Miss Gay Pennsylvania celebrates 20 years this weekend

One of the most entertaining annual events in the Philadelphia LGBT community is undoubtedly the Miss Gay Pennsylvania USofA, which is marking its 20th year and takes place on December 3rd in New Hope. The Miss Gay USofA pageant system, one of the three main national title systems, which include Miss Gay America and Miss Continental USA, was founded by former MGA promoter Jerry Bird in 1985, and has become something of a middle ground between the other two competitions.

While MGA restricts the use of hormones/implants (it has a Male Interview section) and Continental is widely known as being very trans-dominated... USofA has a slew of titleholders that run the gamut within the female impersonator community. This can often make for not only a more inclusive pageant, but also a more interesting one.

Judged in three categories (Personal Interview, Talent, and Evening Gown), drag pageantry has become must-see events for those enthusiastic about the field of female impersonation as it is the place that many entertainers bring their absolute best. Between raising money for the most breathtaking costumes, practicing their talent portion anywhere and everywhere and truly perfecting themselves as performers, the contestants of these pageants are the shining examples of how to entertain as a female impersonator.

Additionally, these pageants and the contestants have always been an outstanding influence within the LGBT community as they strive to raise money and awareness for a large number of charities and causes. Every titleholder must state the positive change they would like to bring to the system as well as to a charity/cause of their choosing. A portion of this specific pageant's proceeds will be donated to a local charity working towards helping those living with HIV/AIDS.

To celebrate their 20th year, Miss Gay PA USofA will be welcoming back the current reigning titleholder, Vizcaya Lord as well as titleholders of the past (Shae Shae Lareese, Victoria Lace, Daesha Richards, and Karen Covergirl) and the current national titleholder and former Miss Gay America, Luscious. There are promises of other surprises and entertainment for the night, and if history repeats itself...this is not a show anyone will want to miss.

This event will be held at 6:00pm on December 3 at the New Hope Eagle Firehouse. Tickets are available by Paypal on the pageant's website or by telephone, 215-862-2588.