The Smoking Wig - Drag Queen Scandals

A LONG TIME AGO…

IN A DRAG PAGEANT FAR,  FAR,  AWAY… 

A GREAT EMBITTERMENT TOOK PLACE!

DRAG

WARS

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

It was a time of great female impersonator entertainment in Indiana.  In 1994, The Miss Gay Indiana Pageant crowned Vicki St. James Miss Gay Indiana 1995 .  Fontasia L’Amour was 1^st Alternate and Jazmyn Taylor was 2^nd Alternate. 

To this day, Jazmyn Taylor states: “I should have won that pageant, not Vicki.”  Remember the placements, Jazmyn wasn’t 1^st Alternate, she  was 2^nd Alternate, yet she believes she was wronged.  Because of her ongoing bad-mouthing the pageant, Great Lakes Productions, promoters for the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant BANNED Jazmyn Taylor from the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant.  This is where our story begins.

Nine years of peaceful pageantry ensued.  The Indiana Drag Community was a safe and fun place for performers and patrons. 

During these nine years a deep, dark embittered Jazmyn waited.  And waited, and waited.  Nine years later, she would begin her work.

In July, 2003, Jazmyn Taylor resurfaces as Alana Steele’s dresser at the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant.  Alana Steele wins Miss Gay Indiana 2003.

In July, 2004, Jazmyn Taylor dresses India Black , winner of Miss Gay Indiana 2004.

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

2005 was a year Jazmyn Taylor returned to the stage.  She was crowned Miss Gay Muncie in June of 2005, marking her entry into the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant.  Jazmyn did not WIN the pageant, as there were no other contestants, she walked the pageant and was cronwed.  Note:  The last queen to win Miss Gay Muncie was Miss Rose Petal in June, 2003, who competed with 5 other contestants.

In July, 2005, Jazmyn Taylor, Miss Gay Muncie 2006, was participating in the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant.  Miss Anastacia DeMoore was crowned Miss Gay Indiana 2006 amidst much controversy as to Miss DeMoore's Evening Gown competition on final night, and whether she had not worn shoes.

It's also important to note that Great Lakes Productions, the promoters of The Miss Gay Indiana Pageant, had just changed hands, making this the first Miss Gay Indiana Pageant under it's new leadership of James Randall & Yellow Rose Productions.  James Randall was a long-time supporter and preliminary promoter in the Great Lakes Productions family.  Long time founders, and beloved by all, Cleo Brasher & Jamie Douglas were stepping down after over 20 years as promoters of Miss Gay Indiana.

Jazmyn Taylor, having been a regular mud-slinger on my front porch, as well as many public venues, had been riled up for weeks afterwards.  She was determined to proove that Anastacia not only didn't wear shoes during final night Evening Gown, but that she also Lied about it afterwards.

Jazmyn Taylor stated she was "Making it her business” to see to it that Anastacia was removed as Miss Gay Indiana, and that James Randall would also be removed as promoter of Miss Gay Indiana.

Through an intense series of letters to and from the Miss Gay America Pageant, Jazmyn was able to successfully have Anastacia de-throwned.  In the wake of this, James Randall was sent to retrieve the crown and scepter from Anastacia.  What Mr. Randall didn't know, was the entire conversation between he and Anastacia was being secretly video taped by Jamie Hunter, a former Miss Gay Indiana.

Jazmyn Taylor proceeded to bring this video tape to me, and ask that I publish it.  After thinking about it, I purchased the domain and we setup the website: TheSmokingWig.com - Drag's Greatest Scandals, and published the video. 

Jazmyn proceeded to beat the drum of corruption loudly at a highly censored drag message board and led all that would listen to the video at The Smoking Wig.  The video, which remains on the site today, clearly indicates that Anastacia admitted to her promoter, Mr. Randall, that she didn't wear shoes, and she wanted to step down.  In the video, Mr. Randall acknowledges he told her to keep quiet and say nothing, and affirms he told her that he would not be taking her crown.

After Jazmyn successfully petitioned Miss Gay America, James Randall & Yellow Rose Productions were banned for life from ever participating in the Miss Gay America Pageant, as well as Anastacia DeMoore.  Jazmyn successfully bullied her way to getting her way. Samantha Lynn was then named Miss Gay Indiana, but not immediately.  The crown was then offered to Erica King, who did accept, however this didn't suit Jazmyn either.  The issue came down to Samantha Lynn was the current Miss Gay Bloomington, which was not a preliminary to the Miss Gay America system.  So, Great Lakes Productions withdrew from the Miss Gay America system, and named Samantha Lynn as Miss Gay Indiana 2005.  In case you got lost, Miss Gay Indiana 2005 was, in this order:  #1 Anastacia DeMoore, #2 Erica King, #3 Samantha Lynn.  Samantha held onto the crown and served a wonderful reign with dignity given the difficult circumstances.

Why is all of this important?  With James Randall out of the way, there was no one to stand up to Jazmyn.  As the next Miss Gay Indiana Pageant rolled around, the first one under new leadership again, this time under David Keeley of Signature Productions, Alana Steele, and Jamie Hunter, Jazmyn Taylor all of a sudden had power, and was responsible for the entire back-stage management during the pageant. 

Jazmyn had successfully bulldozed her way into a leadership role and persuaded them to allow her to be involved, claiming she was the savior of  Miss Gay Indiana’s integrity.  In September 2006, in addition to backstage duties, Jazmyn served as Asia LaBouche’s dresser.  Asia LaBouche was crowned Miss Gay Indiana 2006.

One month later, in October 2006, Storm Productions, a shady promoter of the Miss Gay Bloomington Pageant, crowns Jazmyn Taylor as Miss Gay Bloomington.

Episode III: Revenge of The Sith

April 13th, 2007: The Miss Gay IU Pageant.

A long tradition on the IU Campus, with a huge audience, Jazmyn Taylor is on hand as Miss Gay Bloomington for the pageant.  Jazmyn's behavior was so disruptive, campus police had to be called to keep an eye on her. Jazmyn was approached by Campus Police about her smoking on campus.  After numberous run-ins with Campus Police, Jazmyn flipped her cigarette into one of the officer's face, where she was arrested.  Jazmyn was later let go, however an incident report exists on campus of the event.  IU's OUT leadership, both the current President and former President witnessed these events and were both appalled at Jazmyn's behavior during an official function, where Jazmyn was wearing her crown as Miss Gay Bloomington.  Storm Productions was also on hand to witness Jazmyn's behavior.  Jazmyn was later seen snorting a white powdery substance at the Miss Gay IU After-Party.  Jazmyn referred to it as "nose candy".   These events were witnessed by several people at the party, and several had to turn Jazmyn’s sexual advances down repeatedly.

April 21st, 2007: The Mark III Tap Room, Muncie Indiana. 

Jazmyn Taylor was performing with a guest cast for a fundraising event.  During her number, as Miss Gay Bloomington, and in her Miss Gay Bloomington Crown & Sash, Jazmyn, under her own admission, punched a patron in the face from the stage.  Jazmyn states she believed the patron was telling people to not tip her, when in fact the beloved patron was telling his table that because it was a fundraiser, they didn't have to tip her specifically, that it all went to the same cause.  An outraged audience threw their drinks at Jazmyn, and she was forced to leave the stage, NEVER TO RETURN.  David Keeley, president of Great Lakes Productions, and promoter of Miss Gay Muncie, witnessed the attack by Jazmyn.  When asked to comment, all Mr Keeley would say is: "Jazmyn Taylor completed her reign as Miss Gay Muncie in June of 2006, which makes her a former when the event occurred.  Jazmyn will not be invited back to the any future Miss Gay Muncie Pageants."  The patron, who did not press charges, was well taken care of by the bar owners, and Jazmyn is banned for life from The Mark III Tap Room in Muncie.

Alana Steele, a former Miss Gay Indiana, beloved by the community, had this to say: “She (Jazmyn) took matters into her own hands and now has to pay the price.” Alana goes on to say: “I know that the extra curricular crap going on in the drag community with all the lies and deception here in Indiana has been taking a toll on a lot of us…Jazmyn has chosen to take matters into her own hands and there is going to be backlash from that.”

April 29, 2007: Miss Gay Bloomington Newcomer Pageant, Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomington, Indiana. 

Jazmyn Taylor, blatantly intoxicated, and highly “nose candied” up, again in in her Miss Gay Bloomington sash and crown, continuously and openly displays aggression towards one audience member.  Jamzyn went around the entire night telling everyone how she was going to "beat her within an inch of her life", before violently confronting this person, and physically threatening them.  This in itself is a crime.  It’s called, Intimidation, and it’s a Class A Misdemeanor.  This event was witnessed by several queens, one of which escorted the victim to their car.  Miss Holly Luyah was crowned Miss Gay Bloomington Newcomer and witnessed Jazmyn's violent and intimidating actions toward this person.  Holly was quoted saying:  "Jazmyn, you're ruining my moment."  Civil charges have been filed against Jazmyn by the victim.  The case is currently in the Monroe County Prosecutor's Office awaiting trial.  Jazmyn believes not answering her phone will keep her from facing this, when in fact, she’s scheduled to be at the next Miss Gay Bloomington Pageant this November, in Bloomington.  Who do you think will be waiting for her?

May 12th, 2007, Talbott Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Jazmyn Taylor, an employee of Talbott Street until this event,  intoxicated, “nose candied” up, and violent, confronting management on her night off, was arrested and taken to jail for threatening management as well as drunk and disorderly conduct.  Jazmyn was given the opportunity to leave quietly, yet chose to escalate the issue with the police, and they handcuffed and arrested her.  Talbott Street has indicated that Jazmyn Taylor is banned for life from ever entering Tablott Street again.  It's also important to note that this is the second time Jazmyn has been banned from Talbott Street for similar behavior.  Talbott officials indicated there will not be a third incident, as she is no longer welcome at the venue, EVER. 

Episode IV: A New Hope

With news of Jazmyn’s actions becoming more and more public, the community begins to respond.

One member of a popular drag message board had this to say: “Being from Bloomington it’s disheartening to see our representative acting in this fashion. I know Jazmyn has caused quite a stir within the Bloomington and IU communities in recent months.”  A Talbott Street employ says: “I was at Talbott that night and I wish it would have turned out better for Jaz and the club... no one liked or enjoyed the end result. Jaz is responsible for her own actions and she will be the first to tell you that. As far as her crowns, that is up to the promoters and if you don't like their decisions, don't support their pageants.”

Another individual, close to the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant, posts: “The situation here is not sad or terrible. It is the integrity and Karma of one certain individual who has come full circle. She started a full, mess and drunk.... and has ended here a full, mess, and drunk. She has tarnished many a crowns, people, pageants and above all HERSELF. These bars that have banned her from working there are very smart. There are also more than the 2 that has been mentioned. They have freed themselves of the cancer that has been eating at there very insides. Jason will not remove her crown, nor will the formers.... like Alana said, if he did that she would turn off her phone and move. Why? Because several people are afraid of Jazmyn, her temper, and the evil things she stands for and does to people, as mentioned in this article. Some queens have lost their crowns for a lot less drama, and with all of this under Jazmyn's belt, as you can all see there MUST be another reason behind them allowing her to keep it. THIS IS exactly why she will never be a Miss Gay Indiana. This is exactly why they will not allow her to compete this year. She is nobody's ‘Symbol of Excellence’. She is a mentally ill individual who needs to seek Alcohol and Drug rehab and try to take care of herself and her body, because if she doesn't, her life will be very short lived.....”

Episode V The Empire Strikes Back

When asking Storm Productions , the Miss Gay Bloomington Promoter, what action would be taken, Ralph Jason Ervin, President, responded with: “I could certainly find numerous things more valuable to do with my time than to deal with nonsense.”  Jason goes on: “Jazmyn is a grown adult and is quiet capable of comprehending what she does wrong. She is also more than aware of my dissatisfaction on some of her actions during her reign. Regardless, I will not rush to make a decision about a situation that happened only a week ago with when no convictions have been made.”

So how many more patrons need to be assaulted or threatened before someone sues Storm Productions for endangering the public?

Adessah Reed , 2^nd Runner up to Jazmyn at the Miss Gay Bloomington Pageant, posts this: “I have sent numerous emails to you (Ralph Jason Ervin/Storm Productions) requesting my $100 prize money for placing second runner up in Miss Gay Bloomington- 8 months ago.”

Ginger L’Vie, newly appointed Miss Gay Bloomington Pageant Liaison to Storm Productions says:  “As someone involved in the Miss Gay Bloomington family, all I have to say is that this is a matter that is being handled internally. While I would have probably handled the situation differently, I understand the sequence of events that occurred in both Muncie and at Talbott. I've spoken to JT about the situation, and I am comfortable with the knowledge that she and she alone, accepts responsibility for her actions and her behavior. I have no other comment on this issue at hand.”

What about the folks in Muncie who witnessed the attack?  Were they apologized to?  No!  How can a public event be “handled internally”, without public statements?

Storm Productions & Ginger L’Vie initially wanted to meet with us, and we were happy to arrange a date, but then they went silent and stopped returning messages.  We asked them publicly and privately to meet with us and a video camera.  What is it that these folks are so afraid of?

In 30 short days, Jazmyn Taylor has demonstrated an escalating pattern of violence and violent tendencies.  Jazmyn has become a public threat to the community, and especially to patrons inside nightclubs.  This is not the first time Jazmyn Taylor has had problems, remember, Cleo Brasher & Jamie Douglas, former owners of Great Lakes Productions and the Miss Gay Indiana Pageant had her banished for 9 years.  Jazmyn has been deemed a "trouble-maker" at best, by many leaders of the community, and they do not want her around them or their constituents, nor will any club in Indy have her.

Jazmyn physically assaulted a patron from the stage in Muncie.  She physically threatened another patron in Bloomington, and was arrested outside her place of employment in Indianapolis.  That's three different incidents in three different counties, all within 30 days. 

Episode VI: Return of The Jedi

The Smoking Wig has published only truthful and corroborated facts from first-hand witnesses to the events.  Jazmyn Taylor is clearly on a downward spiral, and is acting out violently.  While Storm Productions chooses to look the other way, as do other promoters, and excuse the behavior, we at The Smoking Wig feel it our civil duty to notify the public of the impending danger Jazmyn posses to the community.  Jazmyn Taylor's real name:  Billyjoe Richards of 300 N. Arlington Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

The Smoking Wig is greatful to the MANY folks who have come forward  to share their stories.  This information will remain published at The Smoking Wig for all eternity, for all to see, should Jazmyn attempt to strike again.  Remember, Jazmyn Taylor has assaulted one patron, threatened another, and was arrested outside her place of employment by the management, all three incidents within 30 days.  She is a public menace, and should be behind bars for her own safety as well as the safety of the community.

The Smoking Wig is working hard to obtain Jazmyn's court date in Indianapolis, so we may attend and present the prosecutor with additional evidence of the danger Jazmyn posses.

If you have any further details which you believe could be helpful, please do not hesitate to contact us at TheSmokingWig.com, or call our Wig Line: 317-489-9360.

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