Welcome to the Mid-South Pride Pageant! We are excited to witness your talent, creativity, and pride as part of this year's pageant celebration. This event is a platform for contestants to shine while embracing the diversity, individuality, and sense of community that defines Mid-South Pride. Below, you'll find the official rules and guidelines designed to ensure fairness, fun, and safety for all participants. Let’s work together to make this a memorable and empowering experience for everyone involved.

Eligibility and Registration:

• Contestants must be at least 21 years of age to participate.
• All contestants must present a valid, non-expired, state-issued ID at registration. No exceptions will be made, and contestants may not compete until this identification has been verified.
• Contestants must reside within 75 miles of Memphis, TN.

Judging System:

• Judging will be based on a total point accumulation system.
• Mid-South Pride will provide score sheets, and ties will be broken by the contestant with the higher score in the Talent category.
• Contestants will be judged across the following categories:
  1. Presentation
  2. Talent
  3. Interview
  4. Q & A
  5. Formal Wear

For more details, see Pageant Categories & Scoring Criteria

Pageant Categories & Scoring Criteria

Category Details:

1. Presentation:
   • Contestants must select a specific Pride flag to represent and incorporate the flag’s colors into their outfit.
   • All colors of the chosen flag must be clearly visible in the presentation outfit.
   • The Pride representation should celebrate your personal connection to the flag’s significance.
2. Talent:
   • Talent presentations are limited to 7 minutes. This time limit will be enforced during rehearsals, and any presentations exceeding 7 minutes will result in administrative point deductions.
   • Prop setup and teardown time are limited to a total of 5 minutes.
   • Any form of talent is acceptable, except for those that may cause injury or pose safety risks to the audience or other participants.
   • The use of excessive glitter, fire, or water in talent presentations is strictly prohibited.
3. Interview:
   • Contestants will be judged on their ability to articulate their personal story, aspirations, and connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Q & A:
   • Contestants will be asked a series of questions by the panel to gauge their composure, quick thinking, and personal perspectives on relevant issues.