Editor's note: Steve Raimo performs as Veronika Electronika.
On July 17, I was given the amazing opportunity to become the next Miss Tennessee Continental at the pageant hosted by PLAY Dance Bar. As Miss Tennessee Continental, I 
will represent Tennessee at the national level to compete for the title of Miss Continental in Chicago during Labor Day weekend.
The Continental system has always been known as the finest in drag competition and also has one of the largest collection of preliminary contests in the nation. There are an average of 32 preliminaries across the US each year, and Tennessee has over 25 years of history with the Continental system. The owners of Tennessee Continental paid tribute to Rita Ross who celebrated her 25th anniversary of being a former Miss Tennessee Continental on July 17. The celebration included a video presentation, award, and a special performance by Rita Ross herself. I feel very blessed to be in such rich company as our reigning Miss Tennessee Continental.
I am excited to represent the Volunteer State in Chicago this September, and do not take my role lightly. It is very easy to hold a title and just let it collect dust, or fade into memory. I, however, would like to make the most out of my one year reign and travel the state and become more involved with state and local politics. Just since being crowned I have been able to connect with clubs, and performers from across the state about coming to visit and perform with their casts. I just spoke with Samantha LaBlonc from "Images" in Chattanooga, and Sabre Patton from “Purple Heys” from here in Nashville about joining their cast for a show to help me prepare for my journey to Chicago. This journey in not cheap, ladies and gentlemen, and the cost of the hair, costumes, gowns, and not to mention the Chicago pizza, all can become very pricey! I am blessed to have such great supporters, from both on and off the stage.
Wayne Chandler, one of my promoters, and owner of Miss TN Continental had this to say when I asked him if he would like to contribute to this article: "We are excited to have Veronika represent Tennessee Continental. We have already had a chance to meet to prepare for the national pageant and talk about ways he can become involved in the state's gay community. It's encouraging to have someone with passion and a commitment to make this world a better place to be our title holder. Expect great things during this next year." Needless to say I was very touched by his words.
I look forward to meeting, and entertaining, more of you this year, and If there is anything that I can do to make the state a better place, or perhaps just entertain in your area, please do not hesitate to ask. You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DigitalDivaVE or e-mail me at PozziEntGroup@hotmail.com. My personal website will be up within the next few weeks. If you would like information about the Continental Pageant in Chicago, please check out my Facebook page for more details. Thank you so much for your support.