I recently traveled to Harrisburg (PA) first to support a friend who is the promoter of Miss Gay Pennsylvania America. Then, I heard who one of the V.I.P's were, who was going to be there, the reigning Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins.
I met Coti as his alter-ego David and within the first few minutes after the pleasantries, I felt like he was someone I've always known.
Originally from Ohio, David currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.
He grew up in Gallipolis, Ohio, which sits along the Ohio River in the southeastern end of the state. David attended and graduated from Gallia Academy High School.
He was raised by his grandparents and when the time came to let out the 'big secret', it wasn't that much of a big deal. “Everyone knew about me already,” David commented. “My grandmother said that you need to be proud of who you are and she always said that God don't make mistakes.”
He has described himself as an actor as his profession on Facebook which to David, literally is the truth. “When I perform, I am not just someone lip-syncing to a song. I am performing as the person I am portraying.”
If you were amongst the lucky to see Reba McEntire as she toured America in 1996-1997, you were first greeted on stage by Coti Collins – not Reba. But honestly, when I looked at the pictures David had from that time, as he stood side by side with Reba, you really couldn't tell who the real Reba was. Reba is his favorite music artist.
You can also find David in the documentary entitled “Pageant”. It follows five people as they vie for the title of Miss Gay America 2008.
It was an adventure lasting 23 years for him to reach the ultimate title and in October of last year, David's dream came true as his alter ego's name was announced as Miss Gay America 2011. When the announcement finally came, he stated, “It was like a giant weight was lifted. I felt peace come through my body.”
“I've had the chance over the past year to get to know Coti very well; so much that she is like a sister and brother to me as well”, commented Baltimore performer Chi Chi Ray Colby.
Chi Chi went on to add, “not only [does she] provide guidance but truly shows that caring side. As an inspiration to me, she is the most professional straightforward individual and wears herself down to make a difference grabbing sleep when she can. I guess that is why in the car driving from BWI airport to Harrisburg PA for the Miss PA America pageant, Coti had fallen asleep. Poor thing was so tired that when I opened a bottle of Dr.Pepper and it made the opening pressure sound, she jumped and said God Bless You as she thought I had sneezed. Gotta love her!"
In October of this year, Coti passes on the title to the new Miss Gay America. For him, this experience has been “humbling, touching one life at a time.”
David also passes on one piece of advice. “Never let anyone determine your self worth.”
