Miss Gay Tennessee America 2017 Miss Gay America Competition History
• Miss Gay Tennessee America 2017 • Miss Gay California America 2016 • Top 10 Finalist at Miss Gay America 2016 • Miss Gay Western States America 2015 • Miss Gay Southern Elegance America 2002-2003 1st Alternate • Miss Gay Arizona America 2000 • Miss Gay Arizona America 1997 1st Alternate
Miss Gay Arizona America 2017 Miss Gay America Competition History
“Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister.” —Irving Berlin
The sisterhood of entertainers in this is unique, and the reason why “Team Arizona” is widely known, anticipated and referred to each year at the national pageant. The solidarity and support among the contestants and friends who make the trip is second to none. “We’re all friends and we all work together a lot,” Redulla said of this sorority. “Here in Arizona we have a group of entertainers who continue to challenge each other to get better.” 42
OCTOBER 2017
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EchoMag.com
• Miss Gay Arizona America 2017 • Miss Gay Arizona America 2012 1st Alternate
That bond and the joy for their sisters’ success was never more evident than in the 2015 pageant, when Nevaeh McKenzie and Barbra Seville were both called out into the Top 10; or in the 2016 pageant, when the final name announced was Savannah Stevens, leaving Seville grasping his hand but standing in 11th place.
family enough for being so welcoming and supportive,” gushed Nik Stetz, aka Piper M’Shay, who qualified as first alternate to Miss Gay Arizona on his first attempt.
“Since we are removed from much of the [national] drag scene, we inspire, rely on and support each other in a way you might not see everywhere else,” said Richard Stevens aka Barbra Seville, Miss Gay Tennessee America 2017.
“Sitting back and watching the other contestants, I realized it was something completely within my reach,” he said.
“I can’t thank the Arizona America
Last year Stetz participated in Stevens’ talent number and the week of exposure to the system and competition led to him catching the bug.
The respect for the scene in Arizona is no secret, as Stevens noted that 2016 Miss Gay America Asia T. O’Hara (Antwan Lee) admitted to being nervous coming to the Strut