The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs has added new items to it’s permanent collection of approximately 104,000 objects. Kathy Carpenter, found of Transliance and Sussex Prided Board Member, has donated her dress, tiara and certificate from when she was crowned Miss Sussex County Amateur in 2000.
Beginning in 1988, the Renegade Bar held an annual regional America pageant for drag queens called Miss Gay Delaware, and it was owned and promoted by Lee Ann Richards. Carpenter enjoyed the pageant but was not allowed to participate as a trans woman. In 2000, during the last Miss Gay Delaware pageant held at the Renegade Bar, she was honored with the sweetheart award, Miss Sussex County Amateur, for her contributions to the community.
Read more about this collection on the Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs website.