The month of June was cram packed with many incredible events and shows. Kicking it all off was the 1st SoMa Pride in North Little Rock; I was truly honored to be included in the inaugural event and as emcee and host throughout the day! The following weekend Eureka Springs showed out with a stellar weekend full of events taking place throughout the city, and an all-star cast shined all weekend long as they hit the stage at Eureka Live. Next up was yet another historic event for our state: my hometown of Ft. Smith held its first pride event, and we were flooded with love and support from our community. We are looking forward to bringing it back again! It was a very special day, as I was able to perform and host the day as Miss Gay Arkansas in my very own hometown. To SoMa Pride, Eureka Springs Pride, and Ft. Smith Pride – Thank you for giving our communities safety and love during Pride Month. You all have made history, and your work and support does not go unnoticed. WE NEED YOU and we thank you.
Bringing Pride month to a conclusion was the 20th Anniversary of NWA pride! WOW, this was a weekend with friends and family everywhere. The weekend started on Friday with the Trans March and Festival where our community came together and supported our brothers and sisters. State officials, friends, family, and even some MGAR sisters joined in on the event. It is always an amazing sight to see forevers and current contestants coming together for our community. Thank you Forever MGAR Fonda LaFemme for being a guiding light, and thank you to Miss Gay Capital City Lola Lorenz, Miss Gay Ft. Smith Anita Mann, and 1st Alt Miss Gay Ft. Smith Aria Rye for being symbols of excellence in our community. After the march it was time for the festival; the streets were filled with vendors and performances all evening! The show was hosted by Miss Gay Fayetteville Monica Savant and featured an all-trans cast including Kylie Sonique Love from Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars and Monica Beverly Hills from Rupaul’s Drag Race. Ending the night, C4 Nightclub and Lounge hosted The Boys Show featuring Axel Andrews along with AR staples Holland, O’Shea Reed, Abs Hart, and Evan S Kavali. Finally, after very little sleep it was time for the marathon of drag!!! Saturday I had the honor of reading in the youth zone in the morning which was hosted by PollyEsther Foxx. I must say that I am proud to call her mom and see her shine as she sang and performed all day long…..in the AC (but who’s keeping track)! Joining me at the reading was our parade Grand Marshal, and our very own Miss Gay Capital City, Lola Lorenz, who stepped in last minute to ensure a successful event for our youth. Many others came to read and do arts and crafts throughout the day, but for me it was time to hit the main stage along with Taylor Madison Monroe, Maddy Morphosis, Plasma, Fonda LaFemme, and Amour. Being around this group made the heat worth it as we shared so many laughs we forgot all about the heat. Sometimes in life all you can do is laugh at the situation and enjoy it! After the main stage was time for a small break in the hotel room and getting ready for the parade. The parade included our current titleholders Miss Gay Sweetheart Diedra Windsor, Miss Gay Central Rosetta Stoned, Miss Gay Hot Springs Aubi Gold, Miss Gay Little Rock Coppa LeMay, Miss Gay Fayetteville Monica Savant, Miss Gay Ft. Smith Anita Mann, Miss Gay Capital City Lola Lorenz, and 1st Alt Miss Gay Fayetteville Shego Wylde. This year I invited all qualified contestants to join us in the parade to celebrate their achievements throughout our beautiful state.
Every MGAR before me warned me how emotional the NWA Pride Parade would be, and they were right! I was fighting tears of joy and maybe a few tears from sweat in my eyes but regardless an honor! To top it off I was joined by my very own drag children Cakepop D. Rayne and KitCait Rayne leading the way and holding the banner. Now the work was done and it was time for a shower and FOOD! I have to take a moment and give the BIGGEST shout out to the crew I had with me that joined me throughout the hectic day and held doors, umbrellas, fans, and ensured that I made it to the next destination on time and safely. Toni Palmer, KitCait Rayne, Cakepop Rayne, Logan Sloan, and Mark Mitchell, I cannot thank you enough for everything you did and have done throughout this entire year. After some delicious tacos and plenty of water it was time to re-drag and head to Glitterville. Joining Kylie Sonique Love and Plasma once again was an honor, and to be announced by Arkansas’s Legend Maddy Morphosis is such an amazing feeling and milestone that I will cherish forever--even if she did announce me as Miss Gay America (not yet girl, but maybe one day)! Thank you NWA Equality for continuously giving us this incredible weekend filled with love and support! To the clubs, bars and venues all over Arkansas, we thank you and love you!
As full as June was with Pride events, I did manage to squeeze in my weekly and monthly shows across the state and a major highlight and fun time for me was the debut of “Dragtanic” with The Brothers Foxx Production Company at Club Kinkead’s. We had a two night showing of this new, one-of-a-kind show and filled the venue to standing room only. I had the honor of playing Rose alongside many Arkansas favorites and it truly has been a highlight of my month and brought so much fun during a marathon of a month. If you want to see “Dragtantic," “Wonderland Drag Show,” or “Rocky Horror Drag Show,” don’t hesitate to reach out to Wesley Fox and Micheal Fox to bring the show to you!
We are just 89 days away from Miss Gay Arkansas America 2024, and the planning is kicking into high gear. Stay tuned to hear when we will be holding the Contestant Revue Show & Number Drawing, and be sure to join us September 27th for the Forever Revue Show and the 28th for Miss Gay Arkansas 2024.
Vanessa Rayne
Miss Gay Arkansas America 2023