Interview with the Mr Gay America pageant

Here is an interview with Cesar Ayala, the first deaf contestant in the Mr Gay America pageant. The pageant will take place on August 16 to 18 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. Tickets are available at www.mrgayamerica.net.

Alex: Hello! Can you introduce your name and where you live now?

Cesar: Hello! I’m Cesar. I now live in San Francisco, California. I was raised in South California.

Alex: Cool, you’ve been in California your full life! Now, you’re a part of the Mr. Gay America pageant as the first deaf person in the history of the pageant since 1983. You’re making history, congratulations on your entry!

Cesar: Thank you!

[Photo of Cesar’s photo and Mr. Gay America roster.]

Alex: Can you explain what motivated you to participate and get that crown, or that medal? Why are you interested in competing?

Cesar: Growing up, I was a pageant boy. Really, how did it start? At California School for the Deaf, Riverside, the first year the elementary pageant started I was the first youngest contestant to enter! Everyone else was in third or fourth grade, and I was the only one who was the youngest. Once I was on the stage, that was it. I was inspired, and at that moment, I felt like it was my home. From there, I shared my energy and felt a lot of energy around me. After that, I became a part of camp pageants, pageants as Master of Ceremonies, and more. Then at Gallaudet, a friend told me there was a Mr. Gay DC competition? What? A gay pageant exists? I never thought there would be one, and I wanted to enter. I won Mr. Gay DC, and I was just shocked, and then I entered Mr. Gay US which is under a different agency. I got in Mr. Gay US, and that was the richest experience and week for me. It was amazing, with many new experiences. I got in the top five, got two awards, and it was so amazing. I wanted to continue. After I graduated Gallaudet, I started living in San Francisco and that night, I will never forget that I went to a bar and spotted a man wearing a sash that said “Mr. Gay San Francisco”. No way! I ran all the way to approach him, because I had to meet him. Mr. Gay San Francisco? Yes! I told him I was deaf, and he thought that was amazing. I said I was a pageant boy, and we chatted and exchanged contact numbers, contacted that organization, and I wanted to sign up and enter the competition. And I won Mr. Gay San Francisco in 2017-2018. That was a local pageant, with no way to move up… That focused on San Francisco only, and was a very cool experience. They dealt with me being deaf and I taught them about our deaf access. For example, on the Muni train, there were no captions for the deaf. I contacted the City Hall and the mayor and explained I was Mr. Gay San Fransico, and he listened to my input. It told him there needed to be access for the deaf, and finally my goals were met and captions were added to the train. I was very inspired by that.

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

[Video of Cesar Ayla’s video for Mr. Gay America 2021].

Cesar: To let you know, I’m very prepared. I can’t imagine doing anything last minute, especially as a deaf person. They are watching right now. I’m telling you, girl, right now, they’re watching me. I’m a deaf person competing. Monday and Tuesday the competition will take place, and then the top ten will move up and there will be a final question on stage on Wednesday night. If I get in the top ten that would be nice, yes, and I want to show America that deaf people can do it. That’s why I hired deaf dancers, outfit designers, and more. That’s impressive, you know? They actually ask me common questions, like “How do you hear music? How do you move to match your dance to the music?” They ask me many questions, and honestly, my answer is to wait and see when I’m on stage. That’s my home and I’ll work my magic. I can’t wait, can’t wait. That’s the goal, and that’s the key. Really, I’m excited and I can’t wait!

Alex: The other competitors better watch out for you! You’re not playing games. You’re serious and want to win it. Cool. Now, June is Pride month. I know gay rights has been getting better lately, but there’s still a lot of discrimination and serious violence happening out there. What are your thoughts about this month and what it means? What does it represent, Pride month?

Cesar: I have two words for myself… Deaf. I still have lots of issues in that aspect. And the other word is having Brown skin. That has its own issues. Plus gay. I have those identities, and I always look at the positive and bright side. I don’t look at the negative. I still keep going and stay positive, to get what I want. Many people in the community like my friends, teachers do have struggles too. I try my best to be there for them and support and love them. They’re not alone. Especially with Pride month, that’s the reason why I love San Francisco, because every year on the first day of June on June 1st, right after I wake up there are rainbow flags put up all over this town in The Castro - that’s a gay neighborhood where I live. In the distance of about 3.2 miles, there are rainbow flags everywhere. Honestly, that always puts me in a good mood, to see all these flags and feel inspired, say hello to people, say “Happy Pride!’, and the whole month I feel like I’m free. Free. You know? That feeling… That’s the reason I love San Francisco. I hope more cities out there are as supportive. Yeah.

Alex: I really appreciate you sharing. Do you want to add anything, any other comments?

Cesar: I want to tell youth all over who are struggling with your identity as LGBT, deaf, a person of color… You’re not alone. It’s ok to ask your friends, family members, teachers, or staff, or anyone, including myself, for help. I want to spread a lot of love and care!