November 21st, 2008
Because it’s Friday, and because sometimes ya gotta step back a moment from the battle for equality, I bring you very important news from Texas.
It seems that there was a little controversy about the venue and co-host of a local beauty competition – one that leads up to Miss Texas and the Miss America pageant. (Dallas News)
“I didn’t know a drag queen was going to have that prominent of a role,” said Jean Magness, executive director of the Miss Texas Organization, who watched over the Miss Oak Cliff/Miss Oak Lawn Area pageant at the Oak Lawn lounge The Rose Room [a gay bar]. “The question was Cassie’s involvement. Was it appropriate? For me and other board members present, that was a major concern.”
I certainly share their concern; imagine all the possiblities for confusion and tragedy. It can be terribly difficult distinguishing the drag queens and the beauty contestants – especially those from Texas.
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Ephilei
November 21st, 2008
I loved this quote:
“some contestants and their mothers say nowhere are gender roles more defined than at a beauty pageant — an on-stage display of poise, grace and conventional femininity. . . . It’s never healthy when society deviates to the extreme.”
What could be more extreme than a women’s beauty pageant? Exactly why they would benefit from drag! To see another perspective on conventional femininity and defined gender roles.
Samantha Davis
November 21st, 2008
So, is a drag queen actually hosting the event or is that just what those people call transsexuals?
Timothy Kincaid
November 21st, 2008
Read the article, Samantha. He’s a drag queen not a transsexual.
werdna
November 21st, 2008
She’s a drag queen.
werdna
November 21st, 2008
Seriously.
David C.
November 21st, 2008
“It can be terribly difficult distinguishing the drag queens and the beauty contestants – especially those from Texas.”
Now, now, nice kitty, fluffy tail. Want some milk with that?
grantdale
November 21st, 2008
Bahahahaha.
I guess this means “World Peace” will be a no-show this year?
I can’t see where something like this would be beneficial to our nation. As a matter of fact, I see it as a detriment.
A concern we all have: especially about any industry that starts with the pimping out of 6 year old children wearing more make-up than a, than a… well, than a drag queen.
(And surely… “Barbara Cox”??? — there’s a drag name that’s never been done before. Good grief, the irony.)
Jim Burroway
November 21st, 2008
Well for crying out loud! It’s Miss Oak Cliff/Oak Lawn! They’re lucky half the contestants weren’t drag queens.
Piper
November 21st, 2008
OK, I read this over, and I have taken offense for The first time ever at one of your articles.
You said
“I certainly share their concern; imagine all the possiblities for confusion and tragedy. It can be terribly difficult distinguishing the drag queens and the beauty contestants – especially those from Texas.”
As a Texan who works for equality I find that offensive. I understand it was a joke and I am not livid, I just wanted to remind you that there are progressive southerners and If you look at her, she doesn’t actually have the stereotypical southern beauty queen look.
Other than that, keep up the great work, I love this site!
Jim Burroway
November 22nd, 2008
As one who lived in Dallas for more than fifteen years, I found the remark very funny. I wish I had thought of it.
It’s humor like this that “Greater Tuna” was built on, as well as drag. I’m sorry if you were offended. Me, I laughed out loud, both at the humor and in fond appreciation. (I also have a hard time believing a similar joke wasn’t let loose during the pageant.)
Piper
November 22nd, 2008
Jim, I understood it was meant to be humorous. I love satirical works, and probably would have laughed at it under different circumstances. I felt at the time that I read it that it was written by someone who was just using Texas as the butt of a joke, and I’ve started to get sick of that (raised in Texas and trying to push back against the Bushies)
For me it’s just one of those things that if you are in Texas you can laugh at it, but when it is someone who might actually think “hey that’s true” it isn’t as funny. I believe that all people have that one thing they are a bit sensitive about.
In hindsight, I understand how people may think that I just can’t take a joke. Lord knows I’ve thought that about people before! rest assured I can in fact take a joke, and really do understand why it’s humorous. (Although my humor normally tack more towards Molly Ivins, Kinky Friedman, and Jim Hightower when it come to Texas)
Tim Hulsey
November 24th, 2008
It’s been done before:
http://www.pageantthemusical.com/
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