Deaf contestant in Mr. Gay America recap

Renca: Congratulations! You made it to the top 10!

Cesar: Yes thank you!

Renca: So, I saw the interview between you and Alex, you mentioned that you hoped to at least make it to top 10 and you actually did! How do you feel now?

Cesar: No words could explain how I feel. I know I mentioned that it was my goal to make it to the top 10 and I made it. I just remember that moment when they announced the top 10, I watched my interpreter saying my name and I was shocked. My interpreter was like, Cesar, you made it to the top 10! People patted on my back and told me that I made it to the top 10! I was just dumbfounded and had goosebumps. The entire audience cheered for me, but they waved their hands. They did not clap, but waved their hands- like all of them. That was a moment that gave me chills. I will never forget that night for sure.

Renca: So, how many of you were there to compete?

Cesar: The total was 39 contestants.

Renca: Wow! And you made it to the top 10 so that is a big accomplishment for sure!

Cesar: Yeah! And especially for my first time. Many contestants in the past have come back and tried again. But for me, it was my first time and I made it to top 10, it’s like..huge.. wow.. I mean.. I’m just floored. Can’t believe it.

Renca: What types of challenges did you experience during the competition? There were 39 of you so did you experience any types of challenge? If yes, what was it?

Cesar: Hmm, I believe there were two big challenges for me. The first one is the interview. I was so nervous…like sometimes when I am looking at my interpreter and seeing other contestants, my anxiety builds then there are trick questions too. I have to think harder and be prepared to give an answer and be on top of it. I did pretty well and I won the best interview! Out of 39, I won! Yes! I never thought I would! I am always most nervous about the interview. It requires a lot of thinking and I won the best interview! I did not realize that my answers were very direct and impactful. The judges were impressed. So, I won that one! The second one is that I should not watch other contestants’ talent shows. They were so good. I feel like they were better than me. Their advantage was that they could hear the music. That’s why me and my deaf dancers, the three of us, had to practice harder. I flew to LA almost every weekend. We all practiced together a lot of times. It was serious. I wanted to show them that deaf people can do it! So, that was the challenge for me, comparing the other contestants’ talents to mine, and I tried not to. I had to tell myself not to look! Focus on myself only. My overall stage performance went well too. I know I did a good job. Everybody was in awe of me. They were like wow, deaf people can do it!

Renca: So you had two or three deaf dancers?

Cesar: Two deaf dancers, one is Jerome Starr and the other one is Thy Nguyen. Both are from LA.


[Sponsored Video from Convo: https://www.convorelay.com/download ]

Renca: How did you communicate? Did they provide an interpreter? What was your communication like during the competition?

Cesar: Yeah, I have to admit that I had a “personal” interpreter with me. I have known him for a long time as we went to Gallaudet together. His name is Aaron Halleck. He is a top notch interpreter. He will make sure that his voice matches my talent show, not speak in a monotonous tone, but match me. You know? He was with me all the way. He spoke for me for the entire time. Sometimes I use text or have Aaron speak. There were two other interpreters at the competition too, but they were there for stage interpreting for the deaf audience that came to the competition. Everything worked out well. Was pretty smooth- good!

Renca: Now, you have finished this experience, will you try again?

Cesar: Hahaha, well! Funny thing, after the pageant was finished, I was walking out, and I saw a group of people. It was a different agency called Mr. Gay World. I was like, what! There was another agency? I did not know that! Mr. Gay America and Mr. Gay World are two separate things. So, the people from Mr. Gay World really applauded me and was amazed with me. They said they have never seen this before. They were in awe. They wanted pictures with me. I was like fine, sure! Just me and them! The producer came to me and said that he wanted to exchange contact information. He asked me if I would be interested in Mr. Gay World. I was like yes, I am down! Well, I really want to thank my family and friends, and especially fans. They have pushed me to be this far in my journey. I appreciate it, thank you everyone! I promise you will see my face again!