Meet the 70-year-old playwright who won the city's first-ever all-age, all-gender beauty pageant
Briefly

Denise "Mistah" Coles, a 70-year-old drag king and playwright, won the first all-ages, all-gender Brooklyn Community Kitchen Monarch title through a memorable performance at a beauty pageant. Hosted by the Brooklyn Community Kitchen, the event spotlighted older participants and emphasized their contributions to society. Coles captivated judges and the audience with her rendition of "I Know Where I've Been" from Hairspray, showcasing her passion and talent. Her victory highlights the significance of embracing diverse expressions of identity and reaffirming the abilities of older adults in creative spaces.
"I've been singing it for years and will continue to sing it until I don't have to sing it anymore," Coles said.
"Being a person of an older age, we have to be understood. We're not being put out to pasture because we're a little bit older. I have a lot to offer," said Coles.
Read at New York Post
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