Even though there was only one contestant in this weekend's Miss Gay Muncie Pageant, organizers said they are confident their automatic winner will be competitive at the Miss Gay Indiana competition.
Iman, Saturday night's winner, was crowned Miss Gay Muncie 2004 by Rose Petal, Miss Gay Muncie 2003. The reigning Miss Gay Indiana, Alana Steele, entertained the audience at the Mark III Tap Room, along with former pageant winner Michele Preston. Former Mr. Gay Indiana Jeff Hoover performed five solo acts for the audience, and Corey Mills, the new Mr. Gay Three Rivers also entertained.-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á
President of Signature Productions David Keeley said he was disappointed that four contestants dropped out of the pageant earlier that evening.
"It's always nice to have a few contestants," he said.
Typically, Signature Productions would send the pageant winner and first alternate to the Miss Gay Indiana competition. Iman will be the only competitor from the Muncie preliminary.
Five judges scored Iman in interview, evening gown, talent and creative costume categories.
Iman impersonated Billie Holiday for her talent. Her creative costume number, for which she wore a blue sequined and vinyl bustier and a feathered headdress, grabbed everyone's attention.
Keeley said he was happy with the competition's results. He said Iman will represent Muncie well at Miss Gay Indiana.
Ultimately, participants in the state competitions will vie for the title of Miss Gay America Oct. 6 through 10. The location for the pageant will be announced later.
Cleo Brasher is the director of Great Lakes Productions, a franchise of Miss Gay Indiana. He said the America system is different from other drag queen competitions.
"The girls can't use hormones or silicone injections," Brasher said. "We are interested in the real thing."
Miss Gay America is modeled after the popular Miss American pageant with one difference. Not every state holds a competition, so some participants have to travel to regional pageants.
"It's hard to find a gay club in South Dakota," Brasher said.
Brasher and Keeley both said Iman is an experienced entertainer who has done well in pageants before. They are optimistic about her performance at Miss Gay Indiana.
Iman will compete in the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant July 7, 8 and 9 at Talbot Street in Indianapolis.
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