Coppa's July Newsletter

 Since returning from NWA PRIDE in Fayetteville, as I reflect on the weekend's events all I can say is "Incredible Journey". This was truly the "Highlighting Moment" of my reign. My drag career began 40yrs ago in 1985. In the years since I've held many titles, Miss Mid-America and Miss Northwest Arkansas to name a few. I've ridden in many Pride Parades in Texas, Oklahoma, and here in Arkansas, but I've never experienced the magnitude of gratitude I felt on Saturday from the tear stained faces I saw. Some were tears of joy, maybe even pain, but most of all there was a sense of belonging to a community in a non-judgmental environment. My predecessor, Vanessa "Diamond Diva" Rayne MGAR '23, moments before the parade began warned me about "Turning the Corner" but it never could've prepared me for what came next. As we turned the corner onto Dickson Street it was obvious my arrival was well received. Being Miss Gay Arkansas is not just about wearing the crown with the right wardrobe or even being a great entertainer or administrator. It's about making a connection with people and serving your community. It's about being approachable, and for me at 61yrs old it's about taking phone calls in the middle of the night or replying via Facebook messenger to hurting LGBTQ+ youth who think their lives aren't worth living because their families have ostracized them, as they contemplate committing suicide. I've been fortunate to have both my biological/chosen families' support all my life, but everyone hasn't had that experience. It's about convincing them that life is a "Gift" and helping them know their own self-worth. It's about showing the mature gay generation that respect works both ways. Most of my year has been mainly listening, caring and trying my best to help anyway I can. What brought me to tears is hearing the overwhelming cheers and recognizing some of those same young people who thought life wasn't worth living a few months ago, show up and say "Thank you for listening to me Auntie, things are a little better now." I realized in that moment of cheering, none of this has been about me. I'm simply the "Symbol of Excellence" chosen to do the job. And that's when it became very clear through my own tears that 45,000 people weren't cheering for me because I looked Radiant or Regal in Red. It was because I have done my job and I have done it well because I truly care about my people and my community. My encouragement to all of the competitors vying for the title of Miss Gay Arkansas '25: It is important that you understand this assignment. Whoever my successor becomes, please remember to have a "Heart for the People" and your reign will become your legacy. I pray that yours exceeds mine in ways none of us can even imagine. Best Wishes!

"LeMay's Limelight" shines bright on our last of the new city promoters, "The Miss Gay Elegance Arkansas America Group." They are Shanel Herrington, MGAR '04, Michael Murrley, and Jarrod Stringer. This group has been extensively planning for our final qualifying city preliminary to MGAR '25. The Pageant Theme "POSE" recognizes the Life & Legacy of the unforgettable Paige Foxx MGAR '87. Also highlighted is the impact of Ballroom Drag and the 90's, which was considered the Golden Age of Pageantry that literally ushered in mainstream forms of Female Impersonation as a respected artform. Such legends as Lady Baronessa, Naomi Sims, Lauren Colby, Sweet Savage, Tandi Andrews, Terrilyn Foxx, Chili Pepper, and Maya Douglas among countless others began appearing on Daytime Television Shows including Phil Donahue, Sally Jesse Raphael, Richard Rey, and ultimately Oprah Winfrey. These appearances thrust the Miss Gay America and Miss Gay USofA Pageants into the limelight during the 90's. Their group is to be commended on their efforts by expanding our state franchise while reminding us of the rich heritage that Arkansans Norma Kristie, Paige Foxx, Candice Carrington, Dominique Sanchez, and so many other MGARs have contributed to the pageant and paved the way for this generation. Any contestant would do well to have the Miss Gay Elegance group as their promoters. This is the "FINAL SHOWDOWN" for the last two qualifying slots at MGAR '25. Looking forward to seeing you there!

We are coming to a close of the city preliminary season, and my work for this portion will soon be completed. However, we still have a ways to go, and three months of contestant preparation remain. 

To All Contestants: Please know that I am available to each and every one of you for whatever you need. I have communicated the same to all of your promoters. If you need help please reach out to MGAR Office, and let's work it out.

Luv yall,

Autie Coppa

MGAR 2024