Monica Monae Davenport: The Newly Crowned Miss Gay Texas USofA Newcomer 2025
Photo credit: @monicadmonae
Wearing the Crown with Elegance
That’s right y’all, Monica Monae Davenport has officially been crowned Miss Gay Texas USofA Newcomer 2025! She will be moving on to Nationals soon. Stay tuned.
Monica has been a powerhouse within the drag community. The backbreaking work, time, and commitment she puts into her craft is fierce, and her dedication has won her several titles, including:
- Miss Merry Christmas 2019
- Miss Gay Austin USofA Newcomer 2022; reigned until October 2024
- Miss Austin Pride 2023
- Miss Texas, 1st Runner Up 2023, placing 7th at Nationals
- Miss Gay River City Newcomer 2023
- Miss Texas, 1st Runner Up 2024; placing Top 5 at Nationals
- Miss Gay San Antonio Newcomer 2025
Photo credit: Anna Fugate-Downs
Before and Beyond the Spotlight
Monica was born in the city of Chicago and raised in the suburbs throughout the region. In 2016, after graduating high school in Northwest Indiana, she was looking for a change of scenery and made her journey to Austin. Looking back, she says, “It’s still a shocker that it’s going on 9 years this summer.”
With a background in theater, dancing, choir and orchestra, she had her eyes set on performing in drag, so once she arrived, she began to perfect her “look” before hitting the stage. This stunning Queen has now been on the drag scene for a little more than 7 years.
Her first performance in January 2018 was at an open talent night at Rain on 4th, called “Showstoppers,” hosted by Sabel Scities. She continued this show weekly, as she built her confidence and explored this new world.
Davenport’s growth in the business came from perseverance, inquiring about shows where she could spotlight and perform just for tips, because she was looking for exposure. “Back then, getting a $25 booking was like winning the lottery.”
As her popularity grew, hosts took notice of this shining light. Venues like Highland Lounge (Tucked) and Oilcan Harry’s (Crave), as well as a plethora of drag brunch locations, began seeking her out to draw in crowds. Davenport developed a love of competition in a show hosted by Highland Lounge called “Drag Class of 2019.” Here, she placed 3rd in her group as she moved on to do two seasons of Drag Superstar. “But I wasn’t done there,” says Davenport.
The exposure escalated in December 2019 when she won her first title as Miss Merry Christmas and the opportunities started rolling in.
Photo credit: Anna Fugate-Downs
Rooted in Love
Monica grew up in a very religious household, and at a young age, she would often try to hide who she was. She felt apprehensive to be her true self; however, after coming out, she lovingly reminisces, “My family, both blood and chosen, have been my biggest supporters. My family isn’t the kind to bash or shun me for being me. I had lots of support and respect from members of my family.”
In addition, her extensive, chosen family spans many avenues throughout her life. She speaks about the more seasoned Queens that aided in steering her in the right direction, with some even taking her under their wing. Davenport says, “They have always been some of my biggest supporters. They can be hard on me at times, but they have always done it with love. I am forever grateful for all the people in my corner rooting for me and how the community can come together in solidarity for injustice.”
I’m forever grateful for all of the people in my corner rooting for me and how the community can come together in solidarity for injustice.
Davenport is deeply grateful for the support of the LGBTQ+ community, as they have also been huge supporters in all her endeavors. She credits the community as a reason she continues to entertain us all. “Honestly, seeing all of the smiles that I bring to people during my performances brings me so much joy. Drag is an art form and I’ve always been a performer. I love bringing the emotion out of a song, because there are people that really have things they are going through, and sometimes, those performances help them get through whatever it is they are dealing with.”
Photo credit: Anna Fugate-Downs
Embracing Her Black Culture and Identity
“Growing up in the midst of Black culture in Chicago, seeing my mom love who she is and all of the women around me loving who they are make me proud to be a Black woman.” Monica embraces and appreciates everything from the music, to the hair, the clothing and jewelry. “There’s just so much that makes me love being a Black woman”. Although she says it may sound cliche, Beyonce has been a big role model based on the hard work and dedication she gives to her craft. She also looks up to greats like Quincy Jones, and how immersed he has been in the history and greatness of Black artists. At the end of the day, she loves anything pro-Black culture. Anytime she sees an artist doing a song or number that represents the beauty and joys of Black culture, she just must do it!
Ultimately, Monica discusses seeing all the struggles Black women faced, still managing to survive and push through and she is determined to do the same.
Always stay true to yourself and never let anyone dim your light, because without that light, we have lots of darkness.
Follow Monica Monae Davenport
Don’t miss Monica perform at our monthly Birdies & Brunch Drag Brunch at Spare Birdie in Cedar Park, every 3rd Sunday of the month.
Monica is also an esteemed hairstylist in Downtown Austin, with countless years of experience and a specialist in just about everything hair. Find her on Instagram at the links below.
