Pride on the Plains, a local LGBTQ advocacy organization founded last year, held its second annual Mr. and Miss Pride on the Plains pageant.
The event was held at the Irish Bred Pub in Opelika on Saturday Oct. 27 .
Contestants Saylor Alexander and Genesis Hughes were crowned the new Mr. and Miss, respectively, after four judges delivered their verdict. Attendees traveled from as far as Huntsville to watch four Mr. and three Miss candidates vie for the title of Pride on the Plains 2019. Among them were representatives from other state groups like the Birmingham-based Central Alabama Pride.
Between each competitor’s slice of the show, other entertainers delighted onlookers with dance and dress. Special guest Brittany T. Moore, who was recently named Miss Illinois Continental, was among the entertainers.
A raffle for a variety of items took place each hour, where prizes like a wine set and decorative signs, representing pride and drag donated by nearby crafters, were given to a select few winners based on ticket numbers.
Alexander, who arrived from Montgomery, said they look forward to being one of the Auburn-Opelika areas leaders for LGBTQ minorities.
They seek to further expand the relatively recent organization in their upcoming year in the Mr. role.
“I will keep the path that my formers built and keep making it stronger,” they said. “My favorite word is ‘together.’ With that, I want to bring a new face and be a warrior for the community.”
Hughes, who is somewhat new to Auburn and resides in Tuscaloosa, said she is already fond of the city and desires to concentrate on outreach of queer culture in the region.
“I had never been to Auburn until a few months ago when I came into town for a booking. I loved the people and the town so much, and it was nice to feel the warm reception at the pageant as well,” Hughes said. “I think my role will be to represent the Auburn-Opelika community, even from afar. Since I do not live in the area, it will be my job to draw attention from other cities to the amazing goings on in Auburn.”
The pair each received a cash reward of $300, a crown and specialized sash. They were also guaranteed bookings to future drag shows to act as ambassadors for Pride on the Plains. Members of the audience could also get their own keepsakes from the pageant in the form of pride merchandise. Items up for sale ranged from buttons to decals to armbands. Sales supported the funding of the organization.
Derik Wood and Addison Vontrell, who were chosen as the inaugural Mr. and Miss Pride on the Plains last October, were enthusiastic about seeing fresh faces in their positions. They had several words of wisdom for their successors.
“Don’t think that it’s not a lot of work because it is. You need to represent yourself and everybody else well because you’re now representing other people, so you need to be cautious of what you’re saying and doing because everybody’s watching,” Wood said. “Other than that — be yourself, and make sure that you are setting a good standard for everybody around you.”
Vontrell echoed his sentiments, viewing the job to be labor-intensive but important and beneficial to developing the LGBTQ community of the surrounding area.
“Get ready to work, because it is hard work. Not only are you representing the community, but you have to work for this community. You’re the face of it, so you make sure you get out there and that you are here for them,” Vontrell said.
Though Alexander and Hughes wowed attendees and the panel of judges alike with their performances and dress, some of the strongest factors in their victory were less noticeable, such as perfection in appearance and confidence in providing a short bio of themselves and addressing questions.
Joshua Glenn, who served as head judge on the panel, said such qualities were things the audience might not notice, but it was vital that each contestant consider them.
“It could be a stray hair or string. The contestants tonight all answered really well and something we look for when they’re answering Q&A is if they can speak — do they have the ability to tell you what they’re thinking, and if it’s in a way that can demonstrate their intelligence,” Glenn said. “It comes down to the smallest minute little things like a backup dancer being one step behind.”
Pride on the Plains will next be co-hosting an Iron Bowl tailgate with West Alabama queer organization Druid City Pride on Nov. 24. The event will begin at 11 a.m. on the Green Space in front of Moore and Little Halls on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa.
Guests are asked to bring their own chairs and drinks, though food will be available. A drag brunch is also in the pipeline but there is currently no scheduled date.
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