Miss Fag Hag Pageant
Encyclopedia
The Miss Fag Hag Pageant is a pageant contest for fag hag
s, referring to women who either associates mostly or exclusively with gay
and bisexual men, or have gay and bisexual men as close friends.
, New Zealand
, in 2007 and was first held in January 2008 as a search for the best fag hag
. It was later emulated by gay bars in other New Zealand cities including Christchurch, Hamilton, and Auckland, and later in Melbourne, Australia, and New York, USA.
The idea was created by Wellington nightclub and bar owner Greig Wilson. The inaugural winner was 22-year-old Veronica Mills. Miss Fag Hag Wellington 2009 was 21-year-old Nicole Johnston and Miss Fag Hag Wellington 2010 was 20-year-old Courtney Havill.
is a gay slang
phrase referring to a woman who either associates mostly or exclusively with gay
and bisexual men, or has gay and bisexual men as close friends. The phrase originated in gay male culture in the United States and was historically an insult. Some women who associate with gay men object to being called fag hags, while others embrace the term. The male counterpart, for men who have similar interpersonal relationships with gay and bisexual men is fag stag
, part of hag-ism, the identification of a person with a group—usually united in terms of sexuality
, gender identity
, or shared sex—of which he or she is not officially a member. People who associate with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT
) people may be called fruit flies regardless of their sex.
and produced by Hollenbach and Paul Case as a benefit for Hetrick-Martin Institute
and was held at Comix Night Club
. The show was staged, choreographed and directed by Adolpho Blaire. According to the event's website, the show is a "celebration of the unsung hero of the gay community
".
. The New York contestants and their corresponding gay male sponsors were announced on the event's website, www.missfaghag.com. Hosts were Shawn Hollenbach
and Paul Case. Judges were Caroline Rhea
, Michael Musto
, Hedda Lettuce
and Katina Corrao. The show was staged, choreographed and directed by Adolpho Blaire. According to the website, the show is a celebration of the unsung hero of the gay community.
Contestants:
Contestants were named after many of the New York City villages and boroughs.
Performances:
Special guests:
, John Cameron Mitchell
, Jerry Torre and last minute replacement, Leslie Jordan
. Adolpho Blaire directed and choreographed the pageant and produced along with creator, Shawn Hollenbach
and co-producer, Paul Case. The 10 contestants competed in the following categories:
Contestants:
Performances:
Special guests:
Fag hag
Fag hag is a gay slang phrase referring to a woman who either associates mostly or exclusively with gay and bisexual men, or has gay and bisexual men as close friends. The phrase originated in gay male culture in the United States and was historically an insult. Some women who associate with gay...
s, referring to women who either associates mostly or exclusively with gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
and bisexual men, or have gay and bisexual men as close friends.
Origin
The concept of Miss Fag Hag Pageant originated in WellingtonWellington
Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, in 2007 and was first held in January 2008 as a search for the best fag hag
Fag hag
Fag hag is a gay slang phrase referring to a woman who either associates mostly or exclusively with gay and bisexual men, or has gay and bisexual men as close friends. The phrase originated in gay male culture in the United States and was historically an insult. Some women who associate with gay...
. It was later emulated by gay bars in other New Zealand cities including Christchurch, Hamilton, and Auckland, and later in Melbourne, Australia, and New York, USA.
The idea was created by Wellington nightclub and bar owner Greig Wilson. The inaugural winner was 22-year-old Veronica Mills. Miss Fag Hag Wellington 2009 was 21-year-old Nicole Johnston and Miss Fag Hag Wellington 2010 was 20-year-old Courtney Havill.
Background
Fag hagFag hag
Fag hag is a gay slang phrase referring to a woman who either associates mostly or exclusively with gay and bisexual men, or has gay and bisexual men as close friends. The phrase originated in gay male culture in the United States and was historically an insult. Some women who associate with gay...
is a gay slang
Gay slang
LGBT slang, LGBT speak or gay slang is a set of slang used predominantly among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It has been used in various languages, including English and Japanese since the early 1900s as a means by members of the LGBT community as a group to self-advertise as a...
phrase referring to a woman who either associates mostly or exclusively with gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
and bisexual men, or has gay and bisexual men as close friends. The phrase originated in gay male culture in the United States and was historically an insult. Some women who associate with gay men object to being called fag hags, while others embrace the term. The male counterpart, for men who have similar interpersonal relationships with gay and bisexual men is fag stag
Fag stag
Fag stag or Fruit Fly, are slang terms for a heterosexual man who either enjoys the company of, or simply has numerous friends that are gay or bisexual men. The latter term comes from the derogatory term from homosexuals...
, part of hag-ism, the identification of a person with a group—usually united in terms of sexuality
Human sexuality
Human sexuality is the awareness of gender differences, and the capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. Human sexuality can also be described as the way someone is sexually attracted to another person whether it is to opposite sexes , to the same sex , to either sexes , or not being...
, gender identity
Gender identity
A gender identity is the way in which an individual self-identifies with a gender category, for example, as being either a man or a woman, or in some cases being neither, which can be distinct from biological sex. Basic gender identity is usually formed by age three and is extremely difficult to...
, or shared sex—of which he or she is not officially a member. People who associate with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
Transgender
Transgender is a general term applied to a variety of individuals, behaviors, and groups involving tendencies to vary from culturally conventional gender roles....
(LGBT
LGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
) people may be called fruit flies regardless of their sex.
American Miss Fag Hag Pageant
The American event was created by comedian Shawn HollenbachShawn Hollenbach
Shawn Hollenbach is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor, based in New York City. As of 2010 he works at Comedy Central in the programming department. As a comic and actor he has performed around the country and throughout New York...
and produced by Hollenbach and Paul Case as a benefit for Hetrick-Martin Institute
Hetrick-Martin Institute
The Hetrick-Martin Institute is a New York City based non-profit organization devoted to serving the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth. The institute was founded in 1979 as the "Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay Youth" by Dr. Emery Hetrick, a...
and was held at Comix Night Club
Comix comedy club
Opened in September 2006 by business partners Harlan Halper and Michael Palitz, Comix was a venue for stand-up comedy located in The Meatpacking District in New York City on 14th Street and 9th Avenue...
. The show was staged, choreographed and directed by Adolpho Blaire. According to the event's website, the show is a "celebration of the unsung hero of the gay community
Gay community
The gay community, or LGBT community, is a loosely defined grouping of LGBT and LGBT-supportive people, organizations and subcultures, united by a common culture and civil rights movements. These communities generally celebrate pride, diversity, individuality, and sexuality...
".
2009
The first American Miss Fag Hag pageant was held in 2009 in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. The New York contestants and their corresponding gay male sponsors were announced on the event's website, www.missfaghag.com. Hosts were Shawn Hollenbach
Shawn Hollenbach
Shawn Hollenbach is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor, based in New York City. As of 2010 he works at Comedy Central in the programming department. As a comic and actor he has performed around the country and throughout New York...
and Paul Case. Judges were Caroline Rhea
Caroline Rhea
Caroline Gilchrist Rhea is a Canadian stand-up comedian and actress who was the original host of the reality television show The Biggest Loser on NBC until she was replaced by Alison Sweeney after the end of the third season...
, Michael Musto
Michael Musto
Michael Musto is an American columnist for the The Village Voice, where he writes La Dolce Musto. Musto was born in Brooklyn to an Italian American family. He attended Columbia University graduating in 1976. During his studies, he was a theater critic for the Columbia Spectator...
, Hedda Lettuce
Hedda Lettuce
Hedda Lettuce is an American drag queen comedian and singer who lives and works in New York. A legitimate New York actor, Steven Polito, debuted his character Hedda Lettuce in 1991 on the Manhattan Cable TV show The Brenda and Glennda Show. He is one of few drag queens who actually sings live using...
and Katina Corrao. The show was staged, choreographed and directed by Adolpho Blaire. According to the website, the show is a celebration of the unsung hero of the gay community.
Contestants:
Contestants were named after many of the New York City villages and boroughs.
- Miss West Village (winner) Heather Shields
- Miss Hell's Kitchen (1st runner up) Sabra
- Miss Harlem (2nd runner up) Karmen Kluge
- Miss Astoria Tammy Dalton
- Miss Bed-Stuy JQ
- Miss East Village Alisa Vogel
- Miss Jackson Heights Spanques Le Tushh
- Miss Long Island Jennifer Long Island
- Miss Lower East Side Jillian Snow Harris
- Miss Soho Rosemary Zuppardo
Performances:
- Kathy Fitzgerald sang "Gorgeous" from The Apple TreeThe Apple TreeThe Apple Tree is a series of three musical playlets with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Bock and Harnick with contributions from Jerome Coopersmith...
- Shayna SteeleShayna SteeleShayna Steele is an American singer and songwriter and a Broadway stage actress. Her Broadway credits include Rent at the Nederlander Theatre, the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Foxwoods Theatre , and the original Broadway cast of Hairspray, in which she played a member of the girl group...
sang "Lady MarmaladeLady Marmalade"Lady Marmalade" was also covered by Italian pop star Sabrina. It was released in 1987 as the album's second single by Baby Records. In some countries, including France and the Netherlands, the song was known as "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? " and was released in 1988.-Track listings:7" maxi#...
" - Bridget Everett sang two originals with Kenny MellmanKenny MellmanKenny Mellman is an artist living in New York City. He was one half of Kiki and Herb. A co-creator of Our Hit Parade. He is currently in the band The Julie Ruin....
- Britney HoustonBritney HoustonBritney Houston is an American singer, dancer and Internet celebrity who identifies as transgender. She is known for creating parodies of popular videos and posting them on YouTube within days of the original videos' releases...
danced to her song "And the Crowd Goes" - Mel & El sang their song, "Fagnet"
- Alysha Umphress sang the opening number "Girl for All Seasons" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)"You Make Me Feel " is the title of a 1978 single by American disco singer Sylvester James, who performed using just his first name, Sylvester...
"
Special guests:
- Nick AdamsNick Adams (theatre actor)Nick Adams is an American musical theater actor and dancer.-Early life:Adams was born in Erie, Pennsylvania to Kenneth Mark Adams and Janet Rose Wojtalik. He attended high school at Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie. His first professional theatrical job was at age 16. After high school he...
crowned the winner - Frank DeCaroFrank DeCaroFrank DeCaro is an American writer, performer and radio show host.The New York-born DeCaro is the author of The Dead Celebrity Cookbook: A Resurrection of Recipes From More Than 145 Stars of Stage and Screen , Unmistakably Mackie: The Fashion and Fantasy of Bob Mackie , and A Boy Named Phyllis: A...
, Murray HillMurray Hill (performer)Murray Hill is a well-known New York City comedian and drag king entertainer persona of Betsey Gallagher although this persona is maintained even in private settings...
and Jon Wolfe Nelson introduced the talent - Danny LearyDanny LearyDaniel Leary , better known as Danny Leary, is an American stand-up comedian and actor based in New York City. He attended Portales High School located in Portales, New Mexico...
and Jenny Rubin hosted the red carpet for DFD*TV.
2010
New York's Second Annual Miss Fag Hag Pageant was held at Comix NY on Sunday, May 2 at 8pm Miss Fag Hag 2010 was hosted by cabaret duo Mel & El. The judges included Michael MustoMichael Musto
Michael Musto is an American columnist for the The Village Voice, where he writes La Dolce Musto. Musto was born in Brooklyn to an Italian American family. He attended Columbia University graduating in 1976. During his studies, he was a theater critic for the Columbia Spectator...
, John Cameron Mitchell
John Cameron Mitchell
John Cameron Mitchell is an American writer, actor, and director. He is best known for his motion pictures Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus and Rabbit Hole.- Early life:...
, Jerry Torre and last minute replacement, Leslie Jordan
Leslie Jordan
Leslie Allen Jordan is an American actor and playwright.- Early life and career :Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and at a height of 4 ft 11 in , Jordan has made numerous appearances in both film and television...
. Adolpho Blaire directed and choreographed the pageant and produced along with creator, Shawn Hollenbach
Shawn Hollenbach
Shawn Hollenbach is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor, based in New York City. As of 2010 he works at Comedy Central in the programming department. As a comic and actor he has performed around the country and throughout New York...
and co-producer, Paul Case. The 10 contestants competed in the following categories:
- Evening Wear
- Presenting Your Gay in a Swimsuit
- Talent
- Question and Answer
- The Skinnygirl Margarita Online Video Challenge
- Producer Interview
Contestants:
- Miss Bowery (Winner): Tanya O'DebraTanya O'Debra-Early life:The oldest of five children, O'Debra was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She moved to New York at age 19, where she studied acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.-Career:...
- Miss Lower East Side (1st Runner Up): Jillian Snow Harris
- Miss Bushwick (2nd Runner Up): Crystal Clements
- Miss Astoria: Dana Craig
- Miss Harlem: JQ
- Miss Garment District: Amy Beckerman
- Miss Midtown: Chasity Neutze
- Miss Morningside: Michelle Alexandra
- Miss Park Slope: Andrea Alton
- Miss Union Square: Elyse Beyer
Performances:
- Darius De HaasDarius de HaasDarius de Haas is an American stage actor and singer.He was born in Chicago and raised in a musical family—his father is bassist Eddie de Haas and his mother Geraldine was one of the Bey sisters of the musical trio Andy and The Bey Sisters...
opened the show with "DreamgirlsDreamgirlsDreamgirls is a Broadway musical, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen. Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio...
" with Lexi Lawson and Rebecca Covington. - Sahara DavenportSahara DavenportSahara Davenport is an American drag queen and reality television personality and classically-trained dancer. He is best known as a contestant on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race.-Early career:...
danced to Beyonce's version of "Proud Mary." - Margarita Pracatan sang "Oops!... I Did It AgainOops!... I Did It AgainOops!...I Did It Again is the second studio album by American pop singer Britney Spears. The album was released on May 16, 2000 by Jive Records. The album became a commercial success after debuting at top position on the U.S. Billboard 200 selling over 1,319,193 units during its first week...
" and "Mamma MiaMamma Mia (song)"Mamma Mia" is a song from ABBA's 3rd album, ABBA, written by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus & Stig Anderson, with the lead vocals shared by Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The song "Mamma Mia" is a common song used in bands or orchestras...
" - Singer/Songwriter Charlene Lite sang "While You Were Sleeping"
- Spangles Dance Company
- Miss Fag Hag 2009, Heather Shields sang "Forever Your GirlForever Your GirlForever Your Girl is the debut album from singer Paula Abdul. It was released on June 13, 1988 and took 64 weeks from its release to hit number one on the Billboard 200 album sales chart, the longest an album has been on the market before hitting number one. The album was eventually certified seven...
" while crowning the winner.
Special guests:
- Abiola AbramsAbiola AbramsAbiola Abrams is an American TV host, internet personality, art filmmaker, and author. She is the author of Dare, a love story retelling of Faust set in the hip hop world and creator of a lifestyle blog and web video series at AbiolaTV.com....
, Billy Eichner, Bailey HanksBailey HanksBailey Noel Hanks is an American singer, actress, and dancer best known for winning MTV's Legally Blonde - The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods. She performed on Broadway as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical in 2008....
, Kate McKinnonKate McKinnonKate McKinnon is an American sketch comedian.-Career:Kate McKinnon was hired during her senior year at Columbia University in 2006 to join the original cast of the LOGO Network's Big Gay Sketch Show...
, Jon Wolfe Nelson, Judith ReganJudith ReganJudith Regan is an American editor, producer, book publisher and television and radio talk show host. She is the mother of a son and a daughter and lives in New York City and Los Angeles.-Early life:...
, Daniel Robinson, and Stephen Wallum introduced talent. - Bethenny FrankelBethenny FrankelBethenny Frankel is an American reality show personality, author, entrepreneur and natural foods chef. She was a contestant in the 2005 series The Apprentice: Martha Stewart and one of the original five housewives featured on the Bravo reality series The Real Housewives of New York City...
announced Miss Bowery the winner of the Skinnygirl Margarita Online Video Challenge via video.