Roanoke.com – By Erinn Hutkin
The Miss Gay Roanoke competition might be lesser-known than other pageants in the valley, but it?s just as glittery.
Becoming India is a two-hour process. Shane Richardson leans into a light-up mirror, sweeping brown and white makeup across his cheeks.
It?s the evening gown competition. Spotlights slice the barroom haze, turning everyone?s attention to the front of the room.
Madonna?s ?Take a Bow? plays ? minus the words ? and the audience, huddled on folding chairs and barstools, clutching beer bottles and glowing cigarettes, watches each contestant take her turn.
Backstage, India Ferrah waits. Her updo is tall, auburn and highlighted. Her gown is strapless, form-fitting and black, sprinkled with silver rhinestones and cut low in the back, all the way to her padded behind.