As the largest pageant system for drag performers in the country, the USofA pageants offer opportunities for performers from around the country to take part in competitions. Locally, one of the preliminary pageants – Miss Gay Georgia USofA – is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year a slew of former winners coming to this year’s event, being held at Jungle on April 6.

The Miss Gay Georgia USofA pageant has produced multiple national winners over the years, including a string of winners from 2009–2011 in Stasha Sanchez, Domanique Sanchez and Luscious. Winners and first runners-up on the statewide level work with promoters Jeremy Burnette and Darryl Kent to prepare for the national title in Dallas, TX, where contestants compete in Interview, Evening Gown and Talent competitions.

According to Burnette via press release, “These entertainers spend hours of rehearsal and lots of money, effort and time in their preparation to win the Georgia title, which has repeatedly been the gateway to the national crown. The pageants give the entertainers the opportunity to showcase their talents in a platform that allows them to strive for excellence in their craft.”

National winners of Miss Gay USofA spend the year traveling to preliminary pageants to perform. This year, that falls to Shae Shae LaReese from Los Angeles, who will be performing at the Miss Gay Georgia USofA event. Joining her are Coti Collins, the reigning Miss Gay Georgia USofA, and several former winners of Miss Gay Georgia USofA: Tina Devore, Shawnna Brooks, Heather Daniels, Lauren Lemasters, Myah Monroe, Stasha Sanchez, Necole Luv Dupree and Dorae Saunders.

The evening also includes a second pageant: Miss Gay Georgia USofA at Large, a division for entertainers 200 pounds and over. The reigning Miss Gay Georgia USofA at Large, Nina Fierra, will be performing, as will the reigning Miss Gay USofA at Large, Angelica Sanchez.

“With Miss Georgia’s rich history, it has become an annual ‘Georgia Drag Reunion’ that draws fans who want to reconnect with former winners and see what the contestants have in store,” says Burnette. “This year should be another stellar year that you won’t want to miss.”

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The Miss Gay Georgia USofA pageant takes place April 6 at Jungle, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $15 at georgiausofa.com; tickets at the door are $20.