A Crowning Glory; Veteran Female Illusionist, Erica Foxx Wins Miss Gay Missouri

BY: COLIN MURPHY - SENIOR WRITER

Who says that dreams don't come true! After 20-years of falling short, St. Louis' Michael McKinley, better known as the perky, Erica Foxx, has fulfilled his dream of becoming Miss Gay Missouri America (MGM).

McKinley was crowned July 26 by the reigning MGM, Sparkle Iman and Miss Gay America, Victoria DePaula (MGM 2006) before a capacity crowd at the Clarion Hotel Grand Ballroom in Springfield, Mo. Preliminary competitions were held earlier that weekend at Martha's Vinyard in Springfield. In all, 25-contestants competed for the coveted sash and crown in categories ranging from male interview and on stage question to evening gown, solo talent and talent. The latter often involves intricate choreography, props and back up dancers.

"This past weekend was an eye opening experience from the time I qualified back in February," said McKinley. "I started immediate preparations and was always on my computer in contact with various websites, jewelry designers and even a furrier in China. I had such a dilemma in finding just the right pair of shoes. But that attention to detail is only a small part of what wins a contest. It comes down to consistency in the pageantry package you deliver and a sincere desire to become better than you are."

Founded in 1973, MGM is the second oldest preliminary to the venerable Miss Gay America Pageant, one of the oldest and most respected female impersonation competitions the world over. The national pageant will again be held in St. Louis Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2009 at the Millenium Hotel downtown.

Unlike her sister pageantry systems like Continental or US of A, America requires their contestents be men in every sense; hence, no hormones or surgical augmentation below the neck is allowed. Indeed, that perfectly painted face and sleek silhouette is very much an illusion with the help of wig and gown, padding and hose, and the occasional roll of duct tape.

A Long Journey

As Erica Foxx, McKinley has been omnipresent on the St. Louis drag scene since moving here in December 1989. Lovingly referred to as "Tippy" by friends and fans alike, the cabaret performer has won many titles, including both Missouri and Midwest Entertainer of the Year. Still, the crown jewel of Missouri female impersonation, the title of Miss Gay Missouri, had always seemed to elude McKinley's grasp.

"I started doing shows immediately [upon arriving in St. Louis] through the help of Petrina Marie and Miss Tracy," recalled McKinley. "These individuals saw something in me I did not and gave me my chance to "work" in St. Louis. I started entering preliminaries to Miss Gay Missouri, and although I did not win any, I was allowed to enter the pageant by the graces of Vicki Vincent."

"She gave me my first exposure to the world of Miss Gay America in 1988 when I saw her win Miss Gay Midwest America out of a field of 21 of the finest female impersonators in the country," McKinley continued. "I was green as the gills but when I saw the magnitude of the beauty and grace on that stage I was hooked. I knew I could do that."

Entering MGM in 1990, McKinley placed a disappointig 17th out of 18 contestants. Undaunted, he diligently studied the packages that the top five finalists had brought that year and in both 1991 and 1992 placed second runner up at the state pageant.

In 2002 and 2003 McKinley's Erica Foxx returned to MGM after a hiatus and trying out other pageant systems and broke top ten. But in 2006, after capturing the prestigious title of Miss Gay St. Louis, McKinely was devastated to learn he didn't make the cut. It would prove a defining moment.

"I won the city preliminary and then did not make top ten," he explained. "I wasn't prepared mentally, physically or financially. However I learned from the panel of judges and stepped back to rethink my drag, so to speak."

This year, Erica Foxx came back with a vengence sporting a fresh look, new hair color and a youthful attitude that McKinley admits he had lost.  Accordingly, at 43 and with a new outlook and renewed determination, the dream of Erica Foxx, Miss Gay Missouri became reality.

"Some people say you get better with age but I think you only improve if you are willing to be open-minded to all the possibilities your stage persona can offer," explained McKinley. "Learn from your mistakes. Take criticism very seriously. And above all love and believe in yourself and the possiblities are endless."

Joining McKinley's Foxx at Miss Gay America later this year is MGM First Alternate, Tajma Stetson. The two will compete for the national title against the finest contestants from across the country. Rounding out the MGM top five were Nikki Stevens, Kate Spade and Valari Knyte who took home Second, Third and Fourth Alternate honors, respectively

For more information check out www.mgmpageant.com

See Also, Miss Gay America returns to St. Louis' Millenium Hotel

2007 MGM Pageant Coverage-Pt 1  2007 MGM Pageant Coverage-Pt 2

2008 MGM Pageant Coverage-Pt 1  2008 MGM Pageant Coverage-Pt 2

You can email Colin Murphy at colin_murphy@sbcglobal.net