FORMER Muswellbrook High School student Hugh Battistello “loves to entertain”.
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And, that he did by winning the Miss Gay Australia title at the recent Miss Gay and Miss Transexual Pageant in Victoria.
The St Kilda East drag performer reaped the spoils at the popular beauty show, after judges were impressed by his three-and-a-half minute lip-synch performance of Jennifer Lopez’s hit, Let’s Get Loud, during the annual competition.
The 27-year-old, who performs under the moniker Jacqui Meoff, was also named Best in Rio Carnival Costume, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Talent and Miss Photogenic.
“I liked the outfit she wore in that clip and I had the right hair for it,” Mr Battistello said.
“I’ll admit, I was intent on the winning the pageant.
“It’s a big event in Melbourne – and it was my third attempt.
“I finished third the first year I entered, so I then decided to get serious about it.
“In 2016, I was the runner-up.
“I started getting things ready about a month after last year’s competition.
“So, it’s been a natural progression.
“There were three rounds – and I won everyone, so the hard work paid off.
“Now, I can pass the crown onto someone else.”
Mr Battistello moved to town as a youngster – and completed his schooling at Muswellbrook High while working at Woolworths.
“None of my family lives there anymore,” he explained.
“However, I’ve visited a couple of times.
“I wouldn’t have had the courage to enter a competition [like the pageant] when I was there.
“But, I’m open about who I am – my mum was a lesbian.
“And, I think the town is a little more accepting now.
“Drag performances shouldn’t be taken seriously.
“I like to make people happy and laugh – and use it to express myself.”