See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Samantha Lim
Brooklyn Daily
Beauty is only skin deep, so thank god for glitter.
The Miss Lez Pageant is back at the Knitting Factory and this year’s beautiful contestants will have to work hard to top previous contenders’ dazzling and diverse talents, such as gorging on cupcakes, rapping, playing the flute — and more elaborate acts.
“One year, Glen Marla came out in a full Lycra glitter body suit and tap danced to show tunes,” said host Murray “Mr. Showbiz” Hill of of a contestant.
“It brought down the house.”
Twelve years ago, Hill, who stars in MTV Other network’s TV series “SHOWBIZ” and tours the country with burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese, conceived of a pageant where queer women could perform and express themselves in a supportive atmosphere.
This year’s contestants, all representatives of New York’s queer nightlife scene, are Miss Hot Rabbit (Angelica Rodriguez), Miss Rebel Cupcake (Fancy Feast), Miss Hey Queen (Bryn Kelly), Miss Spincycle (Molly Dykeman), Miss Prime (C. Atkinson), and Miss Wildcard (Dio Ganhdih).
As always, they will compete in the following categories: Platform, Swimsuit, Evening Gown, Interview, and Talent, but don’t let the standard categories fool you.
“It’s really grown over the years,” said Hill. “Now the kids rehearse, have back up dancers, and make special costumes. It’s my favorite queer event of the year.”
The titillating event will also include performances by lesbian rap duo, Zebra Baby, and drag king, Goldie Peacock. DJ Lauren Flax will warm up and wind down the party while Sophie Urista, last year’s winner of the pageant, will give one last performance as Miss Lez before handing down the crown, keeping alive the tradition of a happily untraditional show.
“Pageants have been a big part of gay and straight culture, but not lesbian culture,” said Hill. “[It] shows how diverse the lesbian community is — it really shatters all stereotypes.”
Miss Lez 2013 will be bestowed with $100 in cash, a sash, a tiara from the dollar store, and a brand new Hitachi Magic Wand — “The Cadillac of Vibrators” — donated by Babeland.
“12th Annual Miss Lez Pageant” The Knitting Factory [361 Metropolitan Avenue, (347) 529–6696, bk.knittingfactory.com]. Aug. 18, 7:30 pm, $12 advance, $15 at door.