Davina Moore

Miss Gay United Kingdom
MISS GAY INTERNATIONAL (UK) 2004

We interview Miss Gay United Kingdom 2004 representative- Miss Davina Moore winner of Miss Gay International (UK) 2004 to get up close and personal and share her thoughts on the pageant.

What enticed you to join the pageant?

I really enjoy the excitement of the whole event, it makes you feel special and accepted. I was also enticed because I knew a few of the other contestants and was really happy to be part of an event with them. I was excited to see the venue and to be in London's Leicester Square for a beauty contest just put a whole new light on things.

What kind of preparation did you make last year?

Oh god I did not stop, I was trying new styles with my hair, I had to do some serious shopping for outfits, (I made them all myself) I kept trying new make-up and was thinking about nothing else apart from the competition. Everywhere I walked I was trying catwalk poses. I also met up a few times with the other girls and we let our hair down and went shopping for dresses.

Who did you feel was your tightest competitor and why?

I felt my tightest competitors were Miss Congo or Miss Philippines, they both had great beauty and a grace about them. They both had beautiful outfits and i knew that they were in it to win, they weren't going down without a catfight.

How would you best describe your pageant experience?

I loved every minute of it, not just the event on the night but getting together for the rehearsals. We all looked at each others photos and had loads of stories to share. We all made such a group of nice friends that I forgot the fact that these girls were my competitors. On the night I was so nervous, I felt sick and almost felt like giving up but Miss Suriname (Rossita) helped me snap out of it. I felt like a superstar that was standing backstage waiting to walk out to thousands of people. It is a part of my life that I will never forget! The only downside is that I am a bit upset that I can't enter this year, but I will be there to hand over my crown.

How does it feel to win a pageant? Had you entered other beauty pageants before or was this your first time?

Half way through the competition I felt defeated, I didn't win any of the categoric awards and when they called the top ten finalists they got to number 8 and that's when I knew I was in the final Top 10 things felt a bit easier. I thought to myself at least I got this far. Then it all hit me! When the "Face of the night" award was announced, it was me. Then Miss Congeniality was me again. they then called me out as overall winner I was so happy, I must admit I did have a beauty queen tear. I could hear all of my friends and family cheering and shouting. I felt so special, I worked so hard to win and it all paid off in the end.

I have entered other beauty contests. I won Tranny of the year 2000, hosted by Ruby Wax and aired on Channel 5, I also won Miss Southern Pride, I was voted face of the night at Gran Canaria Mardi Gras and I won a local beauty contest but the difference with that one was all the contestants were real women.

What are your tips for this year’s candidates?

What ever happens just try and relax and have fun it all happens so fast so make sure you are well organised and you have some help backstage. Don't feel intimated by the other candidates' look or their outfits, just remember you know you're beautiful and thats all that matters, Good luck.

If there was a formula to win what would it be?

Always be yourself, people don't want to see bitchy, loud and over the top queens (leave that to Petra) it is only natural to be nervous but for me that proved to be my attractment. Don't think about what you have to do- just do it!!

All the best

lots of love from Davina xxx

Photos by JH copyright Buttons Media Limited 2005