Coco Montrese Crowned Miss Gay America 2010, Feb. 27 at StL Grey Fox

BY: COLIN MURPHY - SENIOR WRITER

     ST. LOUIS, MO - Florida native Coco Montrese was crowned the 39-Miss Gay America (MGA), Feb. 27 at a coronation ceremony at the Grey Fox in St. Louis. Montrese, whose given name is Martin Cooper, was First Alternate to Alyssa Edwards at the 2010 national female impersonation pageant held here last fall. On Jan. 20, Edwards was stripped of the title "for conduct unbecoming a titleholder."

    Despite the controversy, the evening belonged to Montrese who was both humble and radiant as the iconic crown was placed on "her" head before the capacity crowd. Montrese is a former Miss Gay Florida America and reigning Miss Gay Heart of America, preliminary titles to the storied franchise.

    "Becoming a part of a legacy and history within the oldest female impersonation pageant around was a dream that became a reality for me," said Montrese via the MGA website. "I don’t expect the road ahead to be easy, as there will be challenges and obstacles to overcome."

    On hand for the crowning were pageant owners, Larry Tyger and Terry Eason and former Miss Gay Americas Tasha Kohl (1984), Rachael Erikks (2004), Mikaila Kay (2008), Victoria DePaula (2009) and St. Louis' own, Vicki Vincent (1989). A MGA review show was held following the coronation which was hosted by Miss Gay Missouri America owner and promoter, Tumara Mahorning.

     "With the strongest support of the sisterhood—the former Miss Gay Americas, Contestants, Promoters, L and T Entertainment, Friends and Family," continued Montrese. "I plan to successfully represent and promote the Miss Gay America System with humility, respect and unwavering dedication. I no longer just represent myself, I represent the Symbol of Excellence and "we" as a whole are the Miss Gay America System."

    The 2011 MGA pageant season gets underway March 12  with the national pageant to be held in Columbus, Ohio later this fall.  

    As MGA 2010, Montrese will travel the country throughout the year administrating over and performing at the pageant's many preliminary contests, including Miss Gay Missouri, the system's second oldest.

    Miss Gay America is the oldest and one of the most celebrated female impersonation pageant systems in the world. This was only the third time in MGA history where the first alternate, who is obligated by contract, has assumed the title of MGA.

Texas Native Captures MGA Crown (2009), MGA Returns to StL (2009), 2009
MGA Pageant (2008),  MGA Glitz Come to StL (2008), MGA Dethroned (2010)

For more info check out www.missgayamerica.com