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ATLANTA BARB - Page 7 Shawn Marie Crowned "Miss Gay America 1974" Suspense ended Sunday evening May 5, 1974 for fifty- four contestants, who came from all over the United States to compete for the coveted title Qf “Miss Gay America 1974“ held in the American Hotel. After almost four hours of anxiously awaiting the judges decision, the big moment finally came when the reigning “Lady Bar- onessa” gave up her crown to Miss Shawn Marie, for the next year. There were moments of sorrow and happiness for the contestants that gave some very spectacular performances. The lighting effects, the sound and the array of beautiful gowns; many of them made by the contestants themselves., were just superb Tony Du rant, of the Sweet Gun: head emceed the pageant The fantastic Roby Land ers, from the House of Landers in Chicago, made a guest appearance and re ceived tremendous ap plause from the audience as usual. Several other Im personators also did guest spots, including Satan De- Ville, Daisy Dalton and La- vita Allen. Shannon For rester, the first runner up from Houston, thrilled the audience with her tal ent, versality, and charm. To see Rachell Wells tran- sfrom from his roll in Jesus Christ Super Star, inot a beautiful lady, right on the stage brought a stan ding ovation from the aud ience which consisted of both gay and straights. The third runner up, Rusty Fernandez, did an oriental dance that she has made popular and also re ceived much applause. Mr. Jerry Peeks, the originator and promoter of the Miss Gay America said the contestants were not only judged for talent and beauty, but poise, speech and conversational ability; the latter most important. This being the third pageant he has produced was one of the most successful well organized, and will be long remembered by hundreds of people who attended the pageant - another first for Atlanta .