Miss Gay Atlantis was held at the José Club on Saturday 25 November with only six contestants out of an original 14 participating owing to last-minute cancellations.
“There was much grumbling about the winner not being an Atlantis girl, accompanied by speculation and mischievous talk, but the judges were fair,” organiser Morgan Jacobs explained. “After receiving only four entries from local drag artists, the contest was opened up to beauties from all over.
Judges on the night included Leigh September (local sports enthusiast), Avalon Keys (transgender activist from Stellenbosch University), Robin Forbes (local drag artist and quality assessor) and Karabo Morake (first Prince for Mr Gay Southern Africa 2017). Chandre Davis, chemical engineer and academic, and Simoney Scott, local stylist and philanthropist, were also on the panel.
“The competition was tough and I also see it as a platform for local drag artists to step up their game and realise the calibre of artists we have out there, and that all artists should be respected,” Jacobs said. All proceeds from the event were donated to CHOC (Children with Cancer).
Winners were Jsa-Jsa Lee Walker from Pella (Miss Personality), Naomi Campbell (second Princess), Neena Skye (first Princess), Maxine Wild (double crowning as Best Dressed and Queen of Miss Gay Atlantis 2017).
Jacobs thanks all the sponsors.
