Queens compete for crown at 16th annual Miss Gay IU

After months of preparation and more than $1,000 spent, Vanessa Vale was ready to compete.\nWith dancers in line and the music ready for her Cruella DeVil-themed talent act, Vale prepared herself to take the stage last year at the IU Auditorium for the annual Miss Gay IU drag queen competition. \nWith her dancers wearing nothing but boxer briefs, Vale lip-synched her way to a standing ovation. At the end of the evening, Vale was crowned Miss Gay IU 2006. \nAt 8 p.m. Friday, April 13 the annual Miss Gay IU show will begin, ready to crown another winner. \nHosted by the OUT, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender student union, the annual IU tradition aims to celebrate the success of the GLBT community and their allies in Bloomington. \nDubbed as the largest drag queen pageant in the entire country, Miss Gay IU invites everyone to participate in the show and to be entertained as well.\nThe categories for Miss Gay IU are like any beauty pageant, said OUT President and senior Kim Ruggles. Contestants will participate in a pre-pageant interview, an onstage question and answer, an evening gown segment, along with the talent portion of the show. \n“The person who really wins Miss Gay IU serves as a role model for the GLBT community at IU,” Ruggles said. “It is a role that takes up a lot of responsibility and integrity.”\nVale will be present so she can pass along the crown to the 2007 winner at the end of the evening.\n“I truly want this year to be phenomenal,” Vale said. “I want each one of the contestants to be on top of their ‘A’ game.”\nVale, besides passing on her crown, will be making several appearances throughout the show as well. Vale spent the past year being active and involved in OUT events as the spokesperson. In addition to attending discussion panels across the state, she participated in benefit performances for AIDS organizations. \n“She’s been a huge influence on OUT members and the entire IU community this past year,” Ruggles said. “It’s sad to see her go, it’s very bittersweet to see her give up her crown.” \nDoors open at 7 p.m., and Ruggles said she urges people to arrive early, as it does get crowded. The evening will feature six contestants vying for the 2007 crown.\nWith six contestants, Ruggles said that this is the largest show for competitors in the past six or seven years.\nRuggles said more than 850 people attend every year, and she hopes more will attend this year.\nSeveral guests and performers will be involved throughout the show, including Bianca Defy, Miss Gay IU 2004; and Alana Steele, Miss Gay IU 2005. The main host is Vicki St. James, who has graced the Miss Gay IU stage several times.\nRuggles said everyone who attends is encouraged to dress up and wear “Rocky Horror Picture Show” attire to go along with the theme.\n“Even if you don’t identify, this is the largest cultural event on the campus throughout the year,” Vale said. “People come out of town year after year. It’s a fun time and something you can bring your older children to and to learn more about the GLBT community.”\nVale agrees, and said she hopes people attend the event, even just to have their minds opened. \n“I wanted to be someone students could come to with questions and anything they want to know about what it is like to be a gay student,” Vale said. “I know college is a very hard time, and most come to the realization of (their) sexuality during this time with the hardships that (they) endure during the 18 to 22 year period.”