My initial introduction to female impersonation was not the seedy, tacky, or tragic depictions that are so often portrayed in television, movies, or media.

The image I saw in 1991  was of strength, poise, positivity, and philanthropy. I was caught up and completely transfixed by Miss Gay Arizona Devina Ross telling the audience that she had returned from Miss Gay America, had the time of her life, and was so thankful for the opportunity.

I became a female impersonator to become a Miss Gay America. For several years, I pursued this dream, never really believing I possessed the qualities of talent, beauty, and intelligence to be a MGA. In 2003, I abandoned my dream and pursued other opportunities. 

Though I exited the competition arena, I was never able to let MGA out of my heart. For many years I traveled to whatever city was selected to host the contest, always supporting our Miss Gay Arizona, always cheering on my friends, and  always watching in awe as a new Miss America was crowned. More often than not, I reached out to those Miss Gay Americas, inviting them to kick off their reigns in Phoenix.  

As I pursued "other opportunties," I had the chance to host a radio show, write an advice column, embark on a cross-country tour with a multi-platinum selling rock band, create buzz-worthy YouTube videos, and create my long-running Barbra Seville Show.

In time, I got the desire to be more of service and to use my notoriety to get more involved with Phoenix Gay Pride and Phoenix AIDS Walk. My involvement with them, the goals I set for myself, and achieving those goals made me realize something about myself:

I DO possess the beauty, talent, intelligence, and heart to be Miss Gay America.

I am back to make my dream come true. Like me; my dream is big, it is crazy, and it might seem hard to believe. 

My dream is not just to capture the title of Miss Gay America. My dream is to capture the title, bring the crown to Phoenix, travel the country to promote the system,   to inspire confidence in contestants and promoters, and finally- to work with the Miss Gay America Pageantry System to bring this pageant to my hometown. My last part of my dream is to help stage the biggest and best Miss Gay America Pageant in its 40+ (like me!) year history.

Will you help me make my dream come true?