FEBRUARY 1981 -HIGH GEAR Page 13

Miss Black Gay Ohio crowned

By Gordon Hathaway

"The Greatest Love of All" was the theme for this year's Miss Black Gay Ohio Pageant. The 2402 Club, 2402 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, was the site of the 4th Annual Pageant held Sunday evening, December 7. Approximately 100 people watched Aretha Kent, Rosi Lamour, Shelly Rogers, and Kelly Smith compete for the 1980-'81 title.

The Pageant idea was conceived in 1976 by "Big Mama," and was the first to be held in Ohio. "Black 'girls' would enter pageants but had no chance of winning" said "Big Mama," but this pageant "gives black kids a chance."

While most contestants are from the Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio areas, "Big Mama" indicated that she would go to other major Ohio cities to get contestants for next year's pageant.

Swim wear, casual wear, and evening gowns were modeled. before the judges. Contestants were also judged on talent competition and a question and answer category. Judges for the pageant were "Big Mama," Jennifer of the 2402 Club, Randy and Bob of 23 Skidoo, and Jenny of the King's Bar.

The first Miss Black Gay Ohio, Isis Tiffany Soul Vereen, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. Isis was the pageant coordinator and indicated that she

provided someof the financial backing. Proceeds from this years affair will be used for the 1981-'82 Pageant. Isis, at 6"4", made appearances in 16 different outfits as she emceed and performed throughout the evening.

Photo by Bill Suhay

Winner of this year's title was Rosi Lamour, with Kelly Smith the first runner-up and Shelly Rogers the second runner-up.

Rosi, 30, is a nurse's assistant and serves as secretary of the 2402 Entertainer's Club. As Miss Black Gay Ohio 1980-'81 she received a trophy, flowers, $100.

and the pageant crown. She also received the talent award and won the evening gown competition. The East Cleveland Virgo had "learned from the 1979 and 1980 pageants" and put her "best foot forward" this year.

Her question from the judges was "What would you tell someone who criticized your lifestyles?" To this she answered,

"Do not judge me, but be like me. That is me and that is what I want to be."

Summers served as commentators for various pageant segments and provided the audience with entertainment.

An impromptu appearance was made by Mona Desmond as the cheering crowd prompted her to the stage. Mona's rendition

of "I Never Knew Love Like This Before" and a cast production from "Pearlie" were but two of the evening's many musical highlights.

Rosi, was crowned by Dionne Reese, Miss Black Gay Ohio for 1979-'80.

Dionne, Diana Soul, and Nikki

GEAR and Lambda Bar help needy

By Thom Gianfagna

Christmas was a lot happier for several Cleveland families because gay people cared. Five food baskets, two boxes of toys, and $188.00 in donations were collected through the Gay Community Center and its friends. Parcels and money were distributed to St. Augustine's Church on West 14 Street and to the Near West Side Ecumenical Food Center on Bridge Avenue.

For a month before Thanksgiving, canned goods were dropped off at the GCC until four boxes were filled to overflowing. Walsh Flowers graciously provided a large fruit basket of oranges, apples, and grapes. Rap Group regulars brought in bags of toys and other donors gave $27 used to buy hams and bacon.

A pleasant surprise came from Lorain when Chuck and Dan of the Lambda Bar sent the proceeds of a benefit for the food collection. These were a basket of canned goods and a check for

$161.00! It is this kind of support from gay businesses, in and around Cleveland, that has allowed the Center to serve the world. Thank you Cleveland and Lorain.

The folks at the Lambda Bar in Lorain who raised over $160 for the GEAR Foundation's food basket collection.

Pre-Valentine's Day Party

at the

NANTUCKET

Photo by Bill Suhay

LOUNGE

Package Deal for You & Your Date

Wednesday, February 11, 1981

9:30 PM-1:00 AM

Hors d'oeuvres

11624 Clifton Blvd.

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Cleveland, Ohio