Contestant Info & Details

Dear Contestant,

We’re thrilled that you have chosen to compete to be a Community Service Performance Representative in the 2027 Come OUT US Royal Court! This pageant is designed for the drag community who thrive in giving back through service, and rise to the occasion as an advocate leader of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Come OUT US Presents

The 2027 Come OUT As You Are Pageant

Mr | Mx | Miss | Ms

Honoring the 2026 Royal Court

Miss Taniyah Fearce Santi | Ms E’Layjah Love | Mx Nasir Love Demornay | Mr Karl Withakay

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Disco Pony

Ybor City Tampa

Registration / Interview at Disco Pony: 1:00 PM

Doors Open: 4:00 PM - Pageant: 5:00 PM sharp

Contestants will have the opportunity between registration and 4pm (door open time), to schedule a 10 minute rehearsal block with our stage manager. Arrival time to Registration determines dressing area choice and opportunity to schedule rehearsal - first come first served.

Host: Daphne Ferraro

Judges:

• TBD

Prize Package:

• $750 Total
• $300 at crowning
• Sash & Crown 
• Four paid appearances during reign, totaling $300
• $150 at step down

Categories:

• Presentation: Your Creative Coming Out Story
• Talent
• Formalwear and Q&A

Entry Fee: $125

Come OUT US Former Royals: 

Keirra K'aoir Summers, Cleo Patra, Ericka PC, Mister E, JoZiah O.K. Bangkx, Veronica Vixen, Silver Foxx, Rockell Blu, Adam Cole, Ceazia Giovanni Kreshe, Alexis De La Mer, James Cass, Stephanie Stuart, Kristina White, DKJ, Victoria Michaels and Ashlee T. Bangkx!

You could be the next talented Performance Representative, in this special family!

Rules, Regulations, Roles and Responsibilities

Contestants may compete for one of four titles - Miss, Ms, Mr & Mx - for the Title, Crown (or medallion) and Sash in three judged competitions. You must be 21 years old at the time of the pageant, and able to show proof of age.

• MISS: This category is open to cisgender females, drag queens, and trans feminine performers.
• MS: This category is open to cisgender females, drag queens, and trans feminine performers over 40 years old.
• MR: This category is open to cisgender males, drag kings, and trans masculine performers.
• MX: This category is open to non-binary/gender-neutral performers.
  

Your roles as a Performing Representative of the Royal Court will encompass a variety of activities. These include but are not limited to:

• Participating in our fundraisers by actively engaging with attendees, promoting the cause, and encouraging donations.
• Performing in our themed shows with creativity, talent, and a strong connection to the audience.
• Conducting meet & greets with event attendees, providing an opportunity for personal interaction, fostering a sense of community, and representing the values of Come OUT US.
• Selling 50/50 chance tickets during events, assisting in fundraising efforts, and helping to create a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
• Endorsing Come OUT US merchandise by showcasing and promoting the available merchandise, encouraging sales, and reinforcing the organization's brand.

1. Timely arrival and preparedness to fulfill your fundraising responsibilities are of utmost importance to ensure the success of our events and initiative
2. Judging will be based on a total accumulated points system with high and low scores being dropped. Come OUT will furnish score sheets. In the event of a category tie, high and low scores will be counted for the parties involved. In the event of a placement tie, the highest talent score will break the tie. Pageant scoring will be done on a cumulative basis.
3. A first runner up will be selected from the highest-scoring contestant across all categories who did not receive the top prize. The first runner up will be honored with a certificate, recognizing their exceptional performance and can be called upon to assume the reign, should the winner not be able to fulfil their responsibilities.
4. Contestants in their respective contest will be judged in the following three categories:
   1. Presentation: Your /Creative Coming Out Story
   2. Talent 
   3. Formalwear and Q&A
5. The use or dispensing of any drugs will not be tolerated while participating in our Pageant. Immediate disqualification will result for those who don’t adhere to this rule. If usage is detected, it will result in disqualification.
6. Contestants are responsible for their entourage (backstage helper and backup performers). Due to very limited space backstage, only one helper will be permitted backstage, no exceptions.
7. Any type of talent is acceptable, except for those that are illegal or that may cause personal injury to contestants, audience or judges. No fire, water or glitter under any circumstances.
8. Talent presentations will be limited to five (5) minutes. No score will be given in the talent category for any presentation over the above mentioned limit. Prop set up and break down time will be limited to a total of two (2) minutes and will not be included in the five (5) minute limit.
9. Talent music should be emailed to vincent@comeout.us clearly labeled with your name.
10. Any contestant or member of the entourage who is caught in the act of stealing, intentional destruction or tampering with another person’s possessions will be immediately disqualified and removed from the contest and venue. This may also result in legal action.
11. The Come OUT As You Are Pageant is all inclusive. We do not discriminate against contestants with silicone or taking hormones. The use of silicone and/or hormones will not be considered in judging or scoring of contestants.
12. As a Community Service Organization, professional representation is key. Any contestant whose actions are interpreted as demeaning or belittling to Come OUT will be disqualified. 
13. Come OUT reserves the right to make any decision concerning any matter that may or may not be covered by these Rules and Regulations.

Categories

Creative Presentation: Your Coming Out Story (30 points)

Contestants will have the opportunity to showcase their personal journey and experiences related to coming out. Through their creative presentation, they should convey their unique narrative, inspiring others and celebrating the diversity of coming out stories.

30 points

• Creative storytelling (1-10)
• Presentation (1-10)
• Message impact (1-10)

Talent: (30 points)  

Each contestant will be judged in a talent selection of their choice. It may be of any type of performance art that will not put themselves or the audience in danger. No excessive glitter, powder, food, fire or water may be used in this category. Due to the number of contestants, the actual talent is limited to five (5) minutes. There is a two (2) minute limit total set-up and teardown time, if needed for props or preparation. Administrative points will be deducted for time infractions. Contestants will be judged on Talent Ability (Lip Sync, Dance, Live Vocal, etc.) Entertainment Value, Costuming & Makeup, Sound Quality, and effectiveness of props and back-up performers, if used. Remember, if you put props and/or dancers on stage with you, they will be judged as well

30 Points: 

• Style and Costuming (1-10)
• Quality (Lip synch, vocal, dancers and choreography) (1- 10)
• Entertainment Impression (1-10)

Formalwear and Q&A: (40 points)

Each contestant will be judged one at a time in formal wear. It may be made of any material, color, style, and fashion that the contestant chooses. Contestants will be judged on selection, fit, hair, makeup, accessories, modeling ability, and general appearance and speaking ability to convey a message to the audience.

40 Points: 

• Fit & Finish of Garment (1-10)
• Serving Face Hair & Make-up (1-10)
• Modeling Ability (1-10)
• Q&A (1-10)

Appearances and Step Down Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the aforementioned roles, your commitment includes mandatory attendance at various events throughout the year. These appearances are crucial for community engagement and outreach. The required appearances may include, but are not limited to:

• Come OUT Signature Events:
  • Tampa Pride (March 2027)
  • St. Pete Pride (June 2027)
  • National Coming OUT Day Celebration (Mon, Oct 11, 2027)
  • COAYA Pageant 2028 (November 2027)
• Performance Showcases: Regularly participating in our Showcases (T-Dances, MainStage Evening Performances, Bingo, Trivia, etc.), which serve as important fundraising opportunities and community gatherings.
• Press and media interviews: Representing Come OUT in interviews and media interactions to increase awareness and support for our cause.
• Photo shoots: Collaborating with photographers to capture images that showcase your role as a Royal Court member and promote Come OUT.
• Sponsored events from our Donors and Affiliates: Attending events organized by our valued sponsors and partners to express gratitude and strengthen relationships.
• Attendance at other key LGBTQIA+ events throughout the year: Participating in significant community events such as National Coming OUT Day, Pride Month, Tampa Pride, Equality Florida Gala, Halloween on Central, The Stonewall Reception and others.

Please note that while your participation in these events is highly valued, it's important to understand that they may not be financially compensated unless explicitly stated.

To be eligible for the Step Down payment, court members must meet the following requirements:

• Community Engagement Events: Actively participate in a minimum of 6 out of any 10 Community Service Events scheduled throughout the year (i.e. T-Dances, Bingo, Trivia and other charitable events), as well as our four highlighted major events (St Pete Pride and Family Day events. These events serve as vital fundraising opportunities and community gatherings. Please note that the total number of fundraising opportunities may vary, and it is subject to Come OUT US's event schedule. Unforeseen circumstances or organizational decisions may result in the cancellation of certain events that are beyond the control of the Court.
• Individual Fundraising: Successfully raise funds for Come OUT US during your term. This fundraising effort showcases your dedication to supporting and sustaining the organization's mission.

Contestants have the opportunity to raise funds for the cause, and the amount raised will be converted into bonus points to be added to their final score. The bonus points will be awarded as follows:

• Highest Fundraiser: 10 bonus points
• Second-highest Fundraiser: 8 bonus points
• Third-highest Fundraiser: 6 bonus points
• Fourth-highest Fundraiser: 4 bonus points
• Fifth-highest Fundraiser: 2 bonus points

The Community Service Award is a special recognition that honors the contestant who raises the highest amount of money for Come OUT US prior to the contest. This award highlights their exceptional fundraising efforts and contributions.

Future Involvement

Following the completion of your term as a title holder, there may be opportunities for your involvement in future events as part of the formal court. In such cases, you will be compensated at the rate applicable for that particular year and not at the rate specified in your contest contract. These opportunities will be extended based on various factors, including your continued commitment and contribution to the community.

Professional Conduct and Promotion

As a Royal Court Title Holder, we expect you to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and serve as a positive role model for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. This includes:

• Demonstrating respect and professionalism towards fellow Court Talent, Staff, and Volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Engaging in positive promotion of Come OUT initiatives and activities, both online and offline, to encourage community involvement and support.
• Resolving any commitment issues or concerns by communicating with the appropriate channels within Come Out, ensuring that challenges are addressed internally and proactively.

It is essential to refrain from engaging in any public negativity that may reflect adversely on the organization or the Royal Court. We encourage you to actively identify and support causes that align with our mission, thereby contributing to the larger LGBTQIA+ community.

Please be aware that any activities conducted on behalf of your Royal Court Title must be approved by Come OUT Board of Directors (COBOD), the Board Chair or the assigned Director responsible for the Pageant. The COBOD reserves the right to assign appearances and responsibilities to the Royal Court jointly or separately at any given time, in order to best represent the organization's goals and objectives.

Terms and Conditions

To ensure fairness and clarity, contestants must comply with the following terms and conditions.

• Possession Disqualification: Any contestant or contestant's assistant found in possession of another contestant's belongings will be disqualified from the competition and asked to leave. It is essential to respect the personal property and boundaries of fellow contestants, maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all participants.
• Availability of Score Sheets: All score sheets will be made available to contestants at the end of the contest. This transparency allows participants to understand how they were evaluated and provides valuable feedback for personal growth and improvement.
• Respectful Conduct in the Current Political Environment: In light of the current political climate, all court members are expected to maintain a high standard of respect and awareness towards all individuals, including minors in the audience, especially in public spaces. This expectation ensures the safety, well-being, and inclusivity of everyone involved in our events.