Catch the ten contestants when they square off at the Rex Hall on May 13, 2017 for the Mz. Judged beauty pageant.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Michael Koehn, Mindteams Solutions
April 10, 2017 - 6:30 PM
KAMLOOPS – Mz. Dee Meanors, known by day as John-Paul Baker, will be strutting the stage with nine other men dressed in women's clothing for a social services fundraiser in Kamloops next month.
The Mz. Judged pageant is a fundraiser for Ask Wellness and Baker says the funds will go to building a safe space for sex workers. The 10 contestants will don lipstick, hairspray and high heels and battle for the crown on May 13 at the Rex Hall.
The night includes talent, swimsuit and formal gown portions and a panel of judges will choose the winner.
Baker has only started preparing and his first challenge is a tall one, literally.
"I wear a size 14 in women's shoes so I had to order heels from Long Tall Sally in Vancouver," Baker says.
With admittedly very little experience with women's clothing, he's been looking to his wife Danalee for help. The event is for a good cause, but competition is fierce.
Contestant John-Paul Baker says his wife Danalee has been very helpful as he prepares for the competition.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Michael Koehn, Mindteams Solutions
"I'm not the only one who wants to win this thing. I don't think I'll do anything really atrocious to win... I won't Tonya Harding someone... I say that now, but when the day comes who knows," Baker says with a laugh.
The event has all the makings for a fun evening out, but at the end of it all, improving social services and reducing stigmas in Kamloops is the goal.
"You can't help someone with substance abuse problems or mental health issues unless they have a warm place to sleep. It's ridiculous to expect someone to turn their lives around until they are properly housed," Baker says.
"A lot of people are victims of circumstance. If we can reduce judgement for marginalized people of all types, that's the main thing."
A meet and greet is coming up on April 13 at Match Eatery & Public House. Tickets are $20 and include a burger and beer and some face time with the contestants. Contact Ask Wellness at 250-376-7558 or email Cher@askwellness.ca for tickets.
Tickets for the main event are available through the Kamloops Live box office and range from $50 to $100.
Video courtesy of Mastermind Studios.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Kim Anderson or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2017