MX. OUTfest 2026 (Presenting outside of the Binary)

Dear Competitor,

We would like to thank you for your interest in representing Famously Hot South Carolina Pride as one of our esteemed pageant titleholders for 2026! We look forward to an exciting and competitive field of contestants and hope to find dedicated titleholders who will commit to representing Famously Hot SC Pride, expanding the mission of the organization, fundraising at our annual events, and serving as team players working together to make Famously Hot SC Pride events exceptional!

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OUR ROYAL COURT:

The winners of the Ms., Mr., and Mx. OUTfest divisions collectively make up the OUTfest Royal Court. The 2026 Royal Court will be tasked with organizing fundraising events during their reign to offset the booking fees for entertainers that appear on our annual pride stages!  Each winner will be responsible for hosting at least three (3) fundraisers for Famously Hot SC Pride during their year of service with at least two (2) taking place prior to the 2026 Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival on October 16-17, 2026.  It is your responsibility to produce quality fundraisers that enhance the image of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride and raise funds to ensure that exceptional performers from across the region are featured on stage during our annual festival. The title and position of Ms., Mr., and Mx. OUTfest is ultimately a fundraising title but also should be an opportunity to promote yourself and reach new populations with your talent!  

In addition to your fundraising efforts, you are expected to appear and act as a liaison on behalf of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride at various events throughout the year. You must be willing to showcase your talents at those events. The winners of Ms., Mr., and Mx. OUTfest are also required to perform at our annual gala, Revelry, which will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026.  The royal court will be featured in events during Pride week (October 11 - 18, 2026) with featured and required performances on the Main Stage and at Pride’s after party on October 17, 2026. Additionally, you will perform twice, (and possibly 3 times, if asked), at the 2027 OUTfest Pageant, date to be determined.  

This is an opportunity for us as an organization to have incredible representation of the art of drag throughout the year. As our titleholder, you may be called upon to participate in various fundraising efforts outside of the responsibilities listed above, as availability allows. The court will also be called upon to assist in grassroots fundraising efforts and marketing of events. The winners will work closely with our Development Director and Marketing Team to accomplish these tasks. 

Serving as Ms., Mr., or Mx. OUTfest is a chance for you to represent the organization over the next year while utilizing the title to broaden the reach of your brand.

We hope you will commit to being part of our magic and step up to make this the best year yet!

Sincerely, 

The Board of Directors of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1.  APPLICATION AND ENTRY FEE
   1. Each contestant will pay a non-refundable entry fee.
      1. Applications for Ms. received by midnight on Friday, May 1, 2026, will pay $75.
         1. Applications received after midnight May 1 – midnight on May 16, 2026, will pay $100.
      2. Applications for Mr. and Mx. received by Friday, May 1, 2026, will pay $50.
         1. Applications received after midnight May 1 – midnight on May 16, 2026, will pay $75.
   2. Applications and entry fees must be received by 11:59 pm on May 16, 2026. No late entries will be accepted after that date under any circumstances.
   3. Applications will only be accepted online.  You will also pay your entry fee along with the submission of your application.
   4. Each contestant must also submit two promotional headshots with their application to events@scpride.org to be used in advertising for the pageant/event. It is the Pageant Director’s discretion as to which they use.  Deadline for submission of promotional headshots is Saturday, May 16, 2026.
   5. Pageant Directors reserve the right to refuse any application (possible reasons include a history of unsportsmanlike conduct; alcohol or drug abuse; poor representation of prior title(s); other misconduct that might tarnish the image of the title or Famously Hot South Carolina Pride).
   6. A maximum of fifteen (15) contestants will be accepted. We will reserve at least two spots for each title until the deadline to ensure an opportunity for representation of all titles.
   7. Groups of entertainers will be judged by divisions of Ms. (femme presenting performer), Mr. (masc presenting performer), and Mx. (performers whose artistry does not neatly fit into either of the other categories). In order for a Group to compete, there must be a minimum of (2) entertainers for the grouping to take place.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND AGE RESTRICTIONS
   1. The Royal Court of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride is open to anyone who qualifies under these rules and who is at least 21 years of age.
   2. Contestants must be a resident of the state of South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia and have performed in South Carolina at least two (2) times in the past calendar year.
   3. Contestants must provide proof of age and residency to the Pageant Directors, if requested.
   4. Famously Hot South Carolina Pride has a zero-tolerance policy for gender/identification bias whatsoever from judges, directors, or contestants past or present.
3. CATEGORIES AND SCORING 
   (Contestants will be judged by a panel of judges in the following categories):
   1. Presentation: (50 points possible) Glam Rock looks! Please show your creativity in crafting a fashion statement that incorporates elements of glamour while connecting the theme. You will introduce yourself and explain your inspiration for your outfit. You will be judged on your ability to speak, modeling of your chosen wardrobe, creativity, and adherence to the theme. Music will be provided for this phase of competition.
   2. Question and Answer: (25 points possible) You will receive your question following your introduction in Presentation. You will be judged on your confidence and ability to articulate your answer. Music will be provided for this category.
   3. Talent: (100 points possible) Limited to five (5) minutes (not including two (2) minutes of set up and tear down). Your talent must be family friendly. You will be judged on entertainment value, technical ability, cohesion of wardrobe choice, and overall effect. The contestant must provide music for this phase of competition, cut to five (5) minutes maximum. For music exceeding 5 minutes, a deduction of 5 points per 15 seconds will be taken from your total score. (Instructions for where to send music will be sent after registration closes.)
      1. Any talent is acceptable, other than talents that includes nudity, fire, water, illegal activity, or any presentation which could cause injury to the contestant, another competitor, or audience. (Please email events@scpride.org with any questions about qualifying talents.)
   4. Talent Fundraising: (25 points maximum) During your talent, buckets will be placed for tips. For every $10 tipped you will receive 1 point. If you raise more than $250 (full 25 points) during your talent performance, you will receive the overage back!  Please note: you may raise funds prior to the pageant and have a trusted supporter deposit your funds during your talent.  Funds must be collected during your talent performance to be considered.
   5. Formal Wear: (50 points possible) Evening wear of your choice (suit, gown, pantsuit, etc.) Limited to two (2) minutes with commentary provided by contestants and read by host(s).  You will be judged on your presence, fashion choices, and presentation. Music will be provided for this category.
   6. Upon written request of the contestant, copies of the judges’ score sheets for the individual contestant, along with an abstract of the overall scoring, will be provided to the contestant electronically the following day. The original score sheets will always remain in the possession of the Pageant Directors.
   7. Determination of winners will be based on points received during all phases of competition with the highest point receiver being named the winner of each division. In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by highest points in the following order of categories: Talent, Presentation, Formal Wear, Question and Answer, and Talent Fundraising, until a winner is determined.  Should a tie remain after analysis of all categories, the judges will receive a ballot to select their preference of winner.
4. DRESSERS / PROP HANDLERS / DANCERS
   1. Each contestant is limited to one (1) dresser in the dressing room.
   2. Up to two (2) prop handlers may come backstage five (5) minutes before the presentation of talent.
   3. Dancers are limited to four (4) and may come backstage five (5) minutes prior to the talent performance. The only persons allowed in the dressing room will be the contestants, dressers, and pageant staff. Prop handlers and dancers are permitted backstage only at said times listed above. Once the job/performance is completed, prop handlers and dancers must return to the audience.
   4. Combination of parts a and b cannot exceed
5. CONTESTANT INTEGRITY AND CONDUCT
   1. Contestants must demonstrate respect throughout the pageant for other contestants, dressers, prop handlers, and dancers.
   2. Drug use of any kind, other than prescribed medication, is strictly prohibited.
   3. Theft of, and/or tampering with, another contestant’s wardrobe, props, or personal items by a contestant, dresser, prop handler, or dancer will result in the immediate disqualification and removal of the offending individual from the pageant and the premises.
   4. Contestants must abide by requests by pageant staff to include requests that maintain partner/sponsor relationships, safety, and sportsmanship.
6. PRIZE LIST: The following prizes will be awarded to the successful contestants:
   1. Crown
   2. Sash
   3. Flowers
   4. For Ms., up to $500 ($200 the night of the pageant and $100 provided after each of the three required fundraisers, provided via check upon donation of funds raised).
   5. For Mr. and Mx, up to $400 ($100 the night of the pageant and $100 provided after each of the three required fundraisers, provided via check upon donation of funds raised).
   6. Prism Pass for winner and a companion.
   7. Photoshoot with Studio Vur for promotional photos to be used in promotional material and by the winner.
   8. There is no compensation awarded to the participants and winners other than those prizes and awards stated above. All contestants waive their rights to any profits from videotaping, still photography, or any other recording or documentation of the OUTfest pageant.
   9. Successful contestants are free to use their OUTfest title for any personal bookings during their reign in advertising of events or nights of personally-booked shows as long as the event/booking does not cast a poor image of Famously Hot South Carolina Pride.
7. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND DETAILS OF PAGEANT
   1. Ms., Mr., and Mx. OUTfest will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
   2. The pageant is held outside as part of SC Pride’s OUTfest: A Famously Hot Block Party. Phases of competition will be spread throughout the day to allow contestants the opportunity to get ready for each phase of competition. A more detailed schedule will be made available no later than May 31, 2026.
   3. Contestants who fail to report when called or who delay the production schedule may receive a 10-point deduction per occurrence from their overall score.
   4. A dressing room will be provided that is air conditioned and transportation to and from the staging area will be provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.
   5. The stage will be at least 12 ft by 16 ft with the DJ set up on stage.
   6. The lineup of contestants will be determined at random by pageant organizers and provided to the contestants prior to the competition
8. REQUIREMENTS OF OUTFEST COURT (Winners)
   1. Professional and courteous behavior is expected at all times while representing Famously Hot South Carolina Pride. Titleholders will do nothing to demean or tarnish their title or the organization it represents.
   2. The winners will keep their crown and sash in good repair and in their possession throughout their reign. The crown and sash provided at the time of crowning remain the property of the Pageant Directors during the titleholder’s reign. Upon crowning their successor, the titleholder will retain their crown as a keepsake.
   3. The winners agree to participate in events disclosed in the contestant letter, to include the 2026 Revelry Gala, 2026 Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Parade, 2026 Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival, and 2027 OUTfest Pageant.
   4. The winners agree to produce three fundraisers during their reign as explained in the contestant letter and donate funds raised as prescribed.
      1. Funds from fundraisers should be presented to Famously Hot South Carolina Pride within 5 business days following the event by a donation on scpride.org website with description of the event in the comments
      2. Winners will notify Famously Hot South Carolina Pride of all fundraisers planned no less than 10 business days prior to the event.
   5. Winners are responsible for recruitment of contestants and promotion of the 2027 OUTfest Pageant.
   6. Winners will serve as influencers for Famously Hot SC Pride’s full calendar of events and will assist in marketing events through social media to include being part of marketing campaigns and creating content with our marketing team.
   7. Winners also understand that their title is purely honorary and carries with it no inherent rights, privileges, or responsibilities beyond the specific responsibilities outlined in this document and that the titleholder cannot independently act on behalf of or make official representations for Famously Hot South Carolina Pride.
9. AUTHORITY OF PAGEANT DIRECTORS
   1. The Pageant Directors reserve the right to make decisions regarding any situation not explicitly covered in these rules and regulations. All decisions made by the Pageant Directors and the judging panel regarding the interpretation and enforcement of these rules, as well as the outcome of the competition, shall be considered final.
10. EVENT MODIFICATIONS
    1. Famously Hot South Carolina Pride reserves the right to modify the schedule, location, format, or structure of the OUTfest Pageant if necessary due to weather conditions, safety concerns, technical difficulties, permitting requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances. Any such modifications will be communicated to contestants as soon as reasonably possible.
11. PUBLIC CONDUCT AND REPRESENTATION
    1. Titleholders are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner in all public appearances, online platforms, and social media throughout their reign. Conduct that significantly damages the reputation of the title or Famously Hot South Carolina Pride may be reviewed by the Board of Directors and may result in action under the Conflict Resolution section of these rules.
12. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
    1. The Board of Directors for Famously Hot South Carolina Pride will review and investigate any complaints of misconduct, violations of these rules and regulations, or behavior that may damage the reputation of the OUTfest titles or the organization. Based on the severity and validity of such complaints, the Board of Directors will have sole discretion in determining any appropriate action.
    2. A simple majority vote of the Board of Directors may result in the loss of the title.
    3. In the event of removal of a titleholder, the crown and all prize money must be returned by the original titleholder.
    4. Upon the removal of a titleholder, the first runner up will then be presented the crown and title unless they are unable or unwilling to fulfill the responsibilities of the title.
    5. In the event that the first runner up is unqualified or unable to fulfill the requirements of the OUTfest Pageant winner, the Board of Directors will have sole discretion to crown a subsequent runner up or to leave the title vacant until the next pageant.
    6. The decisions of the Board of Directors in such matters shall be final.
13. WITHDRAWAL OR INABILITY TO FULFILL DUTIES
    1. If a titleholder voluntarily relinquishes their title or becomes unable to fulfill the responsibilities associated with the title during their reign, the Board of Directors for Famously Hot South Carolina Pride will determine the appropriate course of action. This may include offering the title to the first runner up or another eligible contestant, or leaving the title vacant until the next OUTfest Pageant. All decisions made by the Board of Directors in such matters shall be considered final.
14. HOLD HARMLESS/RELEASE OF LIABILITY
    1. By submitting this application, the contestant agrees to release the owner, organizer, Pageant Directors, or any sponsors from liability or responsibility for losses or accidents. All contestants understand that they participate in the OUTfest Pageant at their own risk and personal expense. Contestant also agrees to indemnify Famously Hot South Carolina Pride, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, or other agents, and hold them harmless with respect to any defense that they shall be required to make in connection with any claim or action arising out of contestant’s/titleholder’s involvement/participation with the pageant and events produced by Famously Hot South Carolina Pride including the payment of reasonable attorney fees.
15. THIS IS A PRIDE PAGEANT
    1. With all of the rules, regulations, and serious business aside, this is a PRIDE PAGEANT! Have fun, be creative, and get EXCITED! If you win, be mindful of what you are giving to your community and what they are giving to you in return. Best of luck!