by Brad Benedict

Lafayette, Shreveport Contestants Win
Mr./Miss National Apollo Titles

Images in Lafayette was the setting for the Mr. and Miss National Apollo contest, and it was certainly one to be remembered for a long time. Mr. Lafayette Apollo, Brother Smith, and Miss Shreveport Apollo, Kandy Caine, won the coveted titles as a full house of spectators looked on.

Brother Smith is that good-lookin' stud I told you about at the Mystik Krewe of Apollo Lafayette's Announcement Party. He did what the audience expected. He danced for his talent, he modeled that tuxedo to perfection, and he certainly filled out that lime green bikini to the max. My goodness! That boy IS talented!

Kandy Caine did Shreveport proud with her win, and her outfits were certainly different. I mean to tell you. What Brother did for that bikini, Miss Caine did it for casual wear and for taking it off after she came out of that cage. A yellow bird was never more beautiful.

The point spread in this contest must have been rather close. I found all the candidates to be quite talented, beautiful, and handsome. Rachael Denay (Miss Lafayette), Yvette LeVeaux (Miss Baton Rouge), and Carrione Synclaire (Miss Gay Gulf Coast States America and a former Miss Baton Rouge Apollo) were the three other candidates vying for the Miss National Apollo title. LeVeaux was exquisite in all respects, especially presentation and evening gown categories. Synclaire's presentation gown in rainbow colors was breathtaking, her evening wear was absolutely beautiful, and her talent presentation was exceptional. Denay also did a dynamic presentation number and looked a lot like Tina Turner. Synclaire took first runner-up. LeVeaux was second runner-up.

Competing in the men's category were Chris Terro (Mr. Baton Rouge), Jason Vannatta (Mr. Shreveport), Ja'Mal Synclaire (Mr. Copa), and Keith Nappier (Mr. Mirror). Terro and Vannatta tied for first runner-up position. Terro, the exceptionally talented stud who also holds the Mr. R.O.U. and Mr. Gay Louisiana America titles, graced this affair with his golden voice and harmonica number, while Vannatta did a Disney number which almost looked as if he was actually singing the lyrics. Nappier performed a sexy number in leather, and Ja'Mal did a lively number with a little help from a friend.

Relinquishing their titles after a banner year of outstanding representation was the dynamic combo of Curtis Thomas and Raquel Chevallier, two wonderful representatives who brought a kind of professionalism to this contest that had not been seen before and will most likely never be seen again. In the history of this contest, there have been no equals. When it comes to number one, they wrote the entire book.

Chevallier is one of those individuals who can bring perfection to any act. As you read this, she will be competing for Miss Gay America in Charlotte, and it is my opinion that she is definitely qualified to take this title, but as with most of these contests, the final say is with the judging panel. If all members of the judging team have the same qualifications to judge properly, there is no way she could lose. Regardless of the outcome, she will always be a Miss Gay America in my estimation whether she carries the title or not. She's that good!

If ever anyone could win the Mr. Gay America title, it could definitely be the talented Mr. Thomas. This stud knows how to address a pole and a bottle of oil, and he does it with style and grace. This could be the beginning of something big for this young man, and he certainly deserves it with that studly physique, gorgeous face, and manly equipment, which all looks great in leather. Thomas is definitely Mr. Entertainment. He mesmerizes his audience.

Members of LEGAL had a display of information on this organization, and Randal Beach gave a short speech in which he gave Brian Hartig credit where credit was certainly deserved. The State Capitol hasn't been the same since Hartig made the scene. He's the best thing at the state level to happen to gays and lesbians. He's simply a great guy and a very good friend, not only to me but to everyone.