There are few experiences like attending your first drag pageant. The rise of Drag Race and the ability of the internet to disseminate information have helped increase awareness of the arts of gender illusion, spreading slang globally and letting even the ostensibly squarest of the square learn the difference between a kiki and a brunchtervention. But there are so many elements of drag herstory that you’ve got to do your homework on if you want to be informed, and the tradition of the pageant goes way back. The annual Miss Gay Tennessee USofA pageant is an epic throwdown, and with 2016’s Miss Gay USofA Aurora Sexton presiding, you have a chance to see a storied ritual (Miss Gay USofA goes back 30-plus years) that embraces the evening wear, swimsuits and talent arrays of classic Atlantic City grandeur while looking forward to a future where heels define no gender and destiny is represented by a tear-stained tiara. For registration information, email aurora@usofa.org. For reservations and scheduling, call 931-979-2067. JASON SHAWHAN
Miss Gay TN USofA 2017 Pageant
