23rd annual Miss Gay Bloomington Friday

The 23rd annual Miss Gay Bloomington will take place at 8 p.m. Friday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.\nMiss Gay Bloomington is one of the oldest and most prestigious pageants in the state of Indiana, owner of Miss Gay Bloomington Jason Ervin said. So far, eight contestants are scheduled to perform in the interview, evening gown, on-stage question and talent categories. Any male older than 21 is welcome to enter the contest. Registration ends at 11:30 a.m. Friday.\nThe winner takes on a full-time job, traveling around the country, entertaining and speaking for the year of his reign. \n"What makes this pageant unique is that it gives you a voice and a platform, where most pageants just want you to be a figurehead," Britney Taylor, last year's winner said.\nBased in Orlando, Fla., Taylor traveled as far as New York City and Austin, Tex., this past year to spread her message of transgender rights and speak to human sexuality classes at IU.\nTaylor also got to choose the theme of tonight's pageant: Broadway Meets the Runway.\n"It goes along with the charity that I chose for this year, which was Broadway Cares," Taylor said. The charity uses proceeds of Broadway productions to aid people with AIDS throughout the country.\nThe pageant tonight features 10 former Miss Gay Bloomington winners performing Broadway numbers from shows such as "A Chorus Line," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Rent."\nContestants also take the stage, a la "Project Runway." \n"They had to choose a number and take it to the next level, like 'Project Runway,' where they have to make something inventive to showcase who they are," Taylor said.\nThis year, Ervin lowered ticket prices to make the event attractive to students. Admission is $6 for students, $10 for adults and $15 for VIP admission.\nErvin also changed the venue. Previously, the pageant was held at Bullwinkle's, 201 S. College Ave., and Axis Nightclub, 415 N. Walnut St. By using the Buskirk-Chumley, those under 21 can attend, and those over 21 will have alcohol available.\n"I like to change things up each year," Ervin said. "Each year, with the venue in a different location, there are going to be different businesses and parts of the community involved."\nNo matter what part of Bloomington hosts the event, Taylor said he is happy to be involved. \n"It's a remarkable city because going to New York City and going to Chicago, living in Orlando — those are cities that are known for being accepted, but you get kind of lost in the city because they are so big," Taylor said. "With Bloomington you feel like people know who you are, and they still accept you."\nThose wishing to enter the pageant can visit www.missgaybloomington.com for application materials and details.