Miss Gay America is very similar in nature to the Miss America or Miss USA system as nationally televised, except that the contestants are men impersonating women. It is not easy to win this title as it takes talent, creativity, glamour, elegance, sophistication, a desire to entertain, to successfully create the illusion, and most importantly to thrive as a leader of their local communities. Physically, with no body augmentation allowed below the neck, many contestants rely on breast pads, hip pads, extravagant clothing, hairstyle and makeup, to merge into a winning combination that will score high enough to become Miss Gay Melrose America – a stepping stone to Miss Gay Arizona America and ultimately Miss Gay America.