Going For Gold
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
After winning the Mr. Gay Southern America title and competing for the 2023 Mr. Gay America title last year, JaredLance is back on the pageant trail to pursue the 2024 Mr. Gay America in October – and this time, he is taking all the valuable lessons learned from last year’s run to show up and show out with more experience, a better outlook, and a more streamlined package. We spoke to JaredLance about his preparations for going for the gold and becoming the next Mr. Gay America.
Last we spoke, you had won the Mr. Gay Southern America title and were competing for Mr. Gay America, which you didn’t snag at the time. Now you are competing for Mr. Gay America again – what made you decide on a second run?
I knew once I didn’t qualify for the Top 5, I wanted to come back and compete. I know in my heart of hearts that I WILL be Mr. Gay America one day; it’s just the question of “when?” I know that I am in the newer generation of Male Entertainers that the Mr. Gay America system is looking for, and I intend to help push the system in a beneficial way to keep up the longevity that it is known for. We are on our 41st anniversary, and I want to make sure that my reign (when it happens) keeps the momentum and interest up!
Tell us about the components of competing in Mr. Gay America.
Mr. Gay America has five scoring categories: Personal Interview, Talent, Beachwear, Evening wear, and on-stage Q&A. Each category has a breakdown of what the judges will be looking for, and each category has subcategories. Personal interview happens only in front of the judges, whereas every other category will have the judges as well as an audience! That’s just during the pageant itself, not even mentioning any of the prep work that goes into the pageant.
How are you preparing to compete this time?
Last year, I had zero experience with what competing at a national level is like. I surrounded myself with anyone and everyone that I knew had experience. I got some of the best insight from legends in this industry, and I’ve taken that with me every day since. However, this year, I decided to edit much of what I wanted to do compared to last year. I have a much smaller and more intimate team of professionals I am working closely with that has my best interest at hand and wants me to succeed. Not people who will be “yes men” but people who will challenge me and help push me in a way that will make me the best titleholder I can be.
And what valuable lessons did you learn last time that you can implement this time?
Losing the pageant last year was not necessarily a loss. The people I have met, worked with, and built relationships with have shown me what I need to do going forward in this industry as an entertainer and a business person. I have been lucky enough to travel to different parts of this country and perform and build the JaredLance brand.
What else are you doing differently for this competition?
Like I said, I’ve edited a lot this year. Last year, I was definitely 100% myself, but I added everything plus the kitchen sink on stage. This year, I have curated every decision from music, visuals, and fine-line details with much thought and heart—simplicity yet show-stopping.
How can we all support you so you can take home a win this time?
Outside of financial sponsorships, following me on social media plays a big part while I’m doing this all! I have said it before: I may be the one on stage, but there is a village behind me that helped put me there.
I asked you this last time, too, but what would a win mean to you?
Last year, I referenced my mother being proud of me, and I am competing to make her proud. That is still true this year. However, I have thrown myself into what the American system is all about, and I know that my next mark in life is to be Mr. Gay America. The win wouldn’t just be for me but for Atlanta as a whole. I am so proud to live in this city, and I look around and see the legends this city has produced. The win is great, but the legacy I want to have is bigger than me competing and winning on a stage.
Where can people see and support you before you go to the competition?
Social media, like most millennials! If people want to support me with a financial sponsorship, that obviously goes towards all expenses that come with pageantry. I fully acknowledge that pageantry is an elective and that I am choosing to do this on my own accord. I am thankful for every single dollar that has been thrown my way to help support my dream of competing to be the next Mr. Gay America. If anyone feels inclined, my Venmo is @JLHuston and Cashapp is $JLHuston.
Anything you’d like to add?
A huge village behind me supports me in 1,000 different ways to make this possible. The person that I would like to acknowledge is my husband, Dorian. It takes A LOT out of a person to compete in a pageant, it takes even more out of a partner of someone who is competing in a pageant. To selflessly support, listen, and take in all the stress that comes along with preparation takes a special person, and Dorian has been by my side at every event, show, and benefit. It’s more than just my husband wearing a Team JaredLance shirt and carrying bags for me as we walk into a club for a gig; it’s the look in his eyes when he sees me on stage in my element. It’s the subtle head nod and smile of approval while blowing me a kiss that reassures me that I am the luckiest man in the world. When it’s my year, I will be a successful Mr. Gay America because of the support that my husband Dorian has shown me.