Meet The Originals: Atlantic City's Founding Drag Queens
Table of Contents
Beginnings of Miss'd America
Celebrating Drag in the Shadows
The Originals Take the Stage
Drag as Protest and Parody
Legacy of the Miss'd America Pageant
Beginnings of Miss'd America
In 1976, a group of pioneering drag queens in Atlantic City launched the Miss'd America pageant, a playful spin on the Miss America pageant happening nearby. These original drag performers paved the way for the ongoing tradition of Miss'd America as an outlet for political commentary and queer expression.
Celebrating Drag in the Shadows
The first Miss'd America event took place outside the Miss America pageant venue as an act of protest and parody. Yet it also served as a space for Atlantic City's marginalized LGBTQ community to celebrate drag in the shadows of the glamorous mainstream pageant.
The Originals Take the Stage
The founding group of Miss'd America performers called themselves The Originals. Each member took on a campy drag persona - Miss Luscious, Miss Flawless Sabrina, Miss Gay World, Crystal Vision, and more. Their daring, lively performances set the irreverent tone for future Miss'd America shows.
Drag as Protest and Parody
Through exaggeration and humor, The Originals used drag to challenge gender norms and provocative mainstream values espoused by Miss America. Costumes and talent acts mocked beauty standards and concepts of “ideal” femininity.
Legacy of the Miss'd America Pageant
Thanks to the bold vision of The Originals, Miss'd America has thrived for over four decades as a beloved Atlantic City tradition. It has provided opportunities for generations of LGBTQ people to engage in activism through drag and performance art. Miss'd America continues to channel the rebellious spirit of its founding queens.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
