225BatonRouge.com

Dwight Dugas possesses multiple talents: he’s a professional makeup artist, a photographer, and more recently, a stylist for Avallon Salon and Day Spa.

But it’s after work that this 22-year-old draws on his flair and abilities in those various fields and morphs into his alter ego: Miss Krystina Synclaire, drag queen.

As Synclaire, Dugas won the Miss Gay Capital City pageant in July, then he competed in the Miss Gay Louisiana America at Splash Night Club in August. He didn’t win the state pageant, but Dugas is not discouraged, and he’s sure even grander tiaras are in his future.

225: How long have you been competing in drag competitions?

Dugas: I started doing drag four years ago at Splash Night Club in Baton Rouge.

Does your day job help you to compete in drag pageants?

Every single stylist along with management and the owners have been nothing but supportive in the adventure of Miss Gay Capital City, and the Miss Gay Louisiana pageant. I couldn’t ask for a more understanding boss to work for.

Tell me about dressing in drag.

I’ve performed as an entertainer for four years now. I was a cast member at Splash, and I’ve performed in other cities. Now that I’m not a cast member of any shows in Louisiana, I focus all my time on pageants. I will be Miss Gay America one day!

What is your personal sense of dressing style—in drag, that is?

I become completely glamorous. If you saw a photo of me as a guy and one of my drag persona you would never know that we were the same person. It’s all an illusion and more or less a form of theater.

Are the drag pageant winners’ duties and obligations similar to other pageants?

Much like normal “straight” pageants we do have to oversee everything. We tour the state of Louisiana. Performing in drag just representing where we come from and the title we hold. There are as many politics and duties as there are in a normal pageant. They are very similar. But when one of the gay system titles is captured it does become a part-time job in a sense, with the promoting and making sure things run smoothly.

How far can Miss Gay Louisiana go?

I won Miss Capital City (Baton Rouge), then I competed in Miss Gay Louisiana, and from there you go to Miss Gay America, where this year they are expecting almost 60 contestants. This year’s Miss Louisiana winner, Chelsea Delorian Divine (Derrian Tolden), will be competing to capture the title in October (in Memphis).

Do people in Baton Rouge accept and support the gay lifestyle and culture?

I have found, yes they do. Of course, the gay community will always support us, but lately people are becoming more open-minded and they support us. They come to the shows and they are there for the pageants. They may not understand what’s going on, but in the end it’s the best show you could possibly see in Louisiana.

What’s the most difficult thing about being a young, gay man in the Capital City?

Honestly I don’t have any difficulties because I am who I am, and I always will be. If you don’t accept me for who I am, then I don’t orient myself with you. It’s just as simple as that.

Has being open about your sexual preferences posed any problems for you?

No. Surprisingly, people are becoming a lot more open-minded to gay men. That’s why I am happy I can sort of be a spokesperson for them as an entertainer. Like I just said, I like who I am. I don’t put myself in positions where I would feel uncomfortable or anything like that. I don’t set my self up for failure.