Sept./Oct. 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 5: Can you believe that it’s been five months already since I won MGM 2012 .... whoa!  It seems to me that my reign is going by really fast (slow down please – I waited too long for this to happen!!)  

I am now in MAJOR preparation mode for Miss Gay America 2013 that is coming up in just under two weeks. I  haven’t competed in MGA since 1989 (some of you weren’t even born yet)  and I’m really excited to be going as MGM 2012. I wish my First Alternate Loreal  from Kansas City could have come with me – but health does need to come first.  I will miss her!

Who knows what will happen at MGA, we will just have to wait and see!

Miss Gay America

Now girls – coming up on Sunday, October 28, 2012 will be The 2^nd Annual Miss Spirit of St. Louis pageant at Attitudes on Manchester! I’ll be stepping down as the First Miss Spirit and let me tell you that the earlier that you get your golden ticket to MGM 2013, the more time you have to prepare!  Being prepared is so essential—MGM is not like doing a show every week at the bar that you work at.  MGM is the time to be at the top of your game! Even when you enter a preliminary, come prepared – because that is where you get your ticket to state.

Miss Spirit of St. Louis

Miss Gay Springfield will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2012. This is such a storied and long running preliminary where Autumn Holiday will be giving up her crown. You could be the next in the legacy! 

Miss Gay Springfield

The dates for Miss Gay St. Louis 2013 have also been announced.  Review show is Saturday, Feb. 16^th and Pageant on Sunday, Feb. 17^th – both at Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis. This is another preliminary steeped in history and we can’t wait to welcome the next sister into our fold.

BTW – I am now on Twitter! You can follow me at:   M_McauslandMGM  ( I just got on - so bear with me!)

As always, if you have any questions feel free to Facebook me or email me (mykel22@aol.com) or now TWEET ME. I'm here to help you in any way I can!

GET YOUR GOLDEN MGM TICKET EARLY!!!

Miss Gay Missouri 2013

Michelle McCausland

August 2012: MGMA Board Letter

Dear Contestants,

This month I would like to talk about a couple of words that have been on my mind recently:  GROWTH and CHANGE.  In my personal and professional life I have been experiencing these topics.... 

Initially, I find I just want to dig-in my 4" stiletto’s and resist with all of my might.  After I resign myself to the knowledge that "it is the way it is" – I realize it is all very positive in every way.  I'm saying all of this because I began thinking (help us all) and started applying these words to pageantry.
   

The Miss Gay Missouri America Organization has experienced immense growth in the past few years.  We (just as you returning contestants) have polished our "packages" (keep the snickering down please) and are returning to the HISTORIC 40th Anniversary of this amazing legacy ready to impress!  We are doing 40 right!  The facility and accommodations are superb and the visual (...in your best RuPaul voice) EXTRAVAGANZA that is in the works is NOT to be missed. 
   

For the returning contestants:  One of the most amazing and exciting parts of watching Miss Gay Missouri America unfold every year is getting to see the GROWTH and CHANGE each of you make throughout your journey.  It is such an honor to be a participant in your lives and watch each of you grow into the entertainers you are.  It amazes us (the sisterhood – as well as the loyal fans of MGMA) to watch your lives progress as you GROW and CHANGE into the best candidate you can be for the job of Miss Gay Missouri America 2013.  Several preliminaries are right around the corner:

 MISS SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS: Oct 28, 2012

Attitudes Nightclub (4100 Manchester StL MO) 7 p.m.
For info contact Dieta Pepsi: leonabraxtonjr@hotmail.com

MISS CITY of COLUMBIA: Nov. 3, 2012
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce: atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY SPRINGFIELD: Nov. 4, 2012
Howard Johnsons/The Clarion (333 Glenstone SPFLD MO) 7 p.m.
For info contact Latisa Moore: latisa.moore@facebook.com

MISS HEART OF MISSOURI: Feb. 2, 2013
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce: atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY ST. LOUIS: Feb. 17, 2013

Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis (3037 Olive StL MO) 9 p.m.

For info contact Jade Sincliar: jade@missjadesinclair.com

Others will be announced as dates are confirmed.  We are expecting even more GROWTH with the number of contestants this year, so we encourage you to qualify now!
   

In closing, I would like to leave you with this..."the whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be"  -Oprah Winfrey

40 and still fabulous!

Jeff Thompson/Atheena Voce', MGMA 2004,

The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors

Aug./Sept. 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 4:  Well boys and girls.. my very first preliminary as the official MGM 2012 was awesome! Miss Metropolitan had five lovely contestants: Bella Rose, Kirstin Dubo, Trixie LaRue, Ginger Nicole, and Nadia Louis....... And the winner was Miss Trixie LaRue with Ginger Nicole earning first alternate honors. They are both now on their way to MGM 2013.

Miss Metropolitan

I will have to say that I was a little nervous in the beginning – trying to make sure that I was at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing! You would think that after 30 years I would know how things are run – but it’s very different when you’re wearing the MGM crown on your head.

We have secured a time and also a place to hold MGM 2013. The 40^th Anniversary pageant will be held in St. Louis, on April 11th, 12, and 13th, at MCCGSL (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis).  The theme will be "SHOWGIRLS....40 And Still Fabulous!"

The preliminaries are just getting started and I would encourage everyone that wants to be a contestant in theses contests  to come prepared… so you can get your" golden ticket" to MGM 2013...NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS. They do come true!

Miss Gay Missouri 2013

Michelle McCausland

Upcoming Preliminaries:

MISS SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS: Oct 28, 2012
For info contact Dieta Pepsi: leonabraxtonjr@hotmail.com

MISS CITY of COLUMBIA: Nov. 3, 2012
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce: atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY SPRINGFIELD: Nov. 4, 2012
Howard Johnsons/The Clarion (333 Glenstone SPFLD MO) 7 p.m.
For info contact Latisa Moore: latisa.moore@facebook.com

MISS HEART OF MISSOURI: Feb. 2, 2013
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce: atheenavoce@mchsi.com

September 2012: MGMA Board Letter

Dear Contestants,

Time never stands still – the days of summer are quickly passing and fall is around the corner.  October will soon be here,  and with it, Miss Gay America 2013.  As contestants from around the country prepare, we are reminded of the resources required to compete at the national level.  We invite everyone to come on down to the Soulard Bastille (St. Louis MO) on Monday, September 24, where MGM 2012 Michelle McCausland will be appearing alongside other former MGM's, where a majority of the funds raised will be given to Michelle to assist her in her travels to Columbus OH for Miss Gay America. 

While the Miss Gay America pageant season is drawing to a close, the Miss Gay Missouri pageant season has just begun.  It was such a pleasure seeing Michelle administer the rules and regulations and then entertain at Miss Gay Metropolitan America 2013.  Congratulations to the two individuals who have qualified for the state level competition.  Four more preliminaries are scheduled, with more on the horizon.  The next preliminary will be Miss Spirit of St. Louis on October 28, 2012, followed by Miss City of Columbia on November 3, and Miss Gay Springfield November 4.  If anyone would like to learn more about promoting of a city preliminary, please feel free to contact any board member (links can be found at mgmpageantry.com). 

As the search for the next Miss Gay Missouri continues, we are pleased to also share details on the 40th annual Miss Gay Missouri, America!  This year, the annual event returns to St. Louis, and the host venue will be the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis!  The facility is amazing, with a huge stage and seating for approximately 500.  Michelle has chosen a wonderfully fun theme, and we look forward to presenting the best of Missouri to all the fans of the art of female impersonation.  Mark your calendars for April 11, 12, and 13 and plan to attend "Showgirls: 40 and Still Fabulous", Miss Gay Missouri America 2013.  Host hotel information should be announced soon!

The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors

July/Aug. 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 3: Well I must say that this month has been Hot, Hot, Hot, and it’s hard to believe that we still have August to get through and I see no relief coming to us any time soon. I hope that everyone is staying cool by staying in or by a pool and getting your summer tans on.

Speaking of August, it’s the beginning of the Miss Gay Missouri America 2013 pageant season and we kick it off with my very first preliminary. I’m so excited to be getting things rolling and I hope that everyone will come out to show your support for me and the MGMA pageant system. 

Miss Metropolitan

Our first Prelim will be Miss Gay Metropolitan on August 12^th at Attitudes Nightclub (StL) at 9 p.m. This is an open city preliminary to all those in our Missouri Cities and just over the Missouri state line here in St Louis. So for all you contestants wanting to qualify early for MGMA 2013 – come on down you can be our next contestant. Please visit our webpage at www.mgmpageantry.com  or visit us on Facebook at Miss Gay Missouri, America Pageant for all the details and promoter contact information. Don’t wait till the last minute to get your ticket for next year – they will all be over before you know it. Our website will also give you all the details on pageants that are coming up or you can read my newsletter for info each month.

On July 1^st I spent the day with the MGMA board looking at venues and hotels for MGMA 2013. We have decided on the dates and they are set – the venue is picked and I’m thrilled about where we are holding the pageant. The hotel is being finalized and I know everyone is going to be very happy with all the decisions that have been made.

I must say that these 5 men (Daniel Flier, aka Vanessa Vincent; Emilio Olvera, aka Lexsus Chaney; Jeff Thompson, aka Atheena Voce; Leon Braxton, aka Dieta Pepsi and Michael Klataski, aka Jade Sinclair) who make up the MGMA board are a joy to work with and to be around. They work very hard to bring you the very best pageant and keep your best interests at heart. They all have welcomed me with open arms and have been there to help me learn just how this ship runs effectively and efficiently. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for all they have done in the past and continue to do for all of us now. The 40^th is going to be an amazing year and you don’t want to miss it.

       

In closing, I again invite everyone to come out on August 12 to my first preliminary as your MGMA 2012 and show the MGMA America Pageant System and myself your support, hope to see you there.

Stay cool,

Miss Gay Missouri 2012

Michelle McCausland

August 2012: MGMA Board Letter

Dear Contestants,

Well – July is almost over and another month for this year is almost gone. We hope everyone had an amazing fourth and celebrated with those that are close to you. We also hope that everyone is surviving this hot, hot heat. July has been a scorcher and we still have August to get through and it’s normally the worst month of the summer and we can’t even imagine what it will bring.

        

This month we saw yet another senseless tragedy in this country and the Miss Gay Missouri Alumni and its Board members and all our friends and followers send our thoughts and prayers to all those in Aurora, Colorado. May you find peace and comfort in the memories of those that were lost.

       

As we knock on the door of August, our first preliminary to MGMA 2013 is Miss Metropolitan on August 12 at Attitudes nightclub – this is an open pageant for the entire state of Missouri. For more information visit our webpage at mgmpageantry.com or our Facebook page at Miss Gay Missouri, AmericaPageant for all the details. This is the kick off pageant for the MGMA 2013 Pageant season; remember that if you get your ticket to Miss Gay Missouri America 2013 early then you don’t have to worry for the rest of the year. Don’t wait till the last minute because the prelims will all be over before you know it, as time does fly.

Prelims that are coming up are:

MISS GAY METROPOLITAN : Aug. 12, 2012
Attitudes Nightclub (4100 Manchester StL MO) 9 p.m.
For Info contact Daniel Flier: danieljflier@me.com

MISS SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS: Oct 28, 2012
For info contact Dieta Pepsi: leonabraxtonjr@hotmail.com

MISS CITY of COLUMBIA: Nov. 3, 2012
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce: atheenavoce@mchsi.com

MISS GAY SPRINGFIELD: Nov. 4, 2012
Howard Johnsons/The Clarion (333 Glenstone SPFLD MO) 7 p.m.
For info contact Latisa Moore: latisa.moore@facebook.com

MISS HEART OF MISSOURI: Feb. 2, 2013
SoCo Club (128 E. Nifong CO MO) 9 p.m.
For info contact Atheena Voce: atheenavoce@mchsi.com

In closing, we want everyone to wish Michelle McCausland, MGMA 2012 the best of luck on her first preliminary, and encourage all to come out to Miss Metropolitan on August 12 at 9pm at Attitudes to show her your support and love and make her first prelim a huge success. And to all the contestants from last year and the new ones entering for the first time – Miss Gay Missouri, America 2013 will be in St. Louis this year and we are celebrating our 40^th year. This will be an amazing year for MGMA and you don’t want to miss being part of it. Watch for details on when and where and the theme for this year, as it will be coming to everyone very soon.

   

Stay cool,

The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors

June/July 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 2: It has now been two months, and everyday I look at my crown, and I say to myself,  “Girl, you did it!” And with that - I strive to be a much better person, not only as MGM 2012, but in my everyday life, as Michael Shreves.  Trust me, I am so honored that after all these years, it finally happened, but not without lots of hard work!

Promoters, it is time to start booking your pageants, so that someone elses dream can come true. 

Miss Gay Missouri at St. Louis PrideFest Parade 2012

*Miss Metropolitan will be held at Attitudes on Sun., Aug. 12th...

*Miss Gay Springfield will be on Sun., Nov. 4th... 

* Miss Spirt of St. Louis is slated for later this year...  
 

We need to get the others booked soon! We also welcome new promoters that would like to be a part of the Miss Gay Missouri America system!

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give me a call or an  e-mail  at  mykel22@aol.com     (yes I still have AOL so get out of me!)

Let’s make the 40th  anniversary of MGM 2013  Totally Amazing!

In Pride,

Miss Gay Missouri 2012

Michelle McCausland

JULY 2012: MGMA BOARD LETTER 

Dear Contestants,

The  Miss Gay Missouri Board  would like to  share a story about  our newly crowned  sister,  Michelle  McCausland. 

Many  years  ago  a  very out going,  strong and  proud entertainer  stood  before  a judge  in a court of  law  and  defended the right  for  people  to be able to "cross dress"  without  being  put in jail.  For you see -  there was a long standing “Masquerading Law” on the books in St. Louis  stating that  no one  shall dress the opposite of their born gender - but thanks  to Miss Gay Missouri, America 2012 Michelle Mc Causland -  it  was declared unconstitutional in 1986.

Fast forward  many years  later  to this year’s St. Louis LGBT Pride Parade and  once  again this individual  takes  a stand  right in front  of  a group of hate mongers as the reigning symbol of excellence and makes  us  proud  to  be  gay.



We knew  that  Michelle McCausland  would  be  a great  MGMA 2012 for many reasons ,  and she indeed  proved it this  year at PrideFest  by standing up to the Westboro Baptist Church. Michelle  was  again standing  up for  what she  knew  is  right -  both for her,  for us and  for YOU.  Be proud that we  have  a Miss Gay Missouri  that is a proven spokesperson for the betterment  of the LGBT community. This is what being MGMA is all about. Thank you Michelle McCausland... Miss Gay Missouri, America  2012!

We are  gearing up  for Miss Gay Missouri 2013 , our 40th year  celebration.  On July 1, the  Board  and  some  alumni will be meeting  in  St. Louis  to  do site  visits  and to decide  on a date  and  place  for  the pageant.  We are  very excited  and  cannot wait to  cement our plans. Watch for details!!

Michelle McCausland Protesting at StL PrideFest

Preliminaries to MGM 2013  will be  starting this summer . On August 12, Miss Metropolitan will be held  in  St. Louis. Information  about this  pageant (and others) can be  found  on our Facebook  page   or  contact  Michelle  McCausland or Daniel Flier  (Vanessa Vincent,  MGMA 1982  danieljflier@me.com.  Applications  are  now available to get your  ticket  to  our ruby jubilee – the 40th  Miss Gay Missouri, America pageant. 

We  expect MGM 2013  to  be  a major  celebration,  so  get on board and  get your  ticket  and  lets  ride into the  future of  Miss Gay Missouri, America history.  We ask you - how great would it be  win the title of  MGM 2013  and  become the  40th  Miss Gay Missouri, America crowned?  

So get your  best  drag  all geared  up  and  bring  to  the  prelim of your choice. Ladies,  start  your  engines!  As  always,  we  are  around  to answer  any question  you may  have and please  let us  know  what we  can do to help make  your  journey to  the  40th  as  easy  as possible.

In closing, The MGMA Board would like to congratulate the new promoters of Miss Gay Midwest on keeping the storied Regional preliminary in Missouri. Since 1978 - Miss Midwest has been a true sister pageant to Miss Gay Missouri, America and many of our formers share both titles. 

See you in St. Louis,

The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors

May/June 2012: The Book of McCausland

Chapter 1: Just how many years does it really take to make a dream come true?

I’m sure that it differs for each one of us, depending on the size of your dream. Some people can get it right away, others wait for many years, others may just give up - and as for me, I waited nearly 30 years for my dream to become a reality!

My journey began many years ago with my aspirations of becoming a Broadway star - feeling the floodlights, wearing the greasepaint and hearing the roar of the crowd. I left the small town of Mount Vernon, Illinois and moved to Saint Louis with these hopes and dreams but through those years of theatrical work, my life took a turn to another field of theatre, the art of female impersonation. This is where I found my place and where I could create a character. That character became “ Michelle McCausland.”

Before there was press on nails, internet or even any modern technology there was just plain, simple and outstanding talent in Missouri. I found my place in a community that has thrived through many tough times and I have seen and been a part of some of the best show bars and casts this country has to offer. After 30 years, I am proud to say I am still part of a working show bar and professional show cast that prides themselves on entertainment, professionalism and making sure the audience has that theatrical feel.

Michelle McCausland Crowned MGM 2012

Along the way I met two of the best performers who early on in life would be my influence and my introduction to The Miss Gay Missouri system, they where Georgia Brown and Zsa Zsa Principle. We were known as a threesome show at Faces and around the state. I started competing in pageantry because you were able to create something out of nothing with just the existence through a song, imagination and the glamour of evening gown - which was the infamous Rick Fortson who always helped me. So I started competing in (back then) what was the only state title around.

I competed and always managed to place in the top five, even having come close enough to be first alternate - so I always knew in my heart this was meant to be. As the years went by, I helped my friends, was in talent numbers, made sets and was always part of the MGMA experience. But there was something inside me that wasn’t complete. I never gave up - just stepped to the side as I watched my friends win.

Along the way, I met someone who would always have my back. They always gave me that extra push and told me that age has nothing to do with talent - that talent is the essence of every performer and that if this was your actual “dream” then you are the only one who has the power to make that come true.

So I thought  to myself: I want to be a part of something that has always been inside of me. I want to feel what my friends have felt and I want to be a part of that legacy for myself and the future entertainers. I came back, listened, competed and gave it my all - and at last my journey now has been completed. I heard my name announced your new Miss Gay Missouri for 2012 is MICHELLE McCAUSLAND!

MGM 2012 Court

So now my lifetime of thank yous begin……

Let’s start with “Sex, Inc.”:  Chuck, Michael and Dean…..every year they would say, “this is your year gal” and Dean would always give me all the change in his pocket, and say “here, I’ll help you out a little,” It didn’t really help, LOL, but the thought was awesome. Those 3 guys created some pretty great MGMs.  Chuck was there to see me win! Michael and Dean were watching from heaven, and I’m sure Dean was trying to throw quarters down to me for good luck!

Gosh, so many have passed away that pushed, and pushed, and pushed to get me where I am today!

Sasha Nicole may be a pain in the #*%, but she was there every night to yank and pull me together - and to get all the dancers when and where they needed to be and the sets and costumes - that’s at lot of stuff for one person to control - but she did it!  Thank you ever so much Sasha!

The Talent number for me was amazing! Alberto, you didn’t know me from Adam, but you assembled a most talented group of dancers to perform with me and choreographed an awesome number for me, which I never could have pulled off without you!

Madison Elise: “Go for it girl, you got this.”   I’m so glad that you were the one to put the crown on my head!

Coti Collins: “It's you dream, girl. Never give up.” Thanks for that last push; it was just what I needed!!!

Last but certainly not least, Tumara Mahorning: With all my heart and soul, I can’t say THANK YOU enough!  I LOVE YOU!!!

“LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!”

Miss Gay Missouri 2012

Michelle McCausland

  

JUNE 2012 MGMA BOARD LETTER

Dear Contestants,

OMG! What a great pageant we had this year! First off, we want to thank all 19 contestants who competed and made this year’s Miss Gay Missouri, America pageant something to remember. Each of you were spectacular and on any other given night could have captured the crown.

Secondly, we want to thank Marty and the entire staff at The SoCo Club for their incredible hospitality. You guys and gals ROCK!  We’d also like to give a shout out to the staff and management at Wingate by Wyndham for making the place we called home for 5 days actually feel like home.

The MGM Board would like to take this moment to congratulate and welcome with open arms our newest sister, Michelle McCausland – Miss Gay Missouri, America 2012. Girl – you have a great year ahead of you! You have no idea how your life is about to change. We are here to support you every step of the way. Sisters support Sisters.

We also want to send congratulations to the rest of MGM 2012 Court – 1st Alternate, L’oreal; 2nd Alternate, Valari Knyte; 3rd Alternate, Adria Andrews and 4th Alternate, Kyla Breeze. You ladies were amazing and we would be honored to have any of you as our reigning symbol of excellence.

Lastly, as we prepare for the upcoming 40^th Anniversary of Miss Gay Missouri, America, we encourage each of you to begin preparing immediately. Pick your preliminary, prepare your package and push it on through. (The 3 P’s: Pick, Prepare, Push!)  The 40^th ain’t gonna be no joke and we know you’ll want to be a part of it.

If you need help in your preparation, we are here for you too. Sisters support Sisters.

See you in St. Louis,

The Miss Gay Missouri, America Board of Directors