D.C. triumphs in drag pageant

Kirby Kolby was named Miss Gay America giving Washington its second consecutive win. Last year’s winner was Coti Collins. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

Washington’s representative in the Miss Gay America pageant won again this year marking the second consecutive win for D.C. when Kirby Kolby (aka Mark Smith of Raleigh, N.C.) took the crown in the 41^st Miss Gay America pageant, held last month in Columbus, Ohio.

D.C. usually fares well in the event. Last year, the D.C. titleholder, Coti Collins (aka David Lowman), also won. Kolby’s win gives the District its third national win in four years and marks the first time the Miss Gay D.C. America crown holder has won the national event in two consecutive years. Victoria DePaula, Miss Gay D.C. America 2008, won Miss Gay America in 2009.

Kolby won all the preliminary awards in her group — male interview, solo talent, talent and evening gown. Kolby performed at Ziegfeld’s last weekend. Out-of-town contestants often represent the District in the annual event as there’s no residency requirement to be named Miss Gay D.C.