Post-Alternative Miss Ireland

I just got home from the almost four hour event that was the 2007 Alternative Miss Ireland competition. It was quite varied. The hostess for the evening was Panti, a local talent who does a great Dolly Parton. Lots of previous winners and talents on the gay Dublin scene were there and taking part. (Gay seems to be the term of choice, at least tonight it was.)

I was quite surprised by the hetero-focus of the backup dancers for the performances. And there was an all-male, all-het group performing in faux-70s splendor. And there was one other self-identified het performer. There was a Filipino contestant, a Polish contestant, and another Asian contestant (her country was not specified). There was the current Alternative Miss Cork (who is actually English) and the current Alternative Miss Belfast. And, of course, Funtime Gustavo fronted DoppleGäng in a two-part number ("This Is Halloween" into "Thriller").

The winner, which I am sure you are all eager to know, was an urban Dublin gal named Joanna Ryde. Her performance was well-choreographed, her character is a hilarious send-up of Dublin youth (19 years old with a three year old, arrested for stealing, on the dole but works at Spar "under the table"). She was clearly the favorite. The first and second runners up were classic Queens of the old style: lots of class, sass, and sequins.

Liz and I were also both uproariously laughing for the first contestant who was an elderly Salvation Army woman. She sang songs about Jesus in the first and third rounds. For the second round, the swimsuit competition, she came out in sackcloth because she thought it was the sin-suit round. And then she talked about how moved she was by Jesus and ripped off the sackcloth dress to reveal a saggy breasted nude suit with grey pubic hair. For those who were wondering, yes, the nipples were perky. For those who would rather have not known, ummm...sorry. It was quite a visual. I'm sure you can conjure one for yourself.

Overall, it was a good time. I heard some grumblings in the crowd about the strong hetero presence in the competition. I have mixed feelings about it, but mostly think it's a good thing for individuals who want to celebrate the art of camp to do so regardless of gender, sex, or sexual orientation. But I can also understand the feeling of loss when this traditionally community-centered event expands and the original energy becomes diluted and altered by the new energies. But life is change. And maybe there will be a resurgence of gay energy next year in reaction to this year. Only time will tell.