G A Y
After losing almost everything, Nicole DuBois is crowned MGA
Less than two months ago, Nicole DuBois found herself with almost nothing after Hurricane Katrina ripped through her home in Gulfport, Miss. But Sunday night, she found herself in Memphis, Tenn., being crowned the new Miss Gay America. Full Article
Interview With Nicole Dubois
As we get ready to embrace the New Year and the excitement builds for what's to come within the world of pageantry, I am delighted to share this interview with our readers. Full Article
Interview with a Superstar!
VR: Who is Nicole DuBois?
ND: Nicole is a self employed hair designer and make-up artist, female illusionist, that has a passion for life and fellow mankind Full Article
After losing almost everything, Nicole DuBois is crowned MGA
October 27, 2005
Hard News Online
www.hnokc.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Less than two months ago, Nicole DuBois found herself with almost nothing after Hurricane Katrina ripped through her home in Gulfport, Miss. But Sunday night, she found herself in Memphis, Tenn., being crowned the new Miss Gay America.
"I'm just shocked," she said immediately following the crowning. "It just hasn't kicked in yet."
For her long talent, DuBois bypassed stage props and extravagant costumes, choosing instead to sing live. Before her rendition of "Home" from the musical "The Wiz," she urged audience members to think of their home, while she sang of missing hers.
"Your home can just be taken completely away from you, and I am trying to make people aware of what could happen," she said. "I'm staying with friends right now, and it's a hardship. I am interfering with their daily routine."
DuBois said her townhouse was damaged with almost five feet of water. She lost her television, computer and pictures hanging on the walls, but she was able to salvage all her clothes from the second floor.
"Everyday gets a little bit better, and you have to keep a positive outlook," she said. "We have all gone through this for a reason, and we hopefully will see that reason soon."
Dubois has been performing as a female impersonator for about 20 years.
This was her fourth attempt to win the Miss Gay America crown. She has captured numerous other titles, including first alternate to Miss Gay USofA and first alternate to Miss Gay America. She was crowned Miss Gay Universe 2000 and Miss Gay National 2001. She held the title of Miss Gay Mid-America while on her way to this year's Miss Gay America pageant.
"There were some great competitors (at Miss Gay America)," she said. "You get up there and think you have a good package, and you are just blown away by what the other competitors can do."
During her reign as Miss Gay America, DuBois said she hopes to sell at least three more preliminaries and have at least 60 contestants in the pageant next year. There were 50 competitors this year.
She also would like older competitors who have not competed in a while to return to the competition under the new owners -- L&T Entertainment.
"The contestants seem friendlier and more open to suggestions (this year)," she said. "It was a competition, but there was more of a friendliness in the air. It was more like a family type, sisterhood. I hope that I can continue with the sisterhood of it."
She will host her first preliminary pageant in January in Colorado for the inaugural Miss Gay Colorado pageant.
Editor's note: Miss Gay America 2005 Raquel Chevallier crowned DuBois Sunday night. Chevallier also was displaced from her home in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. She said she has now returned to the city.
"I was very fortunate," she said. "Right after the hurricane, I had five more preliminaries, so I still had a lot of stuff packed."
Chevallier said she plans to remain an active former Miss Gay America by performing in future pageants. She said she also recently bought the Miss Gay Louisiana pageant.
Interview With Nicole Dubois
December 2005
www.carriefairfield.com
Tif: As we get ready to embrace the New Year and the excitement builds for what’s to come within the world of pageantry, I am delighted to share this interview with our readers.
In October, I had the pleasure of attending the Miss Gay America Pageant. The contestants were truly outstanding; the final night venue was incredible, and on that night Miss Nicole Dubois was crowned. Prelims won’t be kicking off heavily until around May so I wanted to take this time to let our readers know a little about our reigning Miss Gay America. For those of you that don’t know much about her this is a little insight into the life and background of Nicole Dubois.
This interview was held via email and telephone. I would like to personally say thank you to Nicole for doing this interview for our readers. Her quick wit and charm will win the hearts of many fans across the country.
Tif: When you were first exposed to the art of female impersonation, what about it appealed to you?
Nicole: Just a short 20 yrs ago I had the pleasure of watching Naomi Sims and Tasha Kohl, at a bar in Baton Rouge, LA. I was star struck, they were amazing, and so talented, both in there own right. They were two totally different entertainers, both with incredible stage presence. It was glamorous and everyone was in awe of them. I have always loved the stage.
Tif: When and where did you first begin?
Nicole: It was at that same bar in Baton Rouge. That I entered my first talent contest and won. $100.00 cash, I thought I had hit the jackpot, and the rest is history.
Tif: From 1996 to 1999 you were on cast at La Cage Follies in Biloxi, MS. What characters did you do?
Nicole: I had the pleasure of being a member of LaCage Follies, at the Palace Casino and Resort. I did the illusions of Patsy Cline, Wynonna, and Lorrie Morgan. Although I did not look a thing like Lorrie Morgan, the song I did was ‘’Looking for Something in Red”, it was visually beautiful, with the lighting effects, and of course the lovely gown I wore.
Tif: How many times have you competed nationally?
Nicole: National competitions: Miss Gay USofA three times and was 1st runner-up 1993, Miss National two times and won in 2001, Miss Universe two times and won in 2000, and Miss Gay America five times, was 2nd runner-up in 1995, and won this year. YEAH!
Tif: As a former Miss Gay Universe, Miss National, and now the recently crowned Miss Gay America, where can we find you during the day?
Nicole: Nicole, or should I say Tommy, is a self-employed hair designer and make-up artist. I absolutely love my job and the staff that I work with is full of talented individuals that are very loving and supportive of all my endeavors.
Tif: As make-up artist who were you most flattered to paint?
Nicole: I had the opportunity to paint Leeza Gibbons when the real Miss USA [Pageant] was televised from the Gulf Coast. And for 6 years I have done the make-up for Gulf Coast Carnival Association, the biggest Mardi Gras Krewe on the Coast.
Tif: What do you think is going to be your biggest challenge as Miss Gay America?
Nicole: As for challenges, every day is a challenge. To be the best an individual can be. I look forward with anticipation whatever the journey this year is going to be. If we all work together for the betterment of this art form, we as entertainers have done our job. This will be the 35th year for MGA, and I am going to do my job to the best of my ability.
Tif: Are you involved, and if so, how does your partner deal with your hectic schedule?
Nicole: My 21 year relationship, with my partner Bobby, who many have heard of but never met. He actually is a real person - LOL. As for me being away from home, he probably enjoys his time alone. But after awhile, it is always nice to sleep in your own bed.
Tif: Who are some of your favorite impersonators to watch?
Nicole: As for my favorite entertainers, I have so many, but Tommie Ross, Monica Munroe, Sabrina White, Tasha Kohl, Maya Douglas, Whitney Paige, and a new friend, Layla Larue. The list could go on.
Tif: What was the show topic and how was your experience being on the Donahue Show?
Nicole: The Donahue Show was a wonderful experience. I had just placed 1st Runner-up in Miss Gay USofA. I was on the show with Miss USofA Sweet Savage, Ashley Kruiz, Terry Lynn Foxx, Kelly Anderson, and Jimmie James (who knew Phil personally). [Jimmie] arranged for us to be on the show to talk about female impersonation contests. Mr. Donahue and his staff were all so wonderful to us all. They showed us the utmost respect.
Tif: Is it true that you were once a gospel back up singer?
Nicole: I once sang with the back up singers with the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. I was raised Pentecostal, and loved going to church and the whole thing. My family is still very involved in church. But they love me and are there for me at any moment. We are a very close family; I was constantly surrounded with love and lucky to have had both father and mother.
Tif: You currently reside in Gulfport, MS. It has been a very hard year on the residents of the Gulf Coast. What impact did Hurricane Katrina have on you?
Nicole: As for Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Coast will rebuild our state, and community. I am very proud of my state. We have picked ourselves up and gotten on with life. The beach is like a bomb exploded, nothing but ruble, and concrete remain for miles. It is heartbreaking to know that people are living in tents, with families, pets, and then there are the FEMA trailers. But at least we have roofs over our heads. It gets better every day. And we will overcome this tragedy. We have come this far by faith.
Tif: What brought you through the storm and inspired you to compete surrounded by so much tragedy?
Nicole: My friends and family have been very instrumental in our daily routine. Phone calls from loved ones, people I have worked with in this business; they have truly been a blessing. With words of encouragement, and just to say hello, and let us know they are on our side. Thanks to you all for your prayers.
Tif: Your reign is really just beginning, what can we expect from our reigning Miss Gay America?
Nicole: Miss Gay America 06, it is going to be a year filled with determination and dedication to this great pageant system. 2006 - A year of working with each other - not against one another. To enjoy each moment, and to be CONSISTENT, be PROFESSIONAL, and present my best abilities with a good attitude. In the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes:”What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Thank you Tiffany for your time and for giving me this opportunity to let people know a little more about me and Miss Gay America.
Interview with a Superstar!
November 23, 2005
www.vickirene.net/intnicole.htm
VR: Who is Nicole DuBois?
ND: Nicole is a self employed hair designer and make-up artist, female illusionist, that has a passion for life and fellow mankind
VR: Where are you living these days?
ND: Originally from Baton Rouge, La., now residing in Gulfport, MS
VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about, say the last 5-10 years or so?
ND: Busy at the salon, and traveling a lot. I had the pleasure of winning Miss Gay Universe 2000, then Miss Gay National 2001, and I am the newly crowned Miss Gay Amercia 2006.
VR: When you were growing up and each morning you would look in the mirror did you feel that was the wrong person looking back at you?
ND: Absolutely not!
VR: Who was your inspiration when you were young?
ND: My grandfather, he was a great man
VR: When did you start doing drag?
ND: Just a short 20 yrs ago
VR: Do you have any place in particular that you work now, some place my readers can come see the beautiful Nicole DuBois perform?
ND: New Orleans, La. At the Bourbon Pub on Sunday nights, 8p.m. showtime
VR: You are a very beautiful lady, you must have won a lot of titles, can you share a few of them with us?
ND: Miss Gay Universe 2000, Miss Gay National 2001, Miss Gay America 2006
VR: To date what is the biggest one you have won and which one stands out the most to you, the one you like the best, most proudest of?
ND: Miss Gay America, I sat in the audience in 1989, and I said that I wanted to be a part of this system. They have all been very special to me. You reap what you sow, you give it your all in all endeavors.
VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
ND: My 20 year relationship with my partner Bobby
VR: Who do you admire these days?
ND: Tommie Ross, Maya Douglas, Monica Munroe
VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
ND: Tardiness
VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
ND: Trick question, probably both at times…LOL
VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
ND: We are all in this business together, we are all talented individuals, and with respect to my fellow entertainers, we are all unique, and special.
VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
ND: Absolutely, if we did not get some what nervous, we would not be human, but I love the stage and performing.
VR: Are you a full time lady or if not have you ever considered living full time as a lady?
ND: I live as a male, I love and adore women, but I have no desire to be one..
VR: Are you in love now?
ND: Yes
VR: Where do you see yourself in the future?
ND: Hopefully still healthy and happy, possibly judging national pageant's, but most definitely helping others to obtain there goal.
VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender or gay community, anything at all?
ND: My gay, lesbian, transgendred, communities are very important to me. We are all equal, and deserve equal rights. We should all be registered voters, because without voting we have no right to bitch and complain. We all have a voice and need to be heard. But civilized!
VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
ND: Be your own person. Have passion for what you do and stay focused on your goals.
VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
ND: 21. Just not to take anything for granted. Be thankful for what you have, and be all that you can be. GOD BLESS AMERICA