Miss Gay Southernmost USofA Winners Crowned in Key West

Aurora Sexton and Joanna James were crowned Miss Gay Southernmost USofA and Miss Gay Southernmost USofA Classic, respectively, Jan. 30 at the San Carlos Institute in Key West.

Local entertainer Randy Roberts hosted the Las Vegas-style pageant for female impersonators. The four-hour entertainment extravaganza featured lip sync, vocal and dance performances from past pageant winners.

Audience members enjoyed costumed performances to hip-swinging oldies, hard rock and modern-day pop songs, as well as club techno and tropical-flavored rhythms ideal for salsa or meringue.

Performers channeled icons Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand and Dionne Warwick among others.

Competition categories included talent, evening gown and personal interview.

Sexton, 32, the alter ego of Aurora Hunsaker, hails from Nashville, Tennessee. The 58-year-old James, also known as James Wilson, lives in Miami Beach, Florida. They will go on to compete for the titles of Miss Gay USofA and Miss Gay USofA Classic at the May 24-27 national pageant in Dallas, Texas.

The Miss Gay USofA competition is open to contestants 21 years old and up, while Miss Gay USofA Classic is open to contestants age 40 and older