Woman wins Mr. Gay San Francisco contest

A woman was named Mr. Gay San Francisco last weekend, marking the first time someone born biologically female has ever won the competition.

Karin Jaffie, 45, competed using her drag king name Kit Tapata.

"I'm really hoping to have a lot of fun, to do a lot of good for the community and maybe - just maybe - get my boys and girls to play together just a little bit more," Jaffie said.

The pageant, organized by the Imperial Council of San Francisco, was held Saturday, June 12 at the Hotel Kabuki.

Jaffie, an out lesbian, lives in the city and works as an entertainer, graphic designer, and set builder. Besides being the first woman to win the title, she was also the first woman to run.

Wes Lind, 29, whose drag name is Patty McGroin, was named Miss Gay San Francisco.

"I was surprised and honored," said Lind, who was the only person that competed for the Miss title.

Imperial Council board Chair John Carrillo wasn't one of the pageant's five judges, but he said Jaffie's entertainment was "great." He added, "We're excited there's a new chapter in history, for us and the females in our organization." The pageant is over 20 years old.

Alan Toomey was the only other person competing for Mr. Gay San Francisco, said Carrillo. Toomey didn't respond to a request for comment.

Carrillo said there haven't been any complaints about Jaffie winning. He said she's been "very involved in our organization."

As part of the pageant, contestants had to appear in sportswear, as well as in formal attire. There was also a talent portion, where, accompanied by five backup dancers wearing monkey masks and sunglasses, Jaffie lip-synched to Bruno Mars's "The Lazy Song."

As a titleholder, Jaffie plans to do benefits for Lyon-Martin Health Services and Pets Are Wonderful Support.