Miss Gay IU continues tradition for 20th year

In order to be successful, these entertainers must flaunt extravagant hair, put on makeup and simulate feminine behavior — a journey that reigning Miss Gay IU Chanel Cartier would call a "bumpy ride."

The Miss Gay IU 2010 pageant will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at the IU Auditorium.
Senior Joshua Sutton, president of OUT! GLBT Student Union, said the pageant is in its 20th year and will feature 12 entertainers. Sutton said attendees should expect a wild and fun show. 

This year’s theme, chosen by the reigning Miss Gay IU queen and Bloomington resident Chanel Cartier, is “Music of the Night” — inspired by “Phantom of the Opera.”
“A lot of people don’t realize it’s an art form,” Sutton said. “It has such a grandeur nature to it, so it’s kind of more serious than you would think.”

He said it is customary for audience members to tip the performers with money during the competition, and the entertainers will often feed off the positive energy.

Adviser for OUT! Helen Harrell said the contest will consist of several portions: evening gown, talent and question-and-answer. Eight judges, comprised of Miss Gay IU alumni and other entertainers, will look for contestants who are versatile. The winner is chosen based on a point system.

“You want somebody who can communicate with people in public and with the University and faculty,” Harrell said. “The talent portion is the most fun and watching people perform and how they represent the song, of course.”

The pageant was not always so successful and professional. Miss Gay IU Emeritus Vicki St. James, who has been involved with the show since 1989 and will be the host Friday’s performance, said in the early years the pageant received threats against people’s safety.

“We don’t get as many of those now, just people in our community who aren’t as supportive,” St. James said. “Now this is a place for these kids to go and perform in a safe environment, and they won’t be criticized.”

The art of drag is harder than one might think, St. James said, and the performers will be looking to entertain the crowd.

“In the evening gown, we look at how somebody models, what their pose is, if their gestures are feminine and if they have appropriate evening wear,” he said.

Cartier said during her reign as queen at IU, she was able to help with Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender education and rights and that she wants the next queen to continue to be active in the community.

“Just to really continue to go above and beyond and really reach to promote education through art forms and get involved,” Cartier said. “It’s important to make their face known as an entertainer and philanthropist about the students and community. It’s a way to give back and educate.”

St. James said her favorite part of the show is watching all the small details create a cohesive number.

“I am always open to helping any of the new girls who win and accepting them into the Miss Gay IU family,” St. James said. “I hope some little drag queen has her dreams come true.”