July,
2010
In 17 days my reign will set in the West as the Sun does after a long day. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without all of the love, support, and generosity of family, friends, contestants, promoters, spectators, and sponsors that care about this system. Excellence is something you make happen every day…it is my hope deep within my heart that my reign serves as an example and a beacon in the community for others to emulate, respect, and follow.
We welcomed the final six pledges who journey towards the Miss Gay Ohio America sisterhood. June 12 we welcomed Miss Gay Columbus America 2010 Diamond Hunter, a new kid on the block who is radiantly beautiful. Her first alternate is veteran competitor Lucia Van Cartier. June 13 Ashton Brooke captured the title of Miss Gay Springfield America 2010. Her edgy creativity was a welcome change- it will definitely take her far. Her first alternate was Diamond Andrews Lorez; she placed 2nd alternate to Miss Gay Dayton America just a few weeks before- it was wonderful to see her on her way to Miss Gay Ohio America. Finally, on June 26th, Veronica Devereaux captured the title of Miss Gay City Lights America. Her first alternate was Destiny Fayte- a past two time competitor at Miss Gay Ohio.
This journey has involved logging more than 10,000 miles onto my car traveling the state and the country representing you. This journey has involved me getting to intimately know the promoters and contestants alike. This journey was not mine, but our journey, and what a blessing to be part of the bigger picture- a royal sisterhood whose depth of knowledge, grace, and talent is among the best that Ohio has to offer the art form of female impersonation.
To gracefully follow in the footsteps in the likeness of those sisters who paved the way for me…Lady Sonja Ross and the late great Brazon…placing in the top 10 is a very elite group…glad to be a part of it.
There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same…in the end, it didn’t matter how many times one competes- what matters is that eventually we reach and capture our dream of becoming Miss Gay Ohio America.
Thank you to those five judges coupled with the support and assistance from my friends that allowed this dream to come true. Thank you, to the community for allowing me to use the Miss Gay Ohio America pageant and sisterhood to do positive things over the past year. Thank you, to the contestants for which I live, breathe, and serve unselfishly- not only this year as Miss Gay Ohio America, but for years to come as a former that cares about the system.
My step down will be very emotional, as life itself has made some dramatic changes. Thank you for sharing this moment with me…I will never be more proud to wear that sparkling crown whose symbol bind and unite us all in love as a family…always in pursuit of excellence.
Love, health, and happiness,
Duane L. Herron, MPH
Sincerely,
Symphony
