So actually, you can thank Rexie for showing this to me. And when I opened the link and saw this hot lesbian with spiky hair and tatts, I was like, “Suh-weeet!” Then to find out she’s the first openly gay woman in a Long Beach Beauty pageant!? Well …. it’s about time!!!! I think women that rock this look ARE beautiful. They ARE hot, sexy and more then worthy of being gawked at like any other hot woman! 
So I wish her luck and I wanted you to read the original article. So scroll down and get at it.
The following was reposted from The Los Angeles Times
When Jenelle Hutcherson hits the runway at Miss Long Beach and Miss Southern California cities pageant this weekend, she will make history as the first openly lesbian contestant in the competition.
The 25-year-old master hair artist will also be the first to be rocking a Mohawk, tattoos, a pierced nose and small black ear plug-ins.
“I’m not a down-in-heels type of girl,” Hutcherson said in a phone interview.
For the swimwear competition, Hutcherson will be flaunting her handmade boy shorts and tank top inspired by 1930s men’s and women’s swimwear. And for evening wear, she’s ditching the gown and heels for a royal purple tux.
Hutcherson, who moved from Bakersfield three years ago to work at the Den Salon in downtown Long Beach, said she got the idea to enter the competition during a conversation with Justin Rudd, the director of the pageant, while she was cutting his hair.
“It was an epic conversation,” she said. “He started to tell me about this pageant and for a second I thought, ‘Oh wow, a business connection. How does one get involved?’”
But, Hutcherson added, “I didn’t quite clarify that.”
Rudd proceeded to tell her how she could enter the pageant. He said her wild colors, tattoos and her individuality would all be embraced.
“He gave me no reasons not to join,” Hutcherson said.
Her bold personality has received the attention of local newspapers, bloggers and most recently Donald Trump’s Miss California USA pageant, which she’ll participate in because she can take her message further.
She’s looking for financial sponsorships and donations, she said. She’s started a Facebook fan page, where she uploads videos and photos, and updates her progress in the pageant.
“I believe this very well may be the craziest, most insane, life experience i have put myself through yet! I am lovin’ every bit of it!! How exciting!!! On to my to-do list!!” she wrote recently.
Hutcherson’s said she’s been trying to get the attention of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” for support, but has had no luck, she said. A representative for the show could not be reached for comment.
For this weekend’s pageant at the Grand Long Beach Event Center, Hutcherson is supported by people in the community and the Board of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center of Long Beach, where she is also a part-time volunteer.
I think this is wonderful! I sincerely hope it is a very positive experience for her. And hello she is definitely hot.
Sasha that would be fun to go to her salon, since it’s local to you I think, and interview her for CCL. Maybe it will encourage others to break through stereotypes on both sides.
i just came across this yesterday!!1 i am sooo excited! it’s so amazing to see someone who is my kind of smokin’ hot :p enter a pageant and show everyone that normal isn’t the barbie look! yay!!! every step taken towards equality and diversity is a step in the right direction!!
Thanks, Sasha, for posting this.
I view this as a good thing all the way around, and it’s high time the LGBT community is represented. I can think of nothing more fitting than a lesbian Miss Long Beach, since it is one of the gayest cities in So Cal. It’s also really awesome this is a mainstream contest, not some special, “alternative” event. Jenelle has a Facebook page and is accepting donations to help with the costs associated with being in a pagent. Everyone knows it takes money to be a serious contender, so I’m all for giving her a boost towards taking that crown. Way to go Jenelle!
I feel pretty torn over this. She’s going to lose, and it seems like a media stunt. With her fauxhawk, tats, and boyshorts, it seems an intentional statement – which she is totally ok to make I suppose. It’s just another way that the American public will view us as ‘so very different.’ In truth, there are a lot of chicks (like Chely Wright) who look more like the contestants, would actually stand a shot at winning (well, not chely, she’s actually too old for this), and would show that we come in all shapes, sizes, forms, etc…
My thoughts are – This is the image America ‘expects’ us to present! It’s a stereotype that we ourselves are reinforcing on a public stage. I think it would be cooler to see a hot chick who looks just like a Victoria’s Secret Model, wins it, and is openly gay. Someone like old school Amanda Moore. She can look quite traditionally beautiful, and then sport a fauxhawk if she wishes (and has in Italian Vogue).
I suppose for me – progressing our own rights, and us as people is not emphasizing our differences, but showing how very similar we are. I’d rather not perpetuate a stereotype. To be honest, there are a million hipster straight chicks who look this way too…why aren’t they competing in the pageants? Because it won’t be what people are looking for. Hey, maybe she will ‘win’ out of sympathy, or people wanting to seem ‘accepting’ or some other nonsense – but not everyone will cast a sympathy vote. It’s not what the contest is about, and it’s just going to make us look foolish. It’s embarassing.
If we want to put forth a ‘lesbian contestant,’ let’s rock their socks off with a woman who can beat them at their own game….not look like we’re trying to make a point.
As a lesbian that looks more like this contestant then your normal beauty pageant contestant, I have to say I hope that Jul is wrong. I think that she has a very good chance of winning, especially in a city like LB that is used to seeing women look like this.
I also think in a way, Jul is right. Like say we put Sasha in a beauty pageant. No one that looked at her would right away think, “GAY!” she could be our secret weapon! And then when she tells people, oh btw, I’m super femme and straight men want this type of woman but I’m married to a woman. Hello!!? That would be a great statement because middle America doesn’t expect the typical lesbian to look like Sasha or Portia or other lovely femmes. And they’re not just two of them in the world!, but femmes are the invisible part of our community so in that respect, Jul is right, a femme lesbian might make a great statement.
But not to take away from what Janelle is doing. Rock on girl!!! I hope she wins!!! She’s hot!!
Hi Jul…I don’t agree with you. The type of woman you describe is ultimately femme, and I don’t see a reason why a butch or andro should be excluded just because they don’t conform to the cookie cutter stereotype of a pageant beauty queen. It’s time to change the idea that plastic beauty is the ideal. She is who she is and she is tossing her hat in the ring. Just because she may have the appearance of being stereotypical doesn’t she IS stereotypical. If she wins, I don’t think it would be because of sympathy votes. I think it would be because she is outstanding and stellar in her own right. She should be judged fairly against the other contestants. If she is trying to make a point for LGBT visibility, then it is a good point to make.
And Chris, woe be to the others if our girl Sasha ever decided to enter. She’d waltz away with the crown and they’d never feel the breeze.
Hhahahaha!!! Yea. Righttttt!!!! Thank you Chris and Rexie for the sweet thought. But I’m NO beauty contest winner!!!
And like I said when I posted this, I think that Jenelle Hutcherson is smokin’ hot …. she’s just the type I always swoon over. And I actually believe she has a very good chance of winning, especially here in Long Beach. Not to mention, Remi has that same sort of style and look and she gets hit on by straight men more then I do. There are a lot of men that LOVE that look on women. Granted, it always makes me wonder if their gaydar is broken beyond repair. But I can’t blame them either, becuase beauty and sexiness comes in a lot of different packages. And just because she looks “stereotypically gay” in some respects, does not in any way negate her beauty and awesomeness that I’m sure will surpass sexuality lines.
I agree with Rexie, if we put Sasha in a contest, she would probably win. For those that haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her in person, she’s twice as beautiful in person than in her pics.
But I can see Jul’s point on this too. It does seem a little preachy almost. But after reading the article, I have to give Jenelle major credit. It seems like she’s doing this to increase visibility for the LGBT community and sadly, if someone that looked like Sasha did it, it wouldn’t get the same attention, because Sasha doesn’t look gay. She’s stereotypical, beautiful LA. Not the face we see and go, “Oh she’s gay like me.” There’s a lot of younger people that upon simply seeing a photo of Jenelle will connect them to her because she looks like them and it will tell them, “It’s OK to be different. It’s OK to be gay, to look gay.”
Sadly, I think women that look like Sasha can actually be harmful to a young persons self esteem in that she perpetuates the beauty ideal of mainstream America.
Sorry Sash. Don’t hate me
Interesting turn this convo is taking. I have to say that is takes huge balls to put yourself up like that for display and the fact that this out lesbian is doing it, well fuckme, I say BRAVA!!!!!!
She rocks and I think it’s amazing she’s doing it and who the fuck cares if it’s a media ploy!? Good for her she’s getting media attention!
BTW, Alex, you seemed like you put Sasha down in one way and thought it would be ok because you said she was so beautiful. But almost too beautiful? I’ve been a long time reader, rarely comment but I thought you were her friend. Ouch.
First and foremost, Jenelle sounds like an amazing woman, sexy as hell, and has some awesome inner strength to go for this. It’s wonderful to bring this to the public eye and for everyone to see women of all shapes, sizes and identity can be in a pageant.
The point in these pageants though IS a stereotype thing and the people that watch them and go crazy over them are the type of person that when they see a tattooed faux hawked lesbian in a tux competing along the rest of the plastics, rather than have a change in perception of the LGBT community, they will be justified in their thinking. That here are those gays again trying to stir things up or what have you. There may be some of the audience that will be enlightened, but for the most part, I don’t see they will be anything but annoyed. The women that want to be beauty queens don’t do it to make a statement, they want world peace and all that jazz but is it that or do they really want that crown and scholarship?
I agree with Jul though. Being a femme myself, I would love to see someone they wouldn’t expect to be lesbian, because Jenelle (lovely as she is) is the stereotype of “the lesbian”. Why does the “first openly lesbian contestant” have to fit all the stereotypes? I think a bigger statement would be made for the typical beauty queen to be Openly Lesbian and still prance around in the dress and show we are just the same as everyone else… we just like women.
Good points are being made all over the comment section except one- Jenelle IS (to queot) “the same as all of us” (I’m not referring to lesbian by this but instead “she is the same as all of us”) -she is someones’s daughter, someone’s friend, someone’s neighbor, someone co-worker etc who happens to be gay (and sexy as hell). Maybe I live in a dream land (which trust me unfortunately I don’t) but in order for someone who literally is “the same as us” (lesbian) to be included in the bigger “grander” “same as us” steps like this beauty pageant as so important. And btw Sasha you are definitely a beauty queen in my eyes. – said in a very noncreepy way.
I have been close to the pageant world, and believe me, what Janelle is doing is bold and brave precisely because she doesn’t fit into the standard mold of “beauty” queen. So let’s breakdown the process here, it’s really very simple. Contestants are supposed to have a platform, an agenda to push, a message to spread. Janelle is on base with her platform of bringing attention to the fact that beauty can be other than what is typically presented at these pageants…the same old, same old that we’ve been seeing for as long as these pageants have been held. She is highlighting the fact that lesbians, even ones that “look” the part, have something to offer to better society as a whole. Her position and mere attendance will bring attention to the visibility of the LGBT community and it might perhaps open the door for others like her that want to be included in what has traditionally been a straight girls only club. So, with all of these grand illusions, would you rather she back down after she looks in the mirror because she doesn’t look straight nor fit into their mold? The tolerance lesson is hers, because in just trying to gain ACCEPTANCE for all of us, she will have to tolerate the back-biting and viciousness that goes on backstage. That said, I am certain that in the past, there have been more than a few lipsticks to walk the stage. They didn’t come forth with the fact they were lesbian, but remained closeted, and were probably encouraged to do so by pageant officials if their orientation was discovered. There were no lessons for anyone in those instances. We have to push the envelope to gain ground, and this is a wonderful way to do that.
Can someone update me on this pageant? My eyes are not up to doing a lot of consistent reading.
Who is Jenelle?Is she the one that is going to be in the pageant or has been in the pageant? Are there any pictures?
Where can I read more about it?Thanks
Never mind I found it. The picture wasn’t there the first time.
Laura
Hey guys!! So there have been women in the past that are gay participate in the pageants, you and the rest of the world have been fooled by them because they blend in… (gown and heels) you would never know, the secret weapon idea has already been done. I identify with wearing a tux comfortably, that is the reason to my wardrobe. So looking obviously gay is it not a good idea to seize the moment and while I have attention use the opportunity to help? To educate, to make the youth of today realize that they can be unique and to BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES? Something I know a lot of us were not privileged with growing up? My question to you is if the stigma that comes along with the “usual” pageant type is that they are shallow to be a part of a pageant, then why is the audience or viewers just as critical or shallow? Hence, my look with tattoos, black spiky hair, boy clothes (not looking like the pageant type) etc… why the issue? Truth is I am a girl, I will not pretend to have a “man” complex and be something I am not.. Just curious. =D
Jul’s post immediately reminds me of Ivan Coyote’s post about no longer being wanted or needed in the community because they’re too different. Excuse me? Remember who had to represent, and show some appreciation and respect.
http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/Out_of_the_ordinary-10540.aspx
There’s a HUGE *difference* and disconnect between wanting to highlight how we are the SAME, and wanting people who don’t look too different because they’re non-threatening. And then the big reveal (beginning, middle, end, it’s still a ‘surprise’): “gasp, she’s a lesbian!”
As far as not perpetuation stereotypes…. frankly, you are; you’re perpetuating a stereotype against your own (which could be called internalized homophobia), and taking someone who is a PERSON and representing herself truthfully, and dehumanizing her as another step back in the mental road map of progress you’ve decided for… the community.
@Alex, I don’t think it’ was very fair of you to put that on Sasha in the way that you insinuated she was harmful to young adults that may look unto her, if they don’t reflect the same look that she projects. Because in reality, it’s the opposite. Here you have a beautiful femme woman that LOVES bois/butches. So why wouldn’t it be that they would see that she loves someone outside of the norm …… That a beautiful woman like that can and does love women that look like us. In turn creating the thought process that they can be loved too.
@ Just Curious, we’re in your cheering section!!!! And we’re proud of you!
Wow, Elegy! Great point. I have to admit, reading Jul’s comment was hard. It was hard to read because it was so harsh. But it was so harsh because there probably are a good portion out there that feel that way. I however, don’t. I don’t think there is anything at all about this that is embarrassing, I find it encouraging and it makes me extremely proud of her in every way for doing this. I think the reasons she is doing this is altruistic and beneficial to younger lesbians coming up that might see her and think, “Wow, that could be me!”
All in all, I think this is a step forward and after all ….. That’s more then most are doing.
I think Sasha is a wonderful role model to young and all ages because she reflects both inner beauty as well as outer. And her lubby,Remi, worded this beautifully. She is blessed with external looks however she is also of strong and beautiful character of integrity, kindness, honesty. True beauty also comes from within. And Sasha has a wonderful Lubby and THAT is such a treasure.
There will always be prejudice unfortunately. Therefore, there will always be the feeling of needing to prove our rights. When using the term “same” I refer to an understanding of the human connection above all. I remember when my brother came out to he said he gay but that wasn’t only a part of who he is. I hold that truth. Again human connection above all when he comes down to it though we are all very different we are also all very similar.
typo- he said he was gay but that was only a part of who he was- hence yea J is gay and in this pageant but hopefully this will show others yes she is gay but that’s only a part (very important part) of who she is- human connection above all
@Jul: But, that’s just we are trying to do…make a point! WE come in all different forms and looks. And I think she is doing something ground-breakin and new! Even if she doesn’t win it’s fine with me; but, at least she put herself out there to stand up for all of the community. She may not win…but she’s taking a stand and that is the point. See?
This debate is interesting to me, because the truth of the matter is that every lesbian who dares aSsert her orientation is a bold woman helping to change the landscape of how we are viewed and we each bring a different experience and lesson to the masses. Our boi/butch sisters are out by their mere presence. The walk iNto a room and declare their orientation. They are visibility personified. But that visibility also comes with danger, non acceptance and other issues they face daily beyond just the usual female crap we all have to go throguh.
Femmes are the ivisible weapon in a way. Im not femme because of what society dictates. I am femme because that is how i am most comfortable presenting myself regardless of what others want from me. One thing i love about pride is seeing all of the femmes, the women who, like me, id pass on the street and assume are straight. To see myself in others bodies and faces is empowering in its own way.
Have no doubt the butches paved the way for us to be out, but it is the femmes coming out that are the second wave of lesbian identity empowerment. Portia and Amber radically fuck with people’s heads by letting them know the girly girl’s sexuality isnt owned by or for a man, but for herself and her woman. And that’s its own strength.
As for Jenelle’s story, i think she’s a great pageant candidate. She has a platform, a goal and in her own way she is conforming to the rules. Bathing suit? Check. Evening wear? Check. Who the fuck said it *has* to be a bikini and a sparkly thing? No one.
Shes doing a huge service not only for lesbians but for all women. Shes using the system to beat the system. And i for one applaud her. Oh and since pageantry is partly about objectifying women for their hotness, allow me to use the system to fuck the system again and say – yummy! What, men are the only ones who can objectify women? Fuck that!!!
Ps. We’ve been having lez pageants for years. Its noit like our community is really against pageants anyway.
Blackberry typing, can you tell? Lol!
Well said WWG
Hey Jenelle – I would love to be backstage with yah! Obvious reasons of course…
WWG- Very well written comment. (side note- where’s your 13/14/15 and 30 post?? I’m waiting hehe)
It’s funny, but I don’t remember anyone ever questioning someone’s motivation for entering a beauty pageant. So a lesbian entering a beauty pageant has to have nothing but pure motives? Maybe we should just make sure she’s a virgin, too.
It’s true that success in beauty pageants depends on the ability of the contestants to emulate the established beauty ideal. And Janelle looks nothing like that ideal. So her mere presence in the contest comes across as either a statement of defiance and/or the presenting of another ideal to challenge the existing ideal, to which I say, down with the old ideal!
I think there’s a lot of worry over nothing. If people think all lesbians look like this, it will eventually pass as more and more lesbians come out in more and more public venues. But just the fact that an out lesbian is entering a beauty pageant…this couldn’t have happened 20 or 30 years ago. I say may many more lesbians be SEEN…in all their various presentations.
@Sasha and Jaz – thanks!! And Jaz – ha!
@Femmelover – HAHAHAHAHAH!
@kenda – very true!
If you google this above article and strong through the comments section there it’s shocking how many nasty/rude/mean comments she received. Very similar to Jul’s CCL comment “She will loose.” Why hold back someone before they have even left the starting gate? Perpetuation of discrimination. We have to be the change we want to see. You and me. We can not leave it up to mainstream society. Stand ground to move us forward or don’t bitch when we are continued to be held down. Think how the world would be if others with a vision of leaving a mark towards equality had just walked away and not tried. Even if you don’t think she’s “hot” enough to win or “mainstream” enough to win it does not matter because the courage to do what she is doing makes her a winner already. The “stream” will never flow in a new direction, edging new paths with it’s steady current, if we always follow the “main” way. Jaz
Femmelove- LOL going backstage
Yes, backstage is good…
No judging here, but to me some of the women who enter pageants come off as fake or phony, probably because they want the crown/money/title and not because they are in it to raise awareness for their platforms. Jenelle is clearly real – and I’m sure her spirit will shine through to many – plus she will be raising awareness by the mere fact that she is IN the contest. A lot of life is about showing up, not that you’ll win everything, but you can’t get something if you don’t even try. It’s sad to me that we’re discussing the merits of “this typical beauty” versus “a little bit more boi.” Who cares? I applaud Jenelle for the courage to stand up for everyone in the community…the little lez who dreams of being a beauty queen AND the mini-stone butch kicking it. I am femme usually ’cause it’s me – I like wearing girly clothes and blow-drying my long hair. However, I also enjoy the “boots and a ball cap” look. And, isn’t this really what diversity is all about? We don’t want to be labeled, so we should think twice before labeling another. I’m not trying to get preachy, but I cannot tell you how many people have told me I don’t look gay…even lesbians have doubted me…my ex didn’t think I could be gay when she first met me (I showed her
). This seems like the the same “double-standard” that Sasha is suffering from…like, why can’t a beautiful woman be beautiful on the outside and that’s just her? Alex sounds a little jealous – maybe not just about Sasha’s looks – but about her ease in the world – straight and lesbian. IMO, it’s just plain mean to make the comments she did.
This “looks gay” this drives me crazy. I get it. I totally get it. However neither my brother or myself “look gay” but hello.
Many people look gay but are straight and look straight but are gay. I am totally positive more “mainstream” looking beauty pageant contestant who have been lesbians under the radar/ closeted. I sincerely wish society was not so damn hung up on oriention- like I honestly tell my fam all the time I think everyone is either gay or bi but straight is an illusion. 