100 of the Most Influential Gay Entertainers are creative nonfiction books featuring some of the most revered, local entertainers in the GLBTQI (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer) communities from all across the United States and abroad to include Bermuda, Italy, Mexico and the Philippines. While many of us in mainstream society enjoy hearing about the who’s who in America and on television, the GLBTQI entertainment culture has their own stars and celebrities. After many years of attending the most prestigious gay pageants and shows in the land, in 2005 I decided to write about the stars in My World in an effort to put them on the same pedestal in which mainstream celebrities reign. I wanted to shine the light on the community which I love and adore by showcasing the entertainers in my community who are just as fabulously entertaining to me as any other entertainer I may ever encounter or get to see up close and personal in my lifetime.
After many years of being a member of the GLBTQI community, I have witnessed some of the best pageants and shows ever! Every week thousands of fans attend shows to get a glimpse of their favorite transgender entertainer, drag queen, male lead, female-to-male illusionist/king, or comedian. Often enough, several major pageants take place around the same time every year, so eager fans make their reservations in advance in order to spend an entire weekend watching their favorite contestants vie for the title. The art of female impersonation, pageantry and shows are a phenomenon in the GLBTQI. And for those who dare, many heterosexuals have had the good pleasure of seeing a show. What most people don’t know is that the first pageantry system, Miss Gay America, has been in existence for nearly 34 years while many other pageantry systems have been crowning kings and queens for over 25 years. This is profound and should be recorded. The entertainers who are featured in 100 MIGE are dedicated to providing the best in lip sync entertainment and live performances and deserve recognition.
The legendary entertainers who have been performing for over 25 years provide the richest information about a culture still fighting for equal rights. They remind us of the past when the gay culture was less appealing than it is now; when it was illegal to be seen on the streets in drag and when permits and licenses were required to be a performer. In an effort to discourage, stomp out and erase a culture of people, the legal system played it part in allowing those in authority to use illegal tactics in their effort to disband gay establishments by way of illegal arrests, scare tactics, gay bashing, and other dehumanizing acts such as strip searches on the sidewalks outside of the gay clubs. The entertainers give all of themselves as they tell their stories of accomplishments, defeat, love, hate, family turmoil, long and loving relationships, out of control lives, maturity, alcohol and drug use, rape, prostitution, death of loved ones, manslaughter, life changing events, alienation from parents and siblings, fear, and much more.
The first release of 100 of the Most Influential Gay Entertainers was reviewed by the GLBT Roundtable of the American Library Association and recommended for ages 16 and up. It also features my autobiography and the things I have accomplished and the struggles I face. The second release of 100 MIGE, Volume II, is amped up and made into the perfect coffee table book. It is an 8.5X11 book filled with beautiful, professional, oversized photos and 493 pages that you will keep you occupied. Also featured throughout the book are loving Tributes recognizing and paying homage to some of the entertainers we have lost over time to include Arabia Knight Addams, Erica Andrews, Tandi Andrews, Donna Day, Naomi Sims, Amber Richards, Bianca Paige, Savion Simpson Black, Mishon Black, Michelle Scott, Latoya St. James, Sasha Valentino, Kim Ross, Paris Dupree, and Bertha Butt. It is my hope that these books save the lives of young teens who are struggling with his/her sexual identity and also that these books bridge the gap between the heterosexual and gay communities. I want people to realize that the GLBTQI community of individuals is no different than the next person.
If you haven’t already, order your copy now. I promise you won’t regret it. It’s a great read and the perfect gift for any occasion. For the mother or father who may be struggling with their child’s sexual identity/preference; for the young adult who may be struggling with their own sexual identity/preference; for the family member who just don’t understand, or for the person you just don’t know how to tell your own secret to. Order a copy for them and it may make life a whole lot easier!
Abouth the Author
Jenettha was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and is the second oldest of five. After graduating from Paxon Senior High School in 1981, she entered into the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. After completing advanced individual training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana as a personnel management specialist, she was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC during her entire Army career. She attained the rank of sergeant/E-5. In 1985 she changed her military occupational skill and attended the executive administrative assistant’s course at Fort Benjamin Harrison.
In 1987 Jenettha pursued her dream of becoming a police woman. Three months before her expiration termination of service, she applied for the DeKalb County Police Department and was hired in April 1987. During her employment with the police department, she attained the rank of Master Patrol Officer and spent many years as a patrol officer and two consecutive 3-month periods as an undercover officer making low-level drug buys with the infamous Blackcats Unit. Her last duty assignment was with the Center Precinct’s Community Oriented Policing Unit/COPS as a bike officer before resigning in 1997.
Shortly after resigning with plans of relocating to Virginia Beach to work as a beach patrol officer, Jenettha’s dreams were shattered after being diagnosed with Lupus. Unable to return to work, she began writing and has completed a total of three books. Her first book, The Autobiography of a Gay Black Female is currently unpublished while 100 of the Most Influential Gay Entertainers, 2nd Edition and Volume II are currently available. The first release has been reviewed by the GLBT Roundtable of the American Library Association and recommended for ages 16 and up. It has also been featured in several online magazines to include the Bermuda Sun, the Bermuda Multimedia News and Culture Magazine, The Luckey Star, and OMG Magazine. An article was also featured in Atlanta’s most popular gay magazine, David Atlanta.
She currently resides with her partner of 5 years, Kelli, and their Miniature Doberman Pincher, Noah, and their Yorkie, Pedro.
