Jessica's Journal, Issue No. 1 - Spring 2012

Hello everyone from Miss Gay NC America! Somehow, I never really thought that I would be able to say that title and my name in the same sentence.  It's been eight months and it still doesnt seem real! I've heard so many formers, from the time I started performing as a female, say that winning MGNCA changed their lives. There are things you can believe when people say them and there are things you can choke up as a gimic. I thought both about that statement. How can something change your life so dramatically and so quickly that I couldn't accomplish myself? I'm here to say that winning Miss NC has changed my life forever! In the past eight months I have been able to promote myself so much better than before. I have started working all over the state as well as outside NC in Virginia, South Carolina, DC, and hopefully soon in Cali. The notoriety you are given when you win MGNCA isn't a ticket to success, however, you are given an opportunity to further yourself. If hungry enough, you can be catipulted towards your dreams! If anyone is reading this and wondering about entering the contest, do it! There is no better way to supercharge your career, than to become involved in Miss NC America!

I wasn't really able to grasp the fact that I had won until I crowned my first contestant to take my place, lol. Miss Piedmont America was my first official prelim and was taken by Angela Lopez with first alternate going to Andrea Chocolate Carlisle (what better two contestants could a promoter ask for), and Bruce Bowyer (with co-promoter Brett York) surely knows how to put on a pageant. let me tell you! No expense was spared in the decorating or the prize package, and I am sure both contestants will do an amazing job in August. The next month brought on my next prelim Miss Mecklenburg which was given up by my very good friend Brittney O'Bryan. I felt much more prepared and confident with being an administrator by that point (which is what Miss Gay America is all about- good interview tip). The night went off without a hitch. MGA 2006 Nicole Dubois was a hoot, and another one of my good friends Valarie Rockwell took home the title with Aeisha Paris being first alternate (again, what great contestants).

Well, there are many prelims to go with the last four months of my reign drawing quickly to a close. I am so excited to see what each of the remaining preliminaries brings and which lucky ladies will be competing to be the next queen for a year. We are looking at the possibility of there being 14 prelims this year. This would make us again the largest prelim to MGA! North Carolina has always been a fierce competitor for MGA and I am so ecstatic! We are rising up again as a force to be reckoned with! I still have the program from my sister Emory Starr's give-up last year out in my house. I love to look at the pictures of all the formers and to think that I am a part of that legacy. We are a competition that spans back to 1979 and each symbol of excellence has been a shining beacon throughout the state of NC to encourage excellence in others. There are so many formers and contestants who went on to do great things in the world of female impersonation. Lauren Colby (1st alternate to MGNCA) was MGA in 1986. Tiffany Bonet was MGA in 1992, and has traveled the world as Tina Turner. Kerri Nichols was MGA in 1996, Luscious in 2007 , Coti Collins 2011 (toured the world as Reba McEntire), and the newest sister Kirby Kolby (MGNCA 1996) was crowned MGA this past year--- What a legacy!

Its strange to not be getting ready to compete for MGNCA. When I give up my title, I will have the opportunity to go and pursue my dreams. I sometimes wonder where we will all be in 5, 10, 20 years. What will we all have accomplished, what titles will we have won, who will still be living the life of a female impersonator? I hope I will be one of the lucky ones that goes on to be MGA, and further to star in Vegas and travel the world. Only time will tell. Thank you so much to everyone who have helped me so far, Brian Hemric, Tiffany Storm, Brett York, Gypsy Starr, Lola Lovelace, Emory Starr, Ron Deese, Greg Fulk,  London Dior, Danny Coley and anyone I am forgetting thank you for your help, encouragement, love and support. Well its back to the sewing machine for me, to all promoters and possible contestants lets make this the most amazing competiton thats ever been had in NC as well as the country! Who will be the next Miss Gay NC America 2012?