Kyle's Korner September 2017

I am actually starting this blog in early August, sitting on an airplane waiting to take off to Florida.  It's amazing how much work I get done in between trains, planes, and automobiles.  Although I am only several weeks into my reign, I have been doing a lot of traveling in this short period of time.  I feel very confident in saying that August has been a very successful month for not only myself but the Mr. Gay America organization.  I am proud to say that we have secured four preliminary competitions that will happen before the end of this year. We would like to formally announce the following competitions: Mr. Gay Texas America, Mr. Gay Oklahoma America (Regional), Mr. Gay Florida America (Regional) and Mr. Gay Southeast America (Regional). As we work hard everyday to build and grow the system, we look forward to adding to this 2017 year.  For the past couple of weeks I have been communicating with many of my fellow male competitors. The one thing I am consistently hearing is that "I am not ready for America". My response, "What do you mean"? As I have had several of these conversations, I realize that there are some misperceptions of the America System that I feel need to be explained:

 

1. "America is Rigid".... No, we are highly organized 
2. "America is Hard".... No, we believe in process and procedures 
3. "Kyle, the Interview"... Have a plan of action and be able to articulate it
4. "It is highly competitive"... True, the greater the challenge the greater the reward.
5. "I am nervous"... And you should be, see you at the prelim... (humor)

What has filled my heart with so much joy is the love, warmth and support that I have received every time I go on tour.  People whom I don't even know and those I have not seen in years approach me, hug me, and congratulate me expressing that they were rooting for me.  Every time this happens I am shocked, as I never considered myself to be popular or the favorite. There are some amazingly talented, beautiful, fashion forward, intelligent men that competed this year.  

I had a moment earlier this month.  I was teaching a modeling and visual poise workshop for young girls 12 to 16 years of age.  I had never met these girls before even though some are young titleholders.  Upon entering the room, they approach me and say, "Mr. Kyle, congratulations on winning Mr. Gay America. How cool!!!!". They wanted to ask questions about the contest. What I found interesting was the fact that they never asked the purpose of MGA.  They wanted to talk abut talent and clothing.  Not once did "gay" even get addressed. My hope is that our younger generation "gets it", and that there will be no discussion needed.  I will make appearances inside and outside the gay community. I love the fact that I can continue to be a role model to young people, and I can answer their questions and have a positive impact. This is a blessing from God, and I will use this to continue to educate and empower our youth. 

Later in the month I had an amazing experience being an awards presenter at "Operation Stand Up", a charity event in Memphis, Tennessee. This organization does some very important things; from AIDS and HIV awareness and fundraising to awarding, supporting and acknowledging those that do amazing things impacting our country and helping so many. During this event i had the honor of giving the "Jinah Houston Legacy Award".  They had five nominees.  They put their names in a bowl, pulled a name out, and that person got a cash award. They did it this way as each person is worthy of this award.  Congratulations to Ray Rico.  Thank you to Steven Antonio of "Operation Stand Up" for this great opportunity. A few days later I had the "Vogue" experience.  Mr. & Miss International Vogue Newcomer and Plus Pageant.  All I can say is WOW!!! This competition puts a tremendous focus on modeling and fashion. The presentation of some of these young men and women was just simply wonderful, and each competitor put their best foot forward. I had the opportunity to grace the stage and perform.  It was such a blessing to be so well received. Thank you to the LBGTQ community of Memphis for welcoming me with open arms. My plan is to return back soon as Mr. Gay Tennessee America is in the works. 

Closing out the month of August was judging and performing at Miss Gay Southeast America. It is always such an experience to perform at the "Miss" prelims, as it is truly gearing me up for the start of the "Mr" contest season, which begins with Mr. Southeast America Regional on October 15, 2017, in Raleigh, NC. Promoter Christopher Horton, thank you for your support of us guys.  I promise we will make you proud. In conclusion of this edition of "Kyle's Korner", I would like all of the men that are "On the way to MGA" to take heed of my life philosophy...."Believe in yourself.  Never EVER give up on your dreams.  Regardless of who you are, or where you are from, GREATNESS begins with YOU!

Much Love and See you soon,

Your Mr. Gay America 2017

Kyle Ean

Guest spot light Jeffrey Kelly Second Alternate to Mr Gay America 2017

1. Mad Angel Entertainment has agreed to pay for me to take a vacation..and I get to take one person... and I choose YOU!!!!... Where are we going and what are we doing?
Answer: If we were going on a vacation it would be to Hawaii I suppose. And we would have a blast!!

2. Being a person of Lebanese decent... what is your favorite dish to cook....and why would you select it if we were to have dinner?
Answer: My favorite dish to cook is Falel Sandwiches. I would chosen that because it's hard not to love it!

3. When watching a pageant, what is the biggest mistake that you see male competitors make and what advise would you give them to be better?
Answer: The biggest mistake I see competitors make is that they change themselves for everybody else. So the magic in what they would like to do is gone. So my advice to him would be to stay to themselves.

4. What advise would you give me to be a successful Mr. Gay America??
Answer: The advice I would give to be a successful titleholder is to stay current, relevant and always be seen.

Kyle's Korner August 2017 featuring Judas Elliot

Kyle's Korner - August 2017

In 1995 I arrived in Dallas, Texas feeling that I was ready to be Mr. Gay America. I have worked hard on my body... practiced my talent everyday.. and remained up to date on all current events. After 3 days of preliminary competition, for the first time in my competition career, I am heading into final night without winning a preliminary group award. On my way to the competition location, I was thinking, "Oh my, did I even make the top ten?", as during preliminary night talent I had two bad slips and one complete fall. There we were, 52 men, all of us winning or qualifying through our state/regional contests.  I was Mr. Gay Gulf Coast America, which was to be the top regional in the system.  They started announcing the top ten finalists, and I did not hear my name. Then, there were nine contestants standing in front, and as I looked to my left, I saw the very handsome and talented Steven Kaylen Riser, the first runner up from last year. I knew for sure, I did not make it.  I then heard "And your tenth and final contestant is Kyle Ean, Mr. Gay Gulf Coast America."  I cried as though I had won the contest.  I was thinking to myself "I have to pull it together and refocus on competing. God has given me a second chance."  After competing in the swimsuit category,  my heart was in my throat with the memories of the disastrous preliminary talent I had 3 days earlier. I stepped on the floor, and all I could think about was “this floor is ice.”  My heart started pounding, and I said a prayer, "Dear God, no slips, falls and I need to always landing on my feet."  The music "Fabulous Feet" started, I did my first turn/leap combination, and landed on my feet, slid three feet, and the audience applauded.  I knew at that moment it would be the performance of my life, and it was. I looked great in formalwear and I nailed on stage question.  Next was the time to call the winners:  4th runner up, Joey, 3rd runner up Antonio, 2nd runner up, Christopher, and then it was myself, final night talent and Q&A winner, holding hands with John Reny, final night swimsuit and formalwear winner.  John and I had held hands a few months earlier at Mr. Gay Gulf Coast America, in which he was my first alternate. Even though I felt that my performance that evening was good enough to win, I knew in my heart John was more of what the system represented and wanted.  I was right, as John Reny was named Mr. Gay America 1995. 

So now 22 years later I get a phone call, "Kyle, the new owners of Miss Gay America are considering bringing the male pageant back". I held the phone speechless with no words to say. All I could say was, "I will do it".  Weeks later, when the 2017 contestants video came out, I experienced something that I never felt before, "I am not good enough".  I am 22 years older, 15 pounds heavier, and do not dance much anymore. Even though I would likely walk in with the strongest résumé,  it would mean nothing if I couldn’t compete at the highest level.  For nine weeks, my life consisted of the gym, diet, cardio, re-breaking in tap shoes, interview notes, and current events all day everyday.  I returned to Dallas, with no hype, unnoticed, hoping to have a good week. I had no social media following, no shout-outs, and was just putting my head down to knock out each category one at a time.  In my heart, I knew I was competing at my highest level.  I knew in my heart that I was bringing my best; however, there were 9 of the best male competitors in the country with me, and 4 of them were former and/or multi-national titleholders.  As luck would have it, all of us made it into the Top 5.  next up was Q&A, which has always been my strongest category. As I was standing on stage with some of the top competitors in the country, I get my question, "What is the single biggest problem facing the gay community".  This was a gift from God; however I knew I had to stay focused and just answer the question!  I knew it was not going to be good enough to simply just answer it.  I knew I had to knock it out of the park.  It was safe to say that I had. So while standing on stage, I began getting A knot in my stomach; the same know I felt 22 years prior.  I knew I presented my best, but so did these other amazing young men.  And then it happened…4th runner up, Michael LaMasters, 3rd runner up, Mykul Valentine, 2nd runner up, Jeffrey Kelly... and now I am holding hands with Judas Elliot (winner of talent & presentation) and myself (winner of interview & Q&A). When they called out Judas as the first runner up, 22 years of tears watered my eyes.  A dream that I thought was forever gone was now my reality and I would have the honor of representing our community and this wonderful system throughout the United States.  Each and every day that week after my win, I cried tears of happiness with disbelief that I am your new Mr. Gay America.  As I sit here typing this, I have already been hard at work introducing myself across the country.  In 3 short weeks, I have been back to Dallas, and have trips planned to Houston, Vegas, Columbus, Orlando, Oklahoma City and Louisville. Special thanks to the promoters OF Miss Gay Texas America, Miss Gay Ohio America, and Miss Gay Oklahoma America for treating me like a King. One thing that is making my reign so special is having the opportunity to work with Miss Gay America, Suzy Wong. She has been an amazing example acclimating me to my title. Many are asking me what my goals are for this year.  The answer is simple:

1. Grow the system into the largest and most prestigious in the country. 

2. Advocate my platform: "Project Empower", gay youth career mentoring. 

3. Mr. Gay America having a political voice in today's climate. 

4. Having fun while reigning. 

Finally, thank you to Mad Angel Entertainment for this amazing opportunity, and I promise to work everyday representing the excellence that you have bestowed upon me. 

Your Mr. Gay America 2017,

Kyle Ean

Contestant Highlight

Judas Elliot - First Alternate to Mr Gay America 2017

1. If I was to come to your house for dinner... what would you cook for me and why?

If you came to my house you would almost definitely have seafood or chicken! Those are both my go to meals! Chicken is universal so it goes with everything and being from Maryland I eat and love seafood like it going out of style!! And I have an act for sweets so there would also be cake or cookies of some sort! 

2. You and I are having a boys night out... no BF's allowed... where are we going to Turn it up?...

First were going to eat because in order for me to turn up I need carbs of some kind! Ha Afterwards wed head to the popular strip of the area and hop place to place... all while staying incognito because after all were performers and professionals! We can't be seen causing to much of a fuss! Haha

3. What advise would you give me to make sure I have an amazing reign?

My advise is to embrace yourself and do everything exactly the way you want it! After all it is YOUR reign! This is your way of showing who you are as a performer, Administrator and representative of the America system! 

4. What were you thinking holding hands with me at the end???

My first thought was, "omg we made top two!" With the issues I had that day I was worried of making the 5, but making it to the final two spots was a highlight and accomplishment all on its own! I also thought to myself how fulfilling it was for you returning after so long and being so close to what's been a lifelong dream of yours!

Michael and Rob's Newsletter July 2017

We are half way through the year, and it’s been a while since we have written an article.  The first half of the year has been wonderful so far with 10 preliminaries completed.  There are 20 great qualified contestants, and this summer’s schedule is packed with preliminaries from coast to coast; opening the door to other contestants giving them the opportunity to become the next Miss Gay America.  Suzy is doing an amazing job.  Her business background has helped keep everything organized, and her trouble shooting abilities are second to none. 

There have been many changes this year with the goal of creating the most well rounded entertainers as well as the most exciting contests for audiences to attend.  These changes are getting a lot of positive feedback.  Contestants have really put a lot of creative energy into their presentations.  With the absence of solo talent, along with the changes in timing to evening gown, the pageants are moving along quickly, making them a great viewing experience for the audiences. 

Speaking of changes…  On July 2^nd, the America family welcomed back male pageantry with the Mr. Gay America contest in Dallas, TX.  Ten great contestants competed and became a part of the America family.  The format and rules closely mirror what we already do.  Many people asked, “how will it differ from other male contests?”  We put a lot of thought into the fashion category.  We decided upon "Red Carpet Fashion".  Contestants brought their best “Red Carpet” look to the stage.  There are many types of red carpet events, giving contestants flexibility to find a suitable look that fits their personality.  Continuing with the theme of gold, the prize package included a gold medallion and a custom-made jacket tailored to the winner.  After a hard-fought contest, Kyle Ean captured the title of Mr. Gay America 2017, making it his 6th national title!  After the contest, Kyle hit the ground running contacting potential promoters.  Because of his hard work, have already "delivered" contracts to 5 promoters with another dozen awaiting information.  Bringing back the "Mr. Pageant" would not have happened without the hard work and dedication MGA 2016, Asia T. O'Hara!  We would like to thank Asia O’

In planning for Miss Gay America 2018, remember to book your rooms using the link on the website or Facebook.  We have a block of rooms held at a discounted rate until the end of August.  Once the block expires, we can’t guarantee the room rate or that a room will be available in the hotel.  

Have a great summer, and we hope to see everyone at an upcoming Gay America event soon!

Sincerely,

Rob and Michael

Mr Gay America 2017

Congratulations to Kyle Ean who was crowned Mr Gay America 2017 at the Rose Room in Dallas, TX.  

Photo: Dan Rinehart

Hosts for Mr Gay America in Dallas Announced

The hosts for this years Mr Gay America contest at the Rose Room in Dallas, TX will be Miss Gay America 2000 Catia Lee Love and Miss Gay America 1984 Tasha Kohl.  These lovely ladies will also be performing.  Also performing will be Miss Gay America 2003 Dominique Sanchez.  

Contestants for the 2017 Mr Gay America Contest

We wanted to create a final night experience for this year.  We opened up an application to 10 finalists .  We got 11 due to a time stamp on the application submission.  Here are your contestants for the 2017 Mr Gay America Contest.  

 Judas Elliot

 Michael LaMasters

 Hobie Landon Waits

 Jeffrey Kelly

 Slovy Mat "Big Country"

 Quinn Matthews

 Patrick Mikyles

 Mykul Jay Valentine

 Geo Johnson

Kyle Ean

Jonathan A. Rushing

Reunited

The evolution of a new era continues in 2017 as Mad Angel Entertainment brings back Mr Gay All-American as Mr Gay America.  

Official announcements and contest details will be announced soon as we prepare MrGA's inaugural year.