A Note from Brandy Alexander,
NC’s First Lady of Female Impersonation
In 1978-79, I had the honor of being crowned the first Miss NC FFI. Who would ever guess that this would go on to become one of the most coveted titles in the Miss Gay America System? We have some of the most talented impersonators in the country, right here in North Carolina! Four have become Miss Gay America, two have traveled with famous singers as look-alikes, and many have had parts in movies. I am honored to have been a part of such a distinguished group.
As I look back over my 44 years of Female Impersonation, I am grateful to have worked with and known some of the Great Icons of Drag. Some still with us and some that have passed on. People make jokes that I am the oldest drag queen in captivity and even one of the pioneers of drag and even for that I am thankful.
Let’s not forget the others in North Carolina who have helped pave the way… Boom Boom Latour, my sister for over 30 years, left her mark on drag and is still going strong! Thank you sister, Melissa Montgomery, Jackie Knight, Gypsy Star, Kasey King, Tina Terrell, Kelly Ray, Toni Lenoir, Kerri Nichols, Grand Prix, Tiffany Bonet, and of course Tracy Morgan. Thank you for allowing me to know and work with you. I am so proud of each of you and for the memories and the change you have given to this art!
To the upcoming entertainers - let me give you and the current entertainers a little advice: Always remember you are not stars, you are not divas, and you are not the only one that counts. The stars are those thousands of fans who believe in you and come to see you. I would like to thank all my stars for allowing me into your hearts. For without you, I would have never been anything, let alone been able to entertain you for the past 44 years.
To all the bar owners in NC, you know who you are, I want to say simply thank you! Greg Bradford, for all you have done in the gay community. Scorpios’ Rick Wilde, for you there are no words to say. Thank you for all of your support and for making the North Carolina System, what it is today. Thank you for bringing it back home and being my friend.
Finally, the current reining Miss North Carolina America, Miss Cotti Collins, you have no idea how proud I am of you. You are, undoubtedly, one of the most talented we have ever had. Thank you for all you have done and for keeping the art of female impersonation at it’s highest.
Thank you everyone,
Brandy Alexander
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