“Mr. Gay Vaquero” Leaves Us Overjoyed, In Need Of A “Cowpoke” Joke

Nine contestants are competing for the title of “Mr. Gay Vaquero 2007″ at an Oakland, California nightclub. On Monday, five of the contestants will go on to compete in the final portion of the illustrious competition, now it’s in seventh year. You know, sometimes, our dreams really do come true:

Vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, became the theme of the Bench and Bar’s annual beauty pageant-style contest seven years ago when a patron suggested the idea, bar manager Alex Loera said Saturday. The Mr. Gay Latino contest was changed to the Mr. Gay Vaquero, which has been the title ever since.

The all-male contestants are in their third week of competition and have already completed the talent and formal wear portions, Loera said.

Formal wear? Please explain:

Formal wear, Loera said, consists of cowboy boots, hats and the usual vaquero garb.

Yes.

We want to live in a world where cowboy boots, hats and assless chaps (this is what is meant by “usual vaquero garb,” yes?) are considered formal wear. If only because it will make our entrance at family weddings a little less awkward.

Nine contestants compete for title of Mr. Gay Vaquero [Mercury News]