Guys Get Glamourous For a Cause

by Hannah Bell

It is not uncommon for a beauty pageant to be held to raise awareness or money for a charitable cause. What is uncommon is for that beauty pageant to feature only men. On Feb. 26, Alpha Gamma Delta hosted the annual He’s a Lady womanless pageant to benefit juvenile diabetes awareness and research.

Taylor Kosman as Susie Stars-and-Stripes

Members of the Greek community chose male representatives to take the stage with a female alter ego. Fiji Taylor Kosman represented his brothers as Susie Stars-and-Stripes. “My idea was very American,” he said. “I wanted to portray America as decently as possible.”

The contestants competed in a beauty walk, a short interview and a talent portion. The men strutted on the stage in sequined gowns and flashy accessories. Then the hosts asked each contestant two questions.

In the talent portion, the “ladies” each prepared a short performance to showcase their unique abilities. From College Night cheering to live song mixing, the contestants demonstrated a variety of skills.

At the end of the night, a panel of judges made up of three members of the University of Montevallo faculty chose a winner. “They pick whoever best represents ‘He’s a Lady,’” said Alpha Gamma Delta Emily White.

"Anna Conda" answers an interview question

This year the winner was Marcos Cruz of Lambda Chi Alpha. Cruz represented his brothers as Anna Conda. He says he felt honored that his brothers chose him to compete for their fraternity.

Tickets to the pageant were $3. The proceeds went to the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, which raises awareness and education for prevention of type one diabetes.

Alpha Gam Shelby Lee says that one of her favorite things about the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation is how it helps children. “It donates money to diabetes camps which actually help sponsor children with type one diabetes go to a camp and learn how to deal with their disease.”