for the Miss Gay Delaware America 2009 pageant, to be held on March 28, 2009.  Check out www.missgaydelawareamerica.com to view my schedule and watch for information on next March’s MGDA, or drop me a note at www.myspace.com/karynthomas.  

The question I have received most since returning home is “will you go back?” Well, nothing is ever out of the realm of possibility, but for now I will focus on fulfilling my reign as MGD 2008 and after that, who knows....  Until next time, lots of love, lashes and lipstick!

Karyn Thomas
MGDA 2008

 
Karyn’s Quill

September 2008

Where did the summer go?  As the warm days wind down, we look forward to the days of Fall (my favorite time of year) when you never know whether you need shorts or a jacket!  Kids are back in school and we start to think about the upcoming holidays that will be here before you know it.  Can you believe some stores are already putting out Christmas trees!  It’s also the culmination of pageant season, and as I write this, I am taking a break from getting organized and packing for Miss Gay America, which is less than a week away! Packing for 7 days for 2 people can be overwhelming, LOL.  I’m so looking forward to sharing in that experience with all my fellow contestants, connecting with old friends and meeting new ones!

August and September brought more performances at area clubs, a bingo event and several benefit shows to help me raise money toward the many expenses associated with spending a week of competition in St Louis, MO.  Thanks to the Wilmington girls for their support at Baxters, and to Tisha Towers and the Bird Cage Bad girls at Purple Parrot for all their support, and to the many well-wishers too!   September brought the opportunity to perform at the Delaware Pride Festival in Rehoboth, and for the 1st time since I have been attending, the weather was gorgeous all day!  Of course, for the “girls”, it did get a bit warm being in all our “regalia”, but I had a blast performing and spending time in the crowd handing out Skittles, LOL.

For the 1st 6 months of my reign as Miss Gay Delaware America, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and for the past few weeks my focus has been on getting ready to represent us at Miss Gay America.  For all the details on what lies ahead for the 48 qualified contestants who will be competing Oct 8-12, check out www.missgayamerica.com, but here’s a brief outline of what will happen.  On Wed Oct 8 we will all meet at the Millenium Hotel in downtown St. Louis and be assigned our contestant numbers and group.  That will tell us when we will be performing in the various categories at our given time over the next 3 days; which will be male interview, evening gown/solo talent, and talent.   We will not know our order until Oct 8.  On Saturday Oct 11, we will all attend a revue show to see entertainment by former Miss Gay America’s, and the reigning MGA, Mikaila Kay.  On October 12, all contestants will be introduced in an opening theme and the top 10 placers during the previous competition days will be announced—wish me luck that I am one!  Those 10 contestants will then compete again in talent, evening gown, and an on-stage question.  At the end of the evening, Miss Gay America 2009 will be crowned!

After the grueling, but I’m sure fun week, it will be time to head back home.  On October 26th I will be at the Halloween Bingo-a-go-go event, and enjoy the remainder of my reign as MDGA performing throughout the area, and will be posting events and announcements regarding the upcoming Miss Gay Delaware America 2009 pageant, which is slated to be held on March 28, 2009.  Check out www.missgaydelawareamerica.com to view my upcoming appearances and watch for information on next March’s MGDA, or drop me a note at www.myspace.com/karynthomas. 

Right now it’s back to packing and preparing for the Viva la Viva Glam MAC AIDS benefit show at Purple Parrot on Sunday, Oct 5 before heading out to St. Louis on Monday!  Also on Sunday I will be stopping by Cloud 9 to wish Sierra Spaulding best of luck at her benefit show, as she also prepares to head to MGA.   Until next time when I will report on my experience at MGA, lots of love, lashes and lipstick!

Karyn Thomas
MGDA 2008

 

Karyn's Quill

July 2008

I can't believe it's been 3 months since my last newsletter—where does the time go? It's been a great spring and summer so far, but very hectic. I had the opportunity to perform at Cloud 9 in May and have also enjoyed performing at Blue Moon and Purple Parrot. Thanks to Miss Peaches, Miss Mona Lotts and Miss Tisha Towers and their audiences for making me feel so welcome in their clubs. May also brought back the return of the Miss Wilmington contest, and I was able to perform with long-time friend and pageant owner Robin Banks—congratulations to Anita Mann for capturing that title! I also had the opportunity to perform at several of Nude Rain Productions' Pride Idols this year at Baxters, culminating in the final event in July with Jerry and Karla doing a superb job—who would have thought picking the best karaoke singer would be just as difficult as judging a pageant, but they really pulled out the costumes and displayed their stage presence and vocal abilities. Congratulations to Jerry for his win; as I look forward to seeing him perform at the Pride festival in September (be sure to check out the website for info on the festival, with headliner Tiffany, at www.delawarepride.org).

Congratulations to Miss D'Meaner on her win at Miss Mid-Atlantic America and thank you to Zippy for inviting me to entertain. I was not able to attend our other area MGA prelims for Miss PA and Miss DC due to scheduling conflicts, but I wish all our area winners the best of luck as they also prepare for Miss Gay America coming up Oct 8-12 in St Louis.

In June I was able to travel to VA Beach to promote our state and perform at the In Between club with some sisters from way back--Toni Miquels and Deana Brandel, a new sister--Miranda B Michaels, and got to meet some of the local girls there and had a blast! The 3+ hour drive from Scott & Barry's hopefully prepared them for being stuck in a car with me for 14 hours when we do our drive to St Louis in Oct!

This past weekend I attended the 36th Miss Gay Missouri America pageant in St Louis, where my "daughter", Jade Sinclair, was giving up her title. The Missouri America system is rich in tradition and their winner from 1974 makes an appearance every year, along with several other formers. Jade had a very successful reign, making each contestant feel like one of her children, and I give props to her for her dedication to the artform. Twenty-eight contestants competed over a 3-day period and Sparkle Iman became the victor, with Tabbi Katt placing 1st alternate. I look forward to seeing them both, as well as Jade (who recently won Miss Heart of America) at MGA. While there, I got to meet Larry and Terry, the owners of Miss Gay America, and they went out of their way to make me feel welcome, introducing me to other promoters in the audience. Reigning Miss Gay America Mikaila Kay did a great job entertaining, all the while overseeing the 3 days of competition. I'm sure she did not get much rest, but it never showed. MGM promoter Tumara Mahorning was very gracious and asked me to do a walk on and give out an award on final night, so it was very nice to have an official introduction to the St Louis audience. I have formed many friendships out there over the years visiting Jade, and I'm looking forward to seeing friendly faces in the audience when I compete there in October, along with those from DE who are traveling to cheer me on!

It is hard to believe that MGA is only a little over 2 months away. I continue to work on preparations and look forward to upcoming performances, Bingo-a-go-go, the Aids Walk and the Delaware Pride Festival. Check out www.missgaydelawareamerica.com to view my upcoming appearances and watch for information on next March's MGDA 2009 (plans are currently in the works), or drop me a note at www.myspace.com/karynthomas.

Until next time, lots of love, lashes and lipstick!

Karyn Thomas
MGDA 2008

It's been a whirl-wind month since winning Miss Gay Delaware America 2008! Thank you to everyone who made the event so much fun and such a success. To Sierra Spaulding and Miss Deception, congratulations on a job well done-- looking forward to working with you both this year! To Miss D'Meaner, congratulations on a great year and continued success as you strives toward the title of Miss Gay America. Since winning the title, I have had to opportunity to re-connect with some old friends and meet many new ones. I had the pleasure to perform the day after the contest at the Purple Parrot with Mikaila Kay--Miss Gay America, who is an amazingly talented performer, as well as former Miss Gay America--Maya Montana, Blair Michaels, Phoenix, and my co-promoter Miranda Bryant (Scott Ross). The evening was a great start to what I know will be a year full of fun! I also had the opportunity to work at Purple Parrot to help a fellow sister, Tisha Towers, raise money to compete for the title of Miss USA Classique in Hickory, NC. (Tisha did a great job, winning talent, and came in 6th overall). The next day it was off to perform at the Miss Gay Maryland America contest at the Hippo in Baltimore, MD. The evening was full of glamour and elegance, and I was able to achieve a milestone in my 20-year career by performing on-stage there. When I first started performing, a group of us would drive down to see the contest every year and be enthralled by Beulah LaMont and the entertainment we saw, so I truly felt I had arrived appearing on that stage. This past weekend was a show at Blue Moon with the fabulous Mona Lotts, who I always enjoy performing with—the crowd is fun and Tim and the staff at the Blue Moon treat everyone with great respect. I look forward to many more performances there. April 26th was Pajama Party Bingo-a-go-go in Wilmington, and I look forward to helping at the bingo events remaining for 2008. On May 4th I was lucky enough to grace the stage with many old friends at the Miss Gay Wilmington contest, owned and promoted by Robin Banks—my sister of more than 20 years. Anita Mann captured the title and Chloe Susan Auld, as 1st alternate, and Samantha Diamond both did a great job, as well. The girls brought many facets of entertainment to the contest—character illusions, Broadway recreations, and even a live vocal performance. I look forward to performing at Cloud 9 on May 11, then will enjoy a much needed week-long vacation in sunny Miami. I return Memorial Day weekend to a show on 5/23 at Blue Moon, and then "Ho Down" Bingo-a-go-go on May 24 at the Convention Center in Rehoboth; be sure to come out and see us Memorial Day weekend to support Delaware Pride, AIDS Delaware, and the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware.

Since capturing MDGA 2008, I've been busy working on costumes and ideas to improve my performances in St Louis, MO on October 8-12, where I plan to represent our great state and hope to do us proud. I have been overwhelmed by the response from friends and supporters who plan to travel there to cheer me on. In the mean time, I plan to continue to perform throughout our State, and beyond, to promote the art of female impersonation and the MDGA title. Scott and Barry of Manakin Productions have been wonderful to work with and continue to offer advice and guidance as I pursue excellence in the artform. Please be sure stop by the Miss Gay Delaware America website at www.missgaydelawareamerica.com for information on the pageant. DVD's from the contest are now available, as well. Scott and Barry have pulled me into the 21st century by having me set up a myspace page, so check me out at myspace/karynthomas—I will be updating the page with pictures and upcoming appearances. Until next time, lots of love, lashes and lipstick!

Karyn Thomas
MGDA 2008