GAY IN THE CARIBBEAN: Miss Gay Caribbean USA Pageant inside…

As promised last week, during the coming weeks I will introduce you to the delegates at this years Miss Gay Caribbean USA Pageant. 

Now in its fourth year the pageant is scheduled to take place on the evening of Saturday September 29th 2012, at Restoration Plaza Fulton Street, at 8pm.  The event is fast becoming one of the main stream events in the gay Caribbean community’s social diary. It is an event that is not to be missed and as the weeks edge closer, it is my aim bring you the details as they happen weekly.  At this weekend’s rehearsals, the girls were out in full gear and the fierceness (snaps fingers) is palpable.

Here are this weeks two delegates:

Miss Dominican Republic – Nailah Mancini.

Ms Mancini is a 27-year old resident of Brooklyn, New York.  She believes that everyone should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation and that marriage is a human right that should be afforded to anyone despite its participants.  Her aim is to help bridge the gap between the homosexual and heterosexual community. This is her first pageant and she is filled with excitement at the prospects of being a participant in such a huge event.

She is articulate and sometimes shy, a second year student pursuing a degree in Nursing Education and  believes in the philosophy – you are never to old to learn and learning is the key to opening doors.

As a child who was subjected to years of abuse at the hands of relatives, she believes that she has come a long way and during her years of healing, she believes she has helped other young men and women, like herself, to make smart choices.  She credits her mother for her nurturing and unrelenting support.

Nailah loves dancing, reading and spending time with her friends and family.  On the night of the pageant Ms Dominican Republic says she is bringing sexy back with a bang!  Three words that best describe her: Compassionate, persevering and understanding.

Miss US and British Virgin Islands – Bianka Van Kartier

Seven years ago, Miss Van Kartier was singled out as an unquestionable female on the infamous The Maury Show and she felt on top of the world! Seven years later, should she win this coveted crown, she believes she would permenantly sit on the throne.

A resident of the US Virgin Islands, this delegate is the quintessential housewife and mother as well as a woman with a career. She has participated at New York Fashion Week, modelling for Mabelline and other beauty/fashion brands.  However, if you think fashion is her only forte, Miss Van Kartier possesses brains, as well beauty. She has a degree in journalism from Tisch University NY.

She lives in Los Angeles but travels regularly to New York and her home town. She and her husband recently adopted their son, so she is also basking in the joys of motherhood.

Miss US and British Virgin Islands is against bullying in any form, in school or on the play ground and she has also founded her own organization, The Flutterfly Foundation, which aims to provide books to the less fortunate to encourage literacy amongst the youth.

Should she win the coveted crown Miss Van Kartier has promised to match her prize money and donate it all to literacy programs in her native US Virgin island.

She likes homemaking, spending quality time with loved ones and fashion.
Final night this soft spoken contestant hopes to bring it and bring it big.  Three words that best describe this flawless beauty, courageous, articulate and interpersonal.

Tickets for this mammoth event are $30 and they are available at Sugarcane Resturant (718 230 3954) 238 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, JW Records  2833 Church Avenue (718 693 9261) or visit www.gaycaribbeanpageant.com.

The Pageant is in its fourth year and judging from last years attendance I suggest you book your tickets early.  Come and enjoy an evening of fun and fashion as no one else can do it, the delegates of the Miss Gay Caribbean USA Pageant promises you a fantastic time.

-Denise