The first-ever Mx. Juneteenth Fire Island contest took place at the Ice Palace on June 20, as part of Black and Brown Equity Coalition’s (BaBEC) Juneteenth weekend, and the top title was won by Jamin Van Wales, besting four other contenders. Of these four Robin Fierce and Zariah Powell were named first and second runners-up, respectively, and the remaining contestants were Young Viper and Billie Daze. Past Miss Fire Island Brenda Dharling, Pearl, and Cayenne were judges and reigning Miss Fire Island Zola Powell and Thee Suburbia were co-hostesses.
Contestants were judged on appearance in evening gowns, Q & A, and talent. Jasmin’s first entrance was in a gown that evoked the look of a peacock. Her question was, “What is your milestone for the journey to Fire Island?” and, in response, she spoke of her responsibility to represent. In her winning song, she asserted, “You’ve got to take time to get away,” and it included a breathtaking perpetual motion section.
Additional entertainment was provided by Zola, who began with “It’s not Right, but it’s Okay;” Brenda; Thee Suburbia; and the lithe Dragon Sisters, who danced to “Big Spender,” “Strange Fruit,” and “Fever.”
Addressing the audience, BaBEC Founder Tomik Dash said, “We made history yesterday,” with the Beach Solidarity March and other events, and went on to explain that “Black culture influences the world.”

photo captions & credit:
1. Mx. Juneteenth Fire Island Jasmin Van Wales
2. Jasmin's peacock gown
3. Dragon Sisters
4. Brenda Dharling
5. Thee Suburbia (center) & back-up dancers
6. BaBEC Founder Tomik Dash
7. Tomik Dash (2nd from right) & BaBEC board membert
8. Miss Fire Island Zola Powell & friend
9. Miss Fire Island Zola Powell
10.contestants Young Viper, Zariah Powell, Jasmin Van Wales, Robin Fierce & Billie Daze
11.Tomik Dash crowns Jasmin Van Wales
12.Jasmin Van Wales, Young Viper, Zariah Powell, Robin Fierce & Tomik Dash
photos by Bruce-Michael Gelbert