Apply to compete in Uplift Tri-State Gulf Coast USA
Uplift Tri-State Gulf Coast USA logo
Apply to the Founding Class of 2026

Your crown starts in your hometown.

Applications are open for Uplift Tri-State Gulf Coast USA — Year One. Every contestant who applies before the deadline competes on equal footing, regardless of background, body type, income, or experience.

Community First. Crown Second.

Our Equality & Fairness Pledge

  • Every contestant pays the same. Directional entry is free. State fees cascade by County placement, not by ability to afford them — top placers pay nothing.
  • Every contestant is judged on the same package. No special wardrobe budgets, no professional packages required. Wardrobe is capped at $50/outfit and $100/gown to keep the playing field level.
  • Every contestant has the same advancement path. Top placers in every division advance. Open Title winners auto-advance regardless of overall placement.
  • Every age, body, ability, ethnicity, and identity is welcome. 14 age divisions cover infants to 100+. 15 open titles celebrate identity, ability, and contribution. The structure exists to include — not to filter.
  • Every score is recorded and verifiable. Judges' scores are documented. Vote tallies are audited. Disputes are reviewed by the Director Panel within 72 hours.
  • Free voting is always available. Every voting window includes a free Alternate Method of Entry that carries equal weight to paid votes.
Before You Start

What you'll need to apply.

Have these ready before you begin. Don't worry if you don't have professional photos — phone photos are absolutely fine.

  • Your basic info (name, date of birth, contact, ZIP code)
  • Parent or legal guardian info, if the contestant is under 18
  • A headshot (any clear photo of your face works)
  • A casual photo (everyday outfit, full body if possible)
  • A formal photo (dressed up — secondhand and thrifted are encouraged)
  • A 30–60 second introduction video (phone video works — no editing required)
  • A few sentences about your community involvement and why you're applying

Professional photography is not required and provides no scoring advantage.

Eligibility

Who can apply.

  • Residents of Florida, Alabama, or Mississippi
  • Any age — 14 divisions from 0–11 months through 80–100+
  • Any background — open titles celebrate identity, ability, and contribution
  • Minors apply with parent or legal guardian consent
  • Willing to commit to titleholder appearances (minimum one per year if you win)

Need accommodations to apply or compete? See our Accessibility Statement or email info@galaglitteratigroup.com.

Prefer Paper?

Download the Paper Application Packet

If filling out forms online doesn't work for your situation — whether because of limited internet access, accessibility needs, or you just prefer pen and paper — we have a complete printable packet. The paper path carries exactly the same weight as the online path. Includes the full application, Photo & Likeness Release, Code of Conduct, and a paper voting form for the free Alternate Method of Entry.

Print and complete by hand, OR type into the Word version on your computer. Submit by email to info@galaglitteratigroup.com or by postal mail. Full instructions are inside the packet.

Curious what you'll get?

See a sample contestant page

Every applicant gets their own page with photos, bio, intro video, live vote count, share buttons, and a printable QR code. Preview what yours will look like before you start.

View Sample Page →
Online Application — Step 1 of 2

Start Your Application Online.

This short form captures the basics. After you submit, you'll be taken to the full Directional Round application with your info already filled in.

A clipboard application with a champagne pen — inviting, in-progress

Quick Start

Takes about 60 seconds. You'll continue to the full application with your answers carried over.

We'll send you a confirmation and the full application link.
For competition updates only. We do not share phone numbers.
Determines your county and directional.
Used to assign your age division. Contestants of every age are welcome.
You'll be taken to the full Directional Round application, where you'll upload your photos and video, answer the questionnaire, and complete your community involvement section.
After You Submit

What happens next.

1
Step 1Quick-start form above (about 60 seconds)
2
Step 2Full Directional application with your info pre-filled — upload photos, video, and answer the questionnaire
3
Step 3Confirmation email within 24 hours with your contestant number and directional county assignment
4
Step 4Directional voting window opens August 1. Top 5 in each division advance to the County round.
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Questions?

We're happy to walk you through it.

Divisions, eligibility, open titles, the Closet Challenge, accessibility — reach out anytime.