All Hail The Queens! – Kennedy Davenport: Miss Gay USofA 2019

This year, almost every national and international title is being held by powerful beauties of color. These sensational individuals are an amazing representation of our community as a whole and we are so proud of their wins. Long live the queens! 

How did competing and winning this title change your life after so many years?

Winning this title after setting the goal and trying to reach it for so many years has just solidified deep in myself that I am a true competitor, that the sacrifices were not in vain, and that you may step in to your destiny at any time, but it’s never gonna be handed to you…you’ve gotta have the hunger for it. I do know that this next year of travel will connect me with so many new faces and opportunities to support and mentor others on their quest, and that is exciting!

What did you learn about yourself during the process of preparing and competing? How will you apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life?

In preparing and competing, I learned how far my strength can endure. The mind has a lot to do with it, and I decided losing wasn’t an option. I gained a new understanding of what it’s like to balance supporting an entire household and family, touring schedules, discipline, and properly utilizing resources and accepting help in whatever form big or small. Kennedy Davenport is a brand, but it’s not just me behind the scenes…it’s an army of loving supporters. Balance will be the big takeaway in my daily life…God, Kennedy, Reuben, promoting, family, responsibilities, travel, friends, and fans will all be present and loved on this journey.

What was your biggest obstacle in obtaining such an amazing win at the pageant and how did you overcome it?

I think time and money are always huge obstacles in the pageant circuit. Time has to be split in so many directions…the goal cannot take over every second of your life because then you are not giving God the glory, and you won’t have loved ones to share in the victory when it’s won. And as everyone knows pageants are expensive, especially when competing on this level. I had to make sure daily life and bills were met while still having enough coin for gowns, costumes, dancers, travel, etc. You can have the winning package in your mind, but the cash has to be there to back it. You really have to budget and humble yourself and accept the help from others who believe in you. Network girls!…and always in a tasteful manner.