Pretty Boy Swag

If you're like me, you are one step away from choking someone if you hear that song or Pretty Girl Rock ever again.  However, I PROMISE it has a point today.  There's a VERY BIG misconception that if you're a guy/boy doing pageants, there must be something wrong with you, that you're dare I say...........gay.  Why does that have to be case, gay or straight, why can't guys in pageant just have a little "swag".

Here's the reality.....
        A) every pageant isn't a BEAUTY pageant.
        B) By definition, a pageant can also refer to: 1) a procession or ceremony in elaborate costume, 2) nativity play or 3) a competitive event with multiple categories ending in one definitive titled winner.

In September, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Shaw University crowned Mr. Alpha Rho. To open up the pageant, contestants presented the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated, the audience, and judges with a quote that they apply to their everyday life.  The pageant also included an "Express Yourself" segment, where the contestants had the opportunity to entertain the audience with a talent. To conclude the competition part of the ceremony, contestants randomly choose a question to answer from the questionnaire jar.  After tallying the scores, the new Mr. Alpha Rho 2010-2011, Malik Devoy-Herring, was crowned in the event that raises funds to support the community service mission of the chapter.

 

Contestants pose with two members of Alpha Rho before the opening act.

The Mr. UK Pageant is an annual all men's pageant presented by the Delta Zeta Chapter (Alpha Theta) at the University of Kentucky.  Much like the Mr. Alpha Rho pageant, men from all different organizations on campus compete for the crown by participating in dance, swim wear, talent, and final question rounds.  The pageant raises money for the organization's speech & hearing philanthropy effort, including more than $9,000 in 2009.   

 Marcus Hicks, Mr. UK 2009

And after all, who can forget the most favorite "pageant" man of all - The Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Universe 1967 & Mr. Olympia 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 & 1975!  

So the next time you hear about a boy/man in a pageant, don't be so quick to judge - it could be for a great cause or the beginning of a multi-million dollar career.