Hello!! My name is Smyrna Emphezema and I am the "Personified Queen of Country" from Key West, Florida.My drag career began in Charleston, South Carolina in 1991 at the Treehouse Bar. As Show Director, I booked many top drag personalities: Samantha Hunter, The Lady Chablis (from Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil), Dawn Dupree and many more.In 1993, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia. There, I worked with talented entertainers like Charlie Brown, Lauren Lamasters, Tina Devore, Paula Sinclair, Amber Richards, Ashley Kruiz, Lena Lust, Lorelei, Morticia Deville and the Gospel Echos and many more.By 1996, I was Show Director at Model T, hosting the Talent Search on Thursday nights. Designed to spotlight new Atlanta talent, the showcase winner would then be the special guest for the Friday and Saturday night shows.In 2000, I had an opportunity to go back to Charleston once a month and host a monthly show called The Ladies of Illusion show from Atlanta. I took two entertainers from Atlanta each month for the show which was held at Patrick's Pub in Charleston. Some of the entertainers making that monthly trip with me were Sable Sheppard, Alexandria Martin, Paula Sinclair, Lorelei, The Lady Desire, Amanda Black, Alicia Kelley and Chavon Scott.My drag career came to a temporary end in 2003 when I decided to move to the Southernmost City -- Key West. Here, I settled into a supervisory job at Home Depot, where I'm still employed.But you can't keep a fat girl down!!In July 2005, I came out of drag retirement to enter the charitable Miss Firecracker pageant, which raises money for AIDS Help, Inc.; Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys; Hospice; and the Visiting Nurses Association. I was crowned Miss Firecracker 2005 and, along with that title, came the responsibility of raising funds via drag shows, silent auctions and donations within the Key West Community.In 2006, I entered the Miss Key West Pridefest pageant -- a fundraising competition for the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC). Winning that crown, I assumed the duties of raising funds for the GLCC and also raise awareness for the gay and lesbian community. In 2007 I competed for the the coveted title of Queen Mother which is a fundraising event for Hospice VNA where I was 1st runner up. I also placed 1st as the overall talent Winner with my re-enactment of Delta burke in the Designing women scene " The night the lights went out in Georgia and was assisted by Faith Michaels of Aqua and Samantha from 801People ask me: "Why female impersonation?"My response is simple and basic.I am a fundraiser first and an entertainer second. There are so many organizations in our community that need our help whether you are a performer or just a generous person in the background.I urge everyone to find an organization close to your heart and become active. Make a difference in the community that we have come to know as One Human Family.Smyrna Emphezema
Miss Pridefest 2006
Miss Firecracker 2005
