COMING MAY 2026
Contestant Application To Run
Accepted Now – Dec 1 2025
MISSION STATEMENT
The International Pride Contest is for LGBTQIA+ individuals who exemplify authenticity, integrity, leadership, visibility and community impact. Our mission is to have those who not only embrace their identity with LGBTQIA+ but also demonstrate outstanding character, dedication to community service, and a commitment to making a difference. Through this competition, we uplift voices, showcase meaningful contributions, and inspire a new generation of changemakers who use their platforms to advocate for inclusivity, equality, and progress within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
CATAGORIES
1: Education: Share what your teaching subject passion is. Clear effective communication
2: Community Contribution/Outreach: Vision idea & how you implement it as your platform
3: Judges Interview: The Judges Interview segment is your chance to showcase confidence, authenticity, and strong communication skills. Judges will be looking for how well you express yourself, your ability to think on your feet, and how you align with the contest’s values.
PART 1 EDUCATION (Limited to 8min max pp followed by brief 5min Q&A from audience)
1. Teaching Subject Passion
Clearly state your teaching subject(s) and why you are passionate about them.
Explain how your passion translates into your teaching methods.
Provide examples of how your enthusiasm engages and inspires learners.
2. Clear & Effective Communication
Use simple, concise, and engaging language to convey your ideas.
Structure your response logically, with a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion.
Avoid jargon unless necessary and explain complex concepts in an accessible way.
Use storytelling, real-life examples, or analogies to make your points relatable.
Maintain a confident and engaging tone to demonstrate effective communication skills.
PART 2 COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION OUTREACH (Limited to 8min max pp)
1. Define Your Vision
Clearly state the community issue or need you want to address.
Explain your personal connection to this issue and why it matters to you.
Your vision should be realistic, impactful, and meaningful to the community.
2. Present Your Idea
Describe a specific initiative, project, or program that aligns with your vision.
Ensure your idea is original, innovative, and feasible.
Highlight how it fills a gap or creates a positive change in the community.
3. Develop an Implementation Plan
Outline the steps you will take to bring your idea to life.
Identify the resources, people, and partnerships needed.
Address potential challenges and solutions to overcome them.
Set realistic timelines and goals for execution.
4. Explain the Community Impact
Clearly define who will benefit from your initiative.
Describe how it will improve lives or create a lasting change.
Show how the idea can be sustained and expanded over time.
5. Demonstrate Your Commitment
Explain your role and leadership in making this happen.
Share how you plan to inspire others to join and support your cause.
Highlight any experience, skills, or personal drive that makes you the right person for this initiative.
PART 3 JUDGES INTERVIEW (limited to 15min max pp)
1. Confidence & Presence
Maintain eye contact and engage with the judges naturally.
Sit or stand with good posture to show confidence and professionalism.
Speak clearly and at a steady pace to ensure your message is well-received.
2. Authenticity & Personality
Be yourself—judges appreciate genuine and heartfelt responses.
Let your personality and uniqueness shine through in your answers.
Use personal experiences or anecdotes to make your responses more relatable and engaging.
3. Communication & Clarity
Answer questions clearly and concisely without rambling.
Structure your responses in a way that makes sense, using brief pauses if needed.
Avoid overly rehearsed answers—aim for a natural, engaging conversation.
4. Content & Depth
Provide thoughtful and meaningful responses rather than generic answers.
Demonstrate knowledge, awareness, or passion related to the contest’s theme or mission. If applicable, discuss your goals, aspirations, and impact in your community or field.
5. Handling Difficult Questions
Stay calm and composed if faced with a challenging or unexpected question.
Take a brief moment to collect your thoughts before answering if needed.
If you don’t know the answer, respond honestly while keeping the conversation positive.
6. Overall Impression
Show enthusiasm and energy while staying poised and professional.
End the interview with a gracious attitude, thanking the judges for their time.
Leave a lasting impact by ensuring your final words reflect your passion and purpose.
2022 Florida Power Exchange
elenawho has been actively out in the community since 2017. She is owned and collared by her Sir, Unicorn_Poacher. She is one half of the 2022 Florida Power Exchange Title holders. She is also a recipient of the Sir Tom’s Award. She is Contest Director for the Florida Power Exchange Contest and for the International Pride Contest. She can be seen helping run the Florentine flogging station at The Original Gateway Event and for many of the events she is one of the first people you see walking in as she helps operate the front door. She is a member of SFC10, Women of Leather Florida, and Leather Culture Club.