Miss Gay America: Jessica
Jade
Recently Jessica Jade competed for and
won the title of Miss Gay America and I had the delightful
opportunity to interview her after her win.
How did it feel to hear your name announced and
to have the crown placed on your head as the winner?
When my name was
announced as the winner of Miss Gay America 2014, I felt a sense of
peace and conformation that my dream had been realized. I was
shocked and overwhelmed with emotion. It all still feels surreal!!!
How long have you been an entertainer?
I have been a female
impersonator now for 14 years. I started performing upon graduating
high school in 1999. My first performance was to Britney Spears
"Oops I did it Again". That performance was at The Park in
Roanoke, VA for talent night. I placed first runner-up. The seed was
planted that night and I have been performing ever since all over
the country.
What was your inspiration to become an
entertainer?
Ever since I was a young
child I always loved being the center of attention. I would do
anything to make people laugh. I was in choir all through elementary
and middle school. I think his is where my love for being on stage
started. My association with female impersonation originated after
befriending former Miss Gay Roanoke, Diondra Dee. She was one of the
most beautiful illusionist I've ever known. When I came onto the
scene she was the local star. Audiences worshiped everything she
did. She taught me the ropes and showed me makeup techniques and
"drag" dancing. I remember watching her perform thinking,
"I want to be like her one day". She was truly blessed
with a special gift in the art form, but retired in my opinion way
too soon!!!
How long have you been working to acquire this
particular title?
I first competed for
Miss Gay America in 2003 as Miss Virginia Regional. It was my first
national pageant. Needless to say I did not enjoy myself. I had so
many issues that year. Everything that could've went wrong, did. I
had back up dancers back out at the last minute, a car in our fleet
break down 85 miles outside of Little Rock, to even spilling $85.13
worth of gas on the pavement as I pulled the gas pump out of the gas
pump wall, on departure back home to VA. I vowed I would never
return to pageantry or Miss Gay America. I thought pageantry wasn't
for me. I remember how heart broken I was when I missed Raquel,
Nicole, and Luscious being crowned MGA. I felt like something was
missing in my life. I decided to give Miss America another chance. I
returned to Miss America in 2007 and have been back year after year
more inspired and determined. It took me 8 very expensive attempts
to win Miss Gay America, over the course of 10 years. It was all
worth it. I feel complete and every sacrifice is solidified.
Which titles do you currently hold?
I am Miss Gay America
2014 by way of Miss Gay East Coast America.
Where do you primarily perform?
Unfortunately, my home
bar in Roanoke, VA recently closed its doors after 35 years of
business. However, I perform on a regular basics at Godfreys in
Richmond, VA, Warehouse 29 in Greensboro, NC, and The Broadway in
Charleston, WV.
Who did you consider as the greatest risk as you
competed for Miss Gay America?
While I believe anyone
in a pageant can be competition, there are always seasoned
contestants that know the game well. Blair Williams of Savannah, GA
and Kofi of Texas were two I worried could keep me from achieving my
dream. Both are very well known, talented, and great competitors.
Both would make great Miss America's. I hope they return next
year!!!
Outside of performing, what can you tell us about
yourself including hobbies or interests?
While performing is my
greatest and most time consuming hobby, I do enjoy many other
things. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love
music and scary movies. I enjoy cooking and dining out. I love to
travel and experience new places and people. I also enjoy staying
active and taking care of myself.
Are you a single lady?
I am single and ready to
mingle with the right person who can handle my hectic, busy
lifestyle!
What advice can you give to the younger
performers who want to follow in your footsteps?
Never give up on your
dreams!! The things we want most in life usually come with a lot of
hard work, determination, perseverance, and minor set backs. Keep
pushing forward, listen, ask questions, polish, and believe you can
be anything you want to be. Surround yourself with positive people
who will lift you up and keep your best interest at heart!!! Also,
remember dreams do not come with price tags of time limits...when
it's meant to be, it will!
By: Kevin Spence
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