Our newly crowned Miss Fire Island and current reigning Miss Gay New York America happens to be a Salt Lake City queen… let’s meet the gorgeous pageant conqueror Gia Bianca Stephens!
Thotyssey: Hello Gia, thanks so much for finding time to chat with us after this whirlwind week–congratulations on being crowned Miss Fire Island! Are you still super happy and energized, or are you already focused on the next crown, lol?
Gia Bianca Stephens: Thank you so much! I am still taking some time to enjoy this huge win. This means the world to me, and I want to soak it up over the next year.
As far as the next pageant is concerned, I actually qualified for Miss Gay America 2024 a few weeks before Miss Fire Island… so my preparations were already well under way.
Very exciting! By the way, what made you want to try out for Miss FI this year, and had you been to the Island before?
Yes, I’m no stranger to the Island. I’ve visited about four or five times already, and took third place in 2021 when I was crowned Miss Ice Palace.
I always love any experience that connects me to our queer history. Any dedicated competitor should know about the rich tradition that is Miss Fire Island. In my mind the contest itself is an institution, and everything in my gut was telling me to give it another go. I registered to compete without hesitation as soon as they began accepting contestants.
I see you’re currently in, and originally from, Salt Lake City. That must be an interesting town to have a drag career! What’s been your experience with that?
It’s been amazing. My out of town guests are always shocked at the passionate drag fans and thriving queer community we have here. I’ve been performing, hosting and fundraising for over a decade, and being a small part of so much growth and exposure for drag artistry has been a real honor.
Beautiful! How did your drag career begin?
My boyfriend at the time (now husband) and I were watching Drag Race, and he mentioned he thought I’d be good at it. I kind of laughed it off at the time, but worked up the nerve to try drag that same Halloween… and the monster was born!
When you’re performing at a regular show (not a pageant), what “kind” of drag do you like to do as far as looks and numbers go?
I am a showgirl; I love feathers, beads, sequins and stones, and always aim to sparkle on stage. Kylie Minogue is my supreme diva, so I perform her music often. I also love throwback jams and drag classics: Cher, Madonna, Gaga, etc. If it’s a crowd pleaser, it’s on my playlist.
Speaking of Kylie, do you think “Tension” is an even bigger banger than “Padam Padam?”
Not quite. “Padam” is one of the hottest tracks she’s dropped in a good minute! But I have high hopes the entire album will slay us all.
So how many pageant crowns have you collected so far… and is there one that holds the most sentimental value for you?
I’ve collected a dozen titles over the years. Each crown has its own glory–but aside from Miss Fire Island, my most important and special crown was Miss Gay New York America 2022. I competed earlier that year for a different MGA prelim, and wasn’t successful. I wanted to challenge myself, so I took another package to NYC a few months later and won. I put in the work, I asked for feedback, and I won the crown. I’m proud of myself for taking my drag to one of the fiercest and most competitive drag markets in the country. That win instilled so much confidence in me, and proved I’m on the right path. The best part is, I won the title on my 36th birthday.
Congratulations! The Miss Gay America finals is returning, I’m guessing, in January! Is the world ready for your package?
MGA is back! It’s our 52nd annual pageant, and my third time competing. It’s one of the most difficult pageants in the industry. I’ve been working hard for months, and really hope to make that Top Ten!
So with all this pageantry underway, do you still have a weekly show presence in Salt Lake City?
My schedule isn’t as set anymore; I closed my weekly drag brunch after six years at the end of August so I could focus on other things. I’m entering my “special guest Gia” era versus the “produced and hosted by Gia” life I’d lived for so many years. I’ve got a few gigs here and there, so follow those socials for upcoming dates. I’m very lucky to get many opportunities to perform and fundraise all year long.
Folks should check you out as soon as you announce you’ll be in town! Final question: what would your best advice be for a girl who’s considering entering national pageantry?
Oh wow… that’s a big question! First, I’d say to do your homework. Every system has its own standards and scoring methods. Read the contestant handbook cover to cover, many times. Bring your best possible self to the stage, and remember: if you want to be the best, you have to compete with the best.
Great advice all around… thanks Gia, and congrats again!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Gia Bianca Stephens’ upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Thotyssey 