The final of the Ms. Gay Ireland competition was held in Limerick recently, and I was able to ask the winner, Emma Parkes (right, a bartender in The George) a few questions about her new role. Judging by her answers, we will be seeing great things from her this year!

What made you want to enter the Ms. Gay Ireland competition?

I entered Ms. Gay Ireland for a few different reasons, but I mainly entered for fun, I also felt I could represent gay Irish woman in a modern and non-stereotypical way. I wanted to change peoples’ normal stereotypical views, and show them any woman, regardless of looks, background or upbringings could be gay.

What was your favourite part of the competition?

Being back stage was such fun, the other contestants were the nicest, funniest bunch of girls I’ve ever met and it really helped my nerves before going onstage with each of us encouraging each other on.

Is there any charity you are representing and if so, what made you choose it?

I picked BeLonG To, based in the Outhouse in Dublin. I thought it was perfect because it fundamentally is the stepping-stone for young gay people to begin to discover their sexual identity in a safe and comfortable setting.

As the newly crowned Ms. Gay Ireland, what do your duties entail?

So far I’ve been doing interviews and raising awareness about BeLonG To. At the moment in work, another bartender named Ronan is representing The George in Mr.Gay Ireland so I’m boosting his campaign… We’d love to have both the titles in the George. Haha greedy I know!

What are you hoping for during your year holding the crown?

I’m hoping for BeLonG To to get more funding , and more young people will know about it. I’m also looking forward to Ms. Gay Ireland being held in TheGeorge next year, it’s going to really raise awareness about the Ms. Gay Ireland competition.

How would you describe your overall experience of the Ms. Gay Ireland competition?

Fun. I made loads of friends and enjoyed every minute of it.

Would you do it all over again?

Yes, it was so much fun, and as nerve-racking being on stage was, I’d do it all over again.