Pride season in Pittsburgh just got a fierce new tradition and a brand new queen. The first-ever Miss Glitzburgh pageant lit up 5801 Video Lounge last night, bursting with rhinestones, feathers, and pure queer joy. And at the center of it all? The dazzling, self-made, and show-stopping Calipso, who twirled into history as the inaugural titleholder.
From the moment she stepped on stage, Calipso made it clear: this was her night. Her signature yellow showgirl ensemble, handcrafted with over 5,000 rhinestones, ostrich feathers, and ruffles for days, shimmered under the lights. And for her crowning moment? A sleek black crushed velvet gown, also made by her own hands, radiated elegance and pride.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a moment of queer artistry. “I want to thank 5801 and Dixie Surewood for having such a fun pageant last night,” Calipso said, thanking everyone after her win. “Everyone that was there and came to support not only me but the other contestants as well, and of course my friends and chosen family that are consistently giving me their support and reminding me how capable I am to achieve things in times where I don’t even believe it myself.”
The night was more than a competition, it was a celebration of community. Pageant host and local drag legend Dixie Surewood said, “Our main focus for the entire evening was just to kick off Pride and have a great time regardless of a win or loss. The energy in the room was amazing, community support was absolutely astounding and it was just amazing to participate in queer joy!”
It was a big week for Calipso’s drag family as her drag daughter, Savannah Ray, won Miss P Town Pride 2025 just days earlier.
In a time when drag is still under political attack across the country, events like Miss Glitzburgh are loud declarations that queer culture is not only alive, it’s thriving and that community care, chosen family, and unapologetic self-expression are worth celebrating.
With Calipso now wearing her crown, the full complement of the Pittsburgh bar titles has been crowned for 2025. A royal flush!
Congratulations Calipso! Long may she reign!
