ALL HAIL THE QUEENS! – Lindsay Paige: Miss Continental Plus 2023

The gorgeous Lindsay Paige captured the title of Miss Continental Plus 2023 this past Easter weekend at the Park West Theater in Chicago, IL. We got together to chat with this Oklahoma diva who showed us that “perseverance is the key to success.”

Interview by Louie G & @ContinentalPagentry

How does it feel to be the new Miss Continental Plus?
It is very hard to put into words how it feels. I’ve wanted to be a Miss Continental my entire career and I’ve been in the industry for 22 years so I definitely feel complete. The love and support I have received from this experience has been incredible.

Winning the title exactly 10 years after your mother, Whitney Paige (RIP), must have been emotional. Tell us about that journey for you.
It definitely is a very emotional journey. When I was introduced to this pageant Whitney was still competing for it as well.  She and I used to talk about how one day we’d both win it and get to be forever Continentals and turn the runways each year. Lol When she got sick I promised that I would come back for All American Goddess at Large, USofA, and Continental to carry the legacy that she started. I was blessed to win All American Goddess at Large in 2021 and first runner-up to USofA at Large in 2019 so I’m two out of three. I will continue the ring one day. Continental really meant so much to her and she passed during the beginning of her reign so I’m honored to carry this legacy for her and my family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lindsay Paige (@lindsaypaige06)

What do you hope to accomplish during your reign and how?
The biggest thing I hope to accomplish this year is to inspire anyone and everyone that has had this dream and didn’t think it was possible. I first discovered Continental through VHS tapes as a teenager and from that moment was determined to become one of Jimmy’s girls. My very first national competition was Continental Plus at 21 years old. Years went by and I watched every queen get crowned while grooming myself to be what I thought a Miss Continental should be and at 40 years old on my 3rd attempt I won. My main focus is to bring back the love for pageantry in general but definitely for Continental and to do all that I can to provide an experience for all that are involved, especially my contestants. I feel that has been missing from pageantry. In competition, only one person leaves with a crown but we all leave with an experience and I want to make sure those are great.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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By using your Continental platform, in what ways will you empower other Trans people and Drag Entertainers to fight against the forces against us?
Being as visible and heard as we are I will continue to showcase the good that comes from this art form and how much of a creative outlet this is for so many. Drag has saved so many lives and has helped so many people to be in a better mental state in their lives. Anytime that I get the chance I will shine as bright as I can as an example of our industry and this art form.

If you could tell one thing to your younger self, what would the message be? What message do you have for the new generation of drag?
Always be 100% you unapologetically! The world is filled with too many people trying to be someone they are not. Each of us are unique and special in our own way and it took me a long time to realize that I’m strong, amazing, and powerful! My message to the new generation would be simply that. Many of the greats that have gone before us have helped to pave the way so that we can do what we love and continue to shine a light on this beautiful art and it’s important that we show the world that we accept and love one another for being different and being ourselves! Acceptance and love should always start at home.

Follow her journey on Instagram @LindsayPaige06 and join the Continental Pageantry System for Labor Day for the Mr & Miss contests and Easter weekend for Plus & Elite contests.