2025 Contestant Application

REQUIREMENTS 

• Live in Berks or its surrounding counties
• Be 18+ years old at time of competition
• Be actively involved in the service of the LGBTQ+ community either through their employment or personal volunteer work
• Be available to compete for the title at the Pride Among the stars Gala on June 29, 2025 and promote their involvement.
• Complete an application, and submit a 1-5 minute video detailing their work with the LGBTQ+ community and why they would make a good Ambassador
• Review, agree, & sign the Ambassador Contract (available on the application page)

 THE COMPETITION 

Finalists selected to compete in the competition will compete in the following 3 categories. An independent panel of judges will score and name the winner. 

• Show Us Your Pride: Wear your pride colors as creatively and festively as you can.
• Talent: Show us your talent. Talent may include lip syncing, singing, dancing, spoken word poetry, etc. Can you entertain the crowd and judges? 
• Question and Answer: The judges will ask one question of each contestant. The subject will focus on LGBTQ+ history, issues, etc.

THE PRIZE 
The winning contestant will be named the 2025 Reading Pride Ambassador and receive a sash and prize money distributed throughout the term. All winnings are subject to the terms of the contract.

The competition is a gender-neutral celebration of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Dressing in drag is welcome but not required.

• All Contestants must agree to the contract to qualify as a finalist.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee a performer will compete.
• Reading Pride will review all applications and select the finalists.
• Selected finalists will be notified by email to prepare for the competition.
• All finalists will compete at the Pride Among the Stars Gala and will receive complementary admission to the Gala for themselves and one guest.
• Details will be sent to the finalists after selection via email.
• In addition to inviting supporters to the competition, all finalists will receive a QR code and link to share for voting. Since the Gala and Competition are a fundraiser for Reading Pride, the general public is invited to participate in the voting process. Each vote costs $1 and can add points to your overall (judges') score.
• Finalists can begin sharing their QR code upon the official announcement to the general public. Finalists will be provided a date to begin sharing their QR code in the congratulatory email.
• The Ambassador serves as a role model for members of all ages in the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Reading.
• Lewd behavior, nudity and profanity are strictly prohibited from the competition.