Miss Gay Arlington to be Crowned Friday at Freddie's

Expect a crowd Friday night at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant in Crystal City as the restaurant hosts the third annual Miss Gay Arlington competition

A handful of contestants will face-off in four categories. This year's theme, chosen by , is "The Glittery Rainbow Connection."

The categories are presentation — in which the contestants will be judged on the creativity of their outfit, which must include the six colors of the pride rainbow and glitter — talent, evening gown and on-stage question.

"It's usually a full house," owner Freddie Lutz told Patch. He expects the event, which starts at 8 p.m., to be standing room only. Table reservations already are full. Ten dollars gets you in the door.

The annual competition has grown to the point where recruiting contestants and sponsors has become much easier, said Daniel Hayes, a member of the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance board of directors and the man who came up with the idea for the pageant.

"It's grown over time to where we've got more and more sponsors to help build the event," he said.

More than a dozen entertainers will perform before, during and after the event, allowing the contestants time to change and judges' scores to be tabulated. The first number will be a tribute to Stardust, Hayes said.

The winner will receive more than $1,400 in prizes, including $300 cash, gift cards for makeup and jewelry, a crown and sash, entry into the Capital Pride parade and other bookings.

"Yes, the money and prizes are good, but it gives them a chance to grow as an entertainer," Hayes said.

He first had the idea a few years ago to help the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance, or AGLA, reach more of the 35-and-under demographic.

Drag shows tend to draw a little bit of a younger crowd, he said, so it helps AGLA diversify its constituency.

Part of the alliance's mission is community service, and to that end AGLA holds fundraisers for the local animal shelter, for instance, and food pantry. It works with other organizations in the greater Washington area to raise money for other causes, like ovarian cancer research.

And so, Friday night will also see the crowning of the new Miss AGLA — someone who has helped the organization further its mission.

Registration for Miss Gay Arlington has closed, though the competition is open to anyone who projects a female persona. The event starts at 8 p.m. Friday, and a winner should be crowned shortly after 11 p.m.

Washington has a bustling drag scene with several large drag families, Hayes said. Many drag queens to share last names; they find someone who becomes their "drag mother," Hayes said, who offers them advice, tips and other support over the years.

Drag families have evolved in part, he said, as a support network, particularly for gay and lesbian individuals who find themselves rejected by their biological families.

The beach bar is hosting a Mr. Freddie's Pageant on May 11 for anyone projecting a male persona.