demi lu rose
photo credit // demi lu rose
Contestant wants to advance LGBT scene in Aruba
Demi Lu Rose lacks pageantry experience, and actually joined the run for the Miss Gay Aruba title three weeks after the other five finalists. But Demi Lu Rose certainly does not lack drive, enthusiasm and confidence.
Demi Lu Rose wants to shine brightest on Sunday, July 22 – when the crown, title and tiara is presented to the winner of the 25th annual Miss Gay Aruba Pageant.
"I entered the competition for three main reasons," she said. "First, to challenge myself to do something new and out of my comfort zone, (which is) being on a stage in front of a big audience where my sexuality would be forefront and talked about. Second, to use this public platform to further advocate for LGBT inclusivity on the island and to be a voice for the younger generation that needs support where there (isn't) and to bring awareness to the cause so that they can feel some sort of inclusivity in the community, heard, respected and embraced. And third, to follow my own pursuit of happiness and achieving the goals (that I) set out to do."
Demi Lu Rose is the alter-ego of Lufron Hayworth, 30, a student and freelance marketing consultant who was born and raised in Aruba and lives with his boyfriend of almost seven years, Jose.
"Demi Lu Rose is the counterpart of Lufron, basically his female version," she said. "They are shy, yet outspoken. Confident in their sexuality. Very friendly. Loving. Stand their ground and for rights. Determined. Enthusiastic about life. Adrenaline junkie. Loves poetry. And (is) a hopeless romantic to the core. They walk with their heart on their sleeves, and smarts on their brains. They wear their integrity as their shield."
Demi Lu Rose's fashion is a mixture of the chic to the sexy and sophisticated modern women's style.
She is much more than simply a pretty face.
"As RuPaul encourages, the Miss Gay Aruba organization provides a space for candidates to express their 'charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent,'" Demi Lu Rose said. "It is the oldest and largest drag pageant system on the island that still has a cultural currency. It's a fun affair of competition for the female illusionist and comradery, and it paves the way for others like me who want to make a difference in the world with the platform it offers."
Demi Lu Rose wants to win, period. Sure, there's the accomplishment that goes with the title, but much more for her, too.
"Winning the (pageant) will mean I've made it," she said. "I can proudly say that I've challenged myself and conquered, that I got out of my comfort zone, that I've worked hard and reached my goal, and that I get to have a platform to do activism for the LGBT community on the island.
"With this public platform, I want to create more inclusion and awareness towards visibility and equality. I want to start a conversation of relevant context acknowledging the existence of the community, slowly moving towards legalization of same-sex marriage and recognition of LGBT rights. And while there are many miles to go, this is a cause I feel inclined to protect: the right to love and be exactly who you are meant to be."
The pageant win also will benefit Demi Lu Rose's WE:ARE:ONE – an LGBT organization that Hayworth co-founded to embrace and empower the LBGT community on Aruba. Specifically, a youth club/center.
"WAO Youth is a GSA-Center in partnership with young members of the LGBT community to create safe and empowering environment for LGBT youth and allies through advocacy, education, support and community engagement to connect with the community at large.
"This is my (motivation for) participation in this year's Miss Gay Aruba."
Demi Lu Rose has been pageant-focused since early-June, and has since enjoyed support and opportunities "beyond my expectations," she said. "This year, the bar (for the pageant) is set really high, with stricter rules and a grueling training schedule. The finale is sure to be nothing less than spectacular."
The theme for this year's pageant is, "Animale" – as in, wild, exotic animals.
"Between now and July 22nd, I'm in full preparation for the finale – from training for the live show, to my individual presentations to my wardrobes to promoting the event and my participation, to attending events and causes," she said.
Demi Lu Rose said the LGBT community in Aruba is large, yet not supportive of each other. There is only one gay club on the island, no Gay Pride Week, and same-sex marriage is not legal.
"The community is one that is mostly out, proud and diverse, yet we lack visibility and representations," she said. "I'd promote the LGBT life here on the island as one that you can live freely as you are with pride and without prejudice. I must stress the safety we have, not only as an island, but also for the LGBT community at large."
On Stage, Demi Lu Rose:
About Chicago: "When I think about Chicago, I imagine it as a large city with a diverse population immersed in culture and full of life during the day and at night. I think of Chicago as a city inclusive of the LGBT community with friendly neighborhoods and small-town charm surrounded by beautiful landmarks ...it is next on my bucket-list as a great destination to visit."
Celebrity You'd Most Like To Meet: "If I could arrange a séance, I would love to have dinner with these extraordinary eight: Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, Magnus Hirschfeld, Barbara Gittings, Christine Jorgensen, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, Marsha P. Johnson, and Harvey Milk. "These are my true heroes and (the) definition of celebrity."
Dream Vacation Destination: Bali
Favorite Pig-Out Food: Chalo Burger Aruba
Favorite TV Shows: Game of Thrones (2011), Sense8 (2015), Queer Eye For The Straight Guy (2018)
Favorite Movie: To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar
Hobbies: Creative writing, reading books, designing, swimming and gardening.
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Intellectual, kind, optimistic.
Describe Aruba in 3 Words: Sunny, friendly, opalescent-beaches.
(Complete the sentence): Even my close friends will be surprised to know..."that I'm an introvert, at heart."
Demi Lu Rose: "'Demi' from the prefix in French meaning 'half.' 'Lu' is short for Lufron, and nicknamed by most. 'Rose' is an homage to my late mother."
Facebook: www.facebook.com/demilurosemissgayaruba
Demi Lu Rose wants to shine brightest on Sunday, July 22 – when the crown, title and tiara is presented to the winner of the 25th annual Miss Gay Aruba Pageant.
"I entered the competition for three main reasons," she said. "First, to challenge myself to do something new and out of my comfort zone, (which is) being on a stage in front of a big audience where my sexuality would be forefront and talked about. Second, to use this public platform to further advocate for LGBT inclusivity on the island and to be a voice for the younger generation that needs support where there (isn't) and to bring awareness to the cause so that they can feel some sort of inclusivity in the community, heard, respected and embraced. And third, to follow my own pursuit of happiness and achieving the goals (that I) set out to do."
Demi Lu Rose is the alter-ego of Lufron Hayworth, 30, a student and freelance marketing consultant who was born and raised in Aruba and lives with his boyfriend of almost seven years, Jose.
"Demi Lu Rose is the counterpart of Lufron, basically his female version," she said. "They are shy, yet outspoken. Confident in their sexuality. Very friendly. Loving. Stand their ground and for rights. Determined. Enthusiastic about life. Adrenaline junkie. Loves poetry. And (is) a hopeless romantic to the core. They walk with their heart on their sleeves, and smarts on their brains. They wear their integrity as their shield."
Demi Lu Rose's fashion is a mixture of the chic to the sexy and sophisticated modern women's style.
She is much more than simply a pretty face.
"As RuPaul encourages, the Miss Gay Aruba organization provides a space for candidates to express their 'charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent,'" Demi Lu Rose said. "It is the oldest and largest drag pageant system on the island that still has a cultural currency. It's a fun affair of competition for the female illusionist and comradery, and it paves the way for others like me who want to make a difference in the world with the platform it offers."
Demi Lu Rose wants to win, period. Sure, there's the accomplishment that goes with the title, but much more for her, too.
"Winning the (pageant) will mean I've made it," she said. "I can proudly say that I've challenged myself and conquered, that I got out of my comfort zone, that I've worked hard and reached my goal, and that I get to have a platform to do activism for the LGBT community on the island.
"With this public platform, I want to create more inclusion and awareness towards visibility and equality. I want to start a conversation of relevant context acknowledging the existence of the community, slowly moving towards legalization of same-sex marriage and recognition of LGBT rights. And while there are many miles to go, this is a cause I feel inclined to protect: the right to love and be exactly who you are meant to be."
The pageant win also will benefit Demi Lu Rose's WE:ARE:ONE – an LGBT organization that Hayworth co-founded to embrace and empower the LBGT community on Aruba. Specifically, a youth club/center.
"WAO Youth is a GSA-Center in partnership with young members of the LGBT community to create safe and empowering environment for LGBT youth and allies through advocacy, education, support and community engagement to connect with the community at large.
"This is my (motivation for) participation in this year's Miss Gay Aruba."
Demi Lu Rose has been pageant-focused since early-June, and has since enjoyed support and opportunities "beyond my expectations," she said. "This year, the bar (for the pageant) is set really high, with stricter rules and a grueling training schedule. The finale is sure to be nothing less than spectacular."
The theme for this year's pageant is, "Animale" – as in, wild, exotic animals.
"Between now and July 22nd, I'm in full preparation for the finale – from training for the live show, to my individual presentations to my wardrobes to promoting the event and my participation, to attending events and causes," she said.
Demi Lu Rose said the LGBT community in Aruba is large, yet not supportive of each other. There is only one gay club on the island, no Gay Pride Week, and same-sex marriage is not legal.
"The community is one that is mostly out, proud and diverse, yet we lack visibility and representations," she said. "I'd promote the LGBT life here on the island as one that you can live freely as you are with pride and without prejudice. I must stress the safety we have, not only as an island, but also for the LGBT community at large."
On Stage, Demi Lu Rose:
About Chicago: "When I think about Chicago, I imagine it as a large city with a diverse population immersed in culture and full of life during the day and at night. I think of Chicago as a city inclusive of the LGBT community with friendly neighborhoods and small-town charm surrounded by beautiful landmarks ...it is next on my bucket-list as a great destination to visit."
Celebrity You'd Most Like To Meet: "If I could arrange a séance, I would love to have dinner with these extraordinary eight: Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, Magnus Hirschfeld, Barbara Gittings, Christine Jorgensen, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, Marsha P. Johnson, and Harvey Milk. "These are my true heroes and (the) definition of celebrity."
Dream Vacation Destination: Bali
Favorite Pig-Out Food: Chalo Burger Aruba
Favorite TV Shows: Game of Thrones (2011), Sense8 (2015), Queer Eye For The Straight Guy (2018)
Favorite Movie: To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar
Hobbies: Creative writing, reading books, designing, swimming and gardening.
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Intellectual, kind, optimistic.
Describe Aruba in 3 Words: Sunny, friendly, opalescent-beaches.
(Complete the sentence): Even my close friends will be surprised to know..."that I'm an introvert, at heart."
Demi Lu Rose: "'Demi' from the prefix in French meaning 'half.' 'Lu' is short for Lufron, and nicknamed by most. 'Rose' is an homage to my late mother."
Facebook: www.facebook.com/demilurosemissgayaruba
