For more than half a century, the Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System has stood as one of the most radiant symbols of artistry, identity, and courage within the LGBTQ community. On Nov. 10, that brilliance will once again fill the Crystal Ballroom at The Venue Fort Lauderdale (2345 Wilton Drive) as the pageant celebrates its 53rd anniversary — a milestone that represents not just the endurance of an event, but the survival of an entire culture under siege.
The 2025 Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System will present four dazzling competitions in one extraordinary night — Miss Florida F.I., Miss Florida F.I. at Large, Miss Florida F.I. Supreme, and Mr. Florida M.E. — each one honoring the beauty, talent, and tenacity of entertainers who have defined the very meaning of excellence in female impersonation.
But beyond the rhinestones and spotlight lies something even more urgent: a call to action. This is not just a pageant. It is a statement. It is a stand. It is a reminder that drag — long the lifeblood of queer performance — is not merely entertainment; it is empowerment.
A Legacy Born from Vision and Courage
Fifty-three years ago, when LGBTQ+ visibility was still shadowed by discrimination and fear, Miss Florida F.I. emerged as a bold, defiant celebration of self-expression. Founded by visionaries who believed in the transformative power of drag, it gave countless performers a stage, a family, and a purpose.
The initials “F.I.” stand for Female Impersonator, a term that once carried stigma but now echoes with pride and reverence. The Miss Florida F.I. crown came to symbolize not just glamour, but grace under fire — the courage to be seen, to be beautiful, and to be unapologetically oneself in a world that often refused to look kindly upon difference.
For generations, this pageant has uplifted extraordinary performers whose artistry shaped American entertainment. Many of its former winners have gone on to star on television, film, and international cabaret stages — from Las Vegas to Provincetown — taking with them the legacy of Miss Florida F.I. wherever they shine.
A Community’s Crown Jewel
What makes Miss Florida F.I. so special is not only its history, but its heart. The pageant has always been a community-driven labor of love, blending the rich traditions of the past with the vibrancy and innovation of the present. Every year, alumni return — not out of obligation, but out of reverence — to celebrate a lineage that helped shape their lives and careers.
This year’s event carries added emotion, as two beloved legends of the stage mark incredible milestones: Heather Fontaine celebrates 30 years since earning her Miss Florida F.I. title, and Amy DeMilo celebrates 25 years since she was crowned.
To learn more about this incredible event and to purchase tickets and/or become a valued sponsor, visit missfloridafipageant.com.
Bobby Blair is an LGBTQ media pioneer and leader known for his philanthropic work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. A Florida native, he lives in Fort Lauderdale with his longtime partner, Brian Neal. Blair was inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
