Since the Continental PLUS and Elite contests are the most recent biggies that took place, I can think of no finer place to get our feet wet.

A million and one congrats go to our own Amaya who won Miss Continetal PLUS. She’d been in the system six years and was in the bottom three her first time, now my sister is holding the crown and all that entails. (Plus, she’s one of Flint’s girls now.) Amaya’s runners-up included Trixxie DeLuxe, Desiree DeMornay, Whitney Paige and Farra N. Hyte. Other finalists included Tajma Hall, Kourtney Deveraux, Ivy White, Savannah Sanchez, Tezra DeVoe, Eva Carolina and Brianna Cartier.

The following night, still in the Windy City, Barbara Herr also became a member of the Continental family when she was crowned the second Miss Elite. Congrats to this wonderful, sweet, dear person. Her RU’s included Sonya Ross, the Legendary Misty Knight, Gloria Klein (also a legend) and Michelle McCausland.

In mentioning the PLUS results, I am reminded that I never did list the Top 12 from Miss U.S.ofA. at Large, now months ago, and I’d like to give those girls their due, too — we all know the winner was Kitty Litter of St. Louis, Mo., and her RU’s were Passion St. Claire, Alayna Marquez, Nova Starr and Ivana Black. Other finalists included Monica St. James, Raven St. James, Princess Janae, Krystal Leight, the Lady Ivana, Sybill Ann Storm and Lexus Blair.

In the next Rag, we’ll hear more about the shock heard ’round the drag world, which was when Chevelle Brooks took first runner-up spot to Carmen Santiago at Miss Florida FFI at Large in Orlando. Details at six. We’ll also discuss placements from the Miss Black America and Black America Plus contests, but I can tell you now the winners were Natasha Braxton and Lady Deception, respectively.

Congrats are due Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington who recently won Miss Dominion International in Norfolk, Va., with RU’s Coco Labelle Thomas and Farrah McCray. From Hickory, N.C., we have results from the Miss and Mr. Gay Classique contests — P. Jazzmyne Darnell won the Miss, with RU Scarlett Fever and for the Mr., Mark Madison with RU Ty Nolan.

Recent prelim winners to the Miss Gay America contest include Miss Western States Angela Dodd, Miss Southern Elegance Alina Maletti and Miss Keystone Truly Fabu with RU Chantel Reshae.

Gals with spots to compete at Miss Gay U.S.ofA. next month include Miss Arkansas Tatianna St. James Dupree, Miss Florida Coco Montrese, Miss Nebraska Anjila Richards Cavalier, Miss Minnesota Mokha Montrese, Miss Louisiana Beyoncea Black and Miss Southern States Armani! Go Chrissy.

Although there haven’t been any prelims to Miss Gay U.S.ofA. at Large yet, there was a prelim to Miss TX that I’m very excited about — Miss Galveston, which Kathryn York won. Readers would remember her from having made finals at Miss U.S.ofA. before — a fantastic “boy” queen known for her make-up abilities and for being an amazing individual, too. Now she’d make a fierce Miss TX at Large.

And now for local news — Tanisha Cassidine is the new Miss Galaxy Plus (held at Fayetteville’s Spektrum); RU’s included Alvion Arnel and Rashunda McCray.

The new Miss Scandals is none other than Holly Would; her RU was Loren Skyy. Holly was crowned by our reigning Miss N.C. U.S.ofA. at Large Mikaila Divine. Also up the mountain, the first prelim to Miss Land of the Sky pageant was Miss Appalachian and Celeste Starr won that one, with RU Ashleigh Addams.

The new Miss Barcode in Greenville is C.C. Dupree, with RU Ebony Summers. Sasha Leigh Chambers was recently crowned Miss Scorpio by the outgoing Tia Douglas; first runner-up honors went to the 10 dancing toes of the incredible Dorae Sierra Saunders. Saywhat? The new Miss marlboro Station (Aiken, S.C.) is Essence Iman Black; her RU was Petite de Jonville. Essence is also the new Miss Charlotte Gay Black Pride (which was not closed to just female impersonators); her RU was a young lady by the name of Miss Sexy. The new Mr. Charlotte Gay Black Pride is Onterio Roberts and his alternate was Freddie Quick.

In closing, I’ll mention an exciting night in pageantry coming up in my hometown of Charlotte — June 11 will mark a 10-year anniversary of the Queen City contests and owner Tracy Stephens will have four contests in one night — the Mr. and Miss and the At-large contests and will feature current titleholders Jovan Ova, Tanisha Cassidine, Armon Brooks and P. Jazzmyne Darnell. Also on the slate to entertain the children — Miss Transsexual America Sasha Valentino and former Miss U.S.ofA. and Continental PLUS Chevelle Brooks. I trust I’ll see you there.