Leah Land

Team Queen screens at the Miss LEZ Pageant
June 18 2006
The Knitting Factory
New York, NY

Dynasty Handbag (Miss LEZ 2005)

Describing the Miss Lez event (formerly Miss L.E.S.) as a “pageant” isn’t quite right—it’s more of a one-room parade for lesbians and those who love them. The show departs its Lower East Side roots this year due in part to gentrification and the dispersal of the women of New York. Seven contestants will compete in the areas of platform, swimsuit, gown, interview and talent. These divisions will be liberally interpreted, to say the least. Expect a “no-rules” show that challenges not only pageant cliches but also conventional wisdom on what it is to be lesbian. Judges this year include burlesquers the Wau-Wau Sisters and the World Famous *BOB*, Michael Musto, Johanna Fatemen of Le Tigre, drag editrix Linda Simpson and director/writer/producer Rose Troche.

Leah Meyerhoff (TEAM QUEEN), Brian Gonzalez, Lilly Medville

Michael Musto (VILLAGE VOICE), Marga Gomez, Rose Troche (GO FISH)

The World Famous Bob

Johanna Fateman (LE TIGRE)

Murray Hill and the pageant contestants