April 1, 2005

VR: Who is John C. Guercio and what is he all about?
JG: I was born ad raised in the Cleveland area. I grew up in a small town 20 Miles west of Cleveland called Avon Lake

VR: Where are you living these days?
JG: I live in Cleveland in the "Clifton" area

VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about?
JG: This is a difficult question. I have had a great life so far. I was adopted when I was four months old by my parents. I was raised Catholic. I have a very Italian background on both sides, my biological family as well. We lived modestly, but comfortable. I have the greatest parents in the world, as well as one younger brother.

VR: When you were growing up were you the "All American" little boy, you know baseball in the summer and football in the winter type of kid?
JG: No, not at all. I hate sports lol. I was in Choirs all of my school years. I competed in several solo contests and won a few awards for that.

VR: Who was your inspiration growing up?
JG: My inspiration growing up would have to be my Father. I saw how hard he worked to make sure we always had food on the table and a roof over our heads. To this day, if I ever needed to, I would always be welcome back home, no questions asked.

VR: At what age did you get involved in the drag scene?
JG: I believe it was about 12 years ago. I would have been about 28 then.

VR: When did you get into the promotion business and can you give us an explanation of what you have to do to promote a show or pageant?
JG: I started promoting pageants about 12 years ago. Really being a promoter for me is not so much a job as it is fun. I just love helping people, and what better way then to help them express their talents. Promotion is nothing but spreading the word so to speak. Being their when your title holder needs you, and also being the support system, financially or emotionally when needed. There is nothing more enjoyable than to see one of your people doing well.

VR: Do you do this all by yourself or do you have a partner that works on these events with you?
JG: I do have apartner in most of my endevours. His name is Anthony Nagy. I do have a couple male contests that I promote on my own.

VR: I know you are the owner or co-owner of a few pageants, can you tell us what they are?
JG: I am currently the co-owner/co-promoter for Miss Ohio Entertainer of the Year, which will be taking place on June 4th and 5th @ Axis Niteclub in Columbus Ohio. I am also the promoter for Miss Cleveland Diva, Mr Cleveland All-Star, Mr Canton All-Star and Mr Great Lakes All-Star. My productions company is Angel Productions www.angelproductionsohio.com

VR: I do want you to be careful here, without naming names, can you tell us one of the funniest things that happened in one of your pageants?
JG: That is tough as I have had so many pageants over the years. I guess one thing that stands out is when I was co-owner of Miss Ohio USofA @ Large several years ago. The winning contestant was doing her talent number, she was so into the talent, it was wonderful. At one point, her wig flew off durring her number. I have to tell you, that gal just kept right on going as if nothing happened. She won talent and the pageant. Just goes to show you that no matter what may go wrong on that stage, just keep on keeping on.

VR: Being a girl myself that has been to and competed myself(many years ago) in a few pageants, I know some girls go all out to win. Again without naming names what was the most extraordinary thing you have seen a girl do to try and win a pageant?
JG: I have to say again, so many pageants, but I think the one thing that stands out to me was one year at Miss Gay USofA at Large nationals. The contestant had one of the most incredible evening gowns I have ever seen. The crowd was on their feet pounding on the tables and screaming at the top of their lungs. The contestant was so overwhelmed that she was gasping for breath on stage. It was incredible.

VR: Did she win?
JG: Yes, she became Miss USofA At Large that year.

VR: Do you ever get involved with out of state pageants, like "Miss Continental" or "Miss Gay US of A" pageants, you know the very big ones?
JG: Yes, I have been involved with Miss USofA at Large on several ocasions, I was co-owner/co-promoter for Miss Midwest USofA at Large, and Miss Ohio USofA at Large at one time.

VR: Who do you admire these days?
JG: To name one person would be difficult. I admire anyone who truely strives to achieve their ultimate goal, never giving up, always being persistant. To me, that person will always come out on top not matter if they have won or not.

VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment?
JG: I work hard at everything I do in my life. I think the all of my accomplishments in the promotion business have been memorable. I have helped to promote the winner and first alternate at Miss Ohio USofA in 1995, The winner at Miss Ohio USofA at Large in 2001, and the winner at Mr Ohio All Star in both 2003 and 2004. I have also won several promoter of the year awards as well as best prelim awards.

VR: Have you ever had a true love in life?
JG: I dont' think I have found that yet in my life.

VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
JG: Just be true to yourself, that is the best advice I can give.

VR: Do you have any closing words for our readers?
JG: Yes, please always remember, tomorrow is never gaurenteed. Live each day as it is your last. Always tell the ones you care for that you love them.