July 2026 • No. 3

Some weekends remind you exactly why this community is so special, and this was certainly one of them.

I had the tremendous honor of returning to Lawrence, Kansas, to serve on the judging panel for the 2026 Miss Gay Kansas America pageant. Before anything else, my deepest thanks go to promoters Stephen Maceli and Ingrid for their extraordinary hospitality and generosity throughout the weekend. Their passion for the Miss Gay America system is unmistakable, and it shines through in every detail of the event. More importantly, they’ve cultivated something truly special. a supportive community where entertainers are encouraged to grow, compete, and celebrate one another.

Congratulations are in order for the newly crowned Miss Gay Kansas America, Olympia LePaige, and First Alternate, Katty Wampus. I wish both entertainers nothing but success as they continue their journeys toward the Miss Gay America stage. Congratulations as well to Christa Collins, who concluded a beautiful year of service as Miss Gay Kansas America with grace and class.

One of the greatest joys of weekends like these is reconnecting with friends who have become family. It was wonderful catching up with several of my Miss Gay Missouri America sisters, including Tajma Stetson, Lexus Chaney, and Heather Fellas. Lawrence legend Deja Brooks once again proved that kindness comes in many forms by surprising me with a bag of my favorite Life Savers Gummies. Even Mr. Gay United States, Gabe Ruby Skywalker-St. James, made a whirlwind appearance, joining us for a 16-hour cameo.

The memories didn’t stop once the curtain closed.

Sharing an Airbnb with Forever Miss Gay America Dessie Love Blake, reigning Miss Gay America Tracey LaLouisianne, and Miss Gay America Femme Anya Marino was an unexpected highlight of the weekend. Between endless laughter, pageant stories, and conversations that stretched well into the night, it was one of those rare opportunities to simply enjoy the company of remarkable people. Those are the moments that often become the most cherished memories.

Sunday morning arrived much earlier than any of us would have preferred. While Tracey headed south to attend to official Miss Gay America business, Dessie and I dusted on a respectable amount of rouge and made our way to Hamburger Mary’s Kansas City for two energetic brunch performances.

What a joy it was to perform for audiences who came ready to laugh, cheer, and celebrate. Special thanks to Genewa Stanwyck, Lana Luxx, and Tina HC for welcoming us into your home, making us feel like family, and ensuring the day was every bit as enjoyable behind the scenes as it was on stage. I’m already looking forward to visiting again soon!

After judging and performing at the pageant and then performing two brunch shows in less than 24 hours, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t walking a little slower by Sunday afternoon. The knees were negotiating, the back had opinions, and I couldn’t be happier to be 4-5” shorter.

Still… I wouldn’t trade a single moment.

And there’s no better way to end a fabulous Kansas City weekend than with a plate of creamy baked macaroni and cheese piled high with quintessential Kansas City-style burnt ends.

Until next time! ❤️🤍💙