Sha'Nyia Ellis Crowned
As New
Miss Gay New Orleans America
by Brian Sands
Oz, 800 Bourbon, was the fabulous setting for Sha'Nyia Ellis Narcisse's triumph in the Miss Gay New Orleans/America pageant on May 12. She and First Runner-up India DeBlack will go on to represent New Orleans in the Miss Gay Louisiana/America competition in September at Unique Bar & Lounge, Alexandria, LA.
Mistress of Ceremonies Becky Allen in her S & M ("sequins and mascara") drag worked her usual magic and kept the seamless production flowing. The evening's two and a half hours flew by to everyone's delight.
The packed audience included such notables as Charlie Stuart, pageant promoter Rick Martinez, Ambush's Sonny Cleveland, Michael Elias and Miss Gay America 1998 Maya Montana.
The evening got off to a flawless start with Miss Gay New Orleans 1998 Asya Alexander looking like a spokesperson for Lucky Cheng's doing Madonna's "Nothing Really Matters." Asya placed in the top 10 in this year's Miss Gay America pageant. No wonder.
The reigning Miss Gay Louisiana Jessica Daniels then wowed the audience as she cartwheeled in 8 inch heels. She was fourth runner-up to the current Miss Gay America. I want to know how anyone could top a performance like that!
The pageant was divided into three competitions-evening wear, creative fashion and talent. In addition to Sha'Nyia and India, the other talented contestants were Brooke York, Kiki LaRue, Amber Nicole Welch and VLK.
VLK got my vote as the most intriguing entrant. She/he is a college student who also competes as a power-lifter and recently placed third all-around in a student meet. Sponsored by a number of student Gay/Lesbian organizations, as Becky said, "Guess she can pick up anyone she wants."
Among the evening's many wonderful performers were the ever-entrancing Terry-Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann shimmying in a gold halter top, Miss Emerald City America Zhane' Kennedy resplendent in her tiara and red evening gown, the outrageous Bianca del Rio doing Cher's "Take Me Home" and Nikki Rich whose "Let's Talk Dirty to the Animals" had the entire audience in stitches.
The evening wear competition featured such elegant ensembles as Sha'Nyia's shimmering yellow-beaded creation, India's off-the-shoulder coral gown, and Brooke's high-collared brocaded dress.
The contestants let their imaginations run wild in the creative fashion portion of the evening with spectacular results. Sha'Nyia offered an outrageous black and powder blue 3-Musketeers-meets-the-Phantom-of-the-Opera ensemble. India's svelte Cruella DeVille number had matching Dalmation patterned handbag and clear plastic coat.
Kikki's black leather and latex Queen of the Night outfit was a demonic masterpiece made even more so by her personal boy toy. And Brooke will certainly win the award for "Most creative use of a hula hoop" for her white polka dot creation with accompanying reticule.
The talent competition was fierce. Sha'Nyia did a blazing rendition of "Last Dance"-how does she kick that high? VLK's "Last Dance" would've been fine if she hadn't had the misfortune to follow right on Sha'Nyia's heels.
Brooke gave an ironic twist to "He Fills Me Up" while in India's witty version of the classic "I Who Have Nothing" a handsome man stripped her of jewels, clothes and even her wig only to give them to another woman.
With all this talent the judges certainly did not have an easy time determining the winner, but no one argued with the most fair results. The hard-working judges were Queen Apollo V Charlene Barbara aka Rod, hairdresser/nail technician/make-up artist and real woman Robin Guidry, two time stripper of the year Ted Richard aka Colt Michael (all from Lafayette), handsome Robert Cook of Slidell and head judge Scott Maxwell of Gonzales.
Other than those messy patrons who dropped drinks and other things from Oz' balcony (Shame on you, girls) it was a perfect evening. We wish Sha'Nyia and India all the best as they go on to the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant. Good luck!
