She made us PROUD!
This week, Speak Out bids a bittersweet farewell to Patricia Knight (Miss WVAS QUEER NEWS 2009).
One thing that will always remain constant is change. 2009 bled change into our community and our nation. Differences in philosophies and politics within the local LGBT community were tossed aside, while ancient and suffocating walls of bitterness that separated our leading organizations and groups were torn down. Our community is in recovery!
It was at the 2009 PRIDE picnic that my partner, George Foster, and I first realized that something magical and wonderful was taking place within the state LGBT community. One very bright star of 2009 was Miss Patricia Knight, as she energetically and elegantly represented this publication and our community as she entertained and spoke throughout the region.
Patricia, now 32, grew up in Gap Mills, WV. She describes her childhood as "never a dull moment".
When I asked her about her coming out process and sexual self-acceptance, she responded: "Some may have had to deal with being out and gay, but my life changing moments were built around others being racist and not accepting me as a black man."
Some of Patricia's titles and previous accomplishments include:
Miss Mardi Gras 2006
Miss Polo Pride 2007
First Runner Up in WV Pride 2007
Best Presentation Pride 2007
Miss Leo Zodiac 2007
Miss Sagittarius Zodiac 2008
Miss Polo WVAS QUEER NEWS 2009
Miss WVAS QUEER NEWS 2009
Patricia says she is still single, but never lonely thanks to a very supportive network of fans, friends, and family. "I love my family and It does not matter what I am doing, I will drop it all for them. At the end of the day my family loves me."
She admits that there are many worthwhile cause and charities that are close to her heart. "I feel like the condom distributor for Huntington and wherever I go. I love to help out at the AIDS Task Force and work with the homeless. I am also very involved in the church."
"I AM HERE", performed by Fantasia in The Color Purple is her favorite song to perform to. BB King and Alicia Keys top her list of favorite musicians.
When I asked Patricia to share a quote or phrase that kept her inspired when things get rough, she quoted John 3:16 from the King James Bible: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Sadly, Patricia has plans to retire her heels and stop performing as a female impersonator in the near future. "I will always be an entertainer, but I think it is time to hang up the heels. I have entertained for almost 14 years and I think I've done a great job, but all good things must come to an end! I have had the best year. Through terry Urban, I have met some great people and done good things. I tried to do the best that I could in everything I did. It was a pleasure to be able to have the honor of being Miss WVAS QUEER NEWS. WVQN is a great networking site and has lots of resources to offer the community. I love being able to go online and see what is happening at the different bars and businesses in the state and surrounding areas. I Love the spotlight. I wish I could have been on spotlight!"
I asked Patricia to quickly respond to the following terms:
Marriage: "I am not in a relationship."
Freedom: "We all want to be free."
Equality: "Equality is very important."
Sexuality: "Sexuality is personal."
Monogamy: "not much to say about that"
Religion: "Religion is important to me and I would hope that people would respect that part of Miss Patricia Knight!"
Farewell words of Miss WVAS QUEER NEWS 2009:
"I want to first thank everyone for your support. I hope that I made a difference in your life, even if only for one show or one night. Just know that anytime you need me I am here, and to all the LGBT community-- Hang in there! Your fight is almost over, but don't stop fighting and don't give up. Much Love, and until we meet again may God bless!"
Thank you Patricia Knight! http://www.myspace.com/patriciaknight
Written by Jim Lawson/Speak Out Reporter for WVQN