The room was a veritable who’s who of people I’ve tapped on Grindr. That’s exactly the energy I hoped for as I walked into the 14th annual Queerties, our community’s vaunted awards show.
I arrived just in time for the open bar to end, and thus soberly took in the introduction of our host, the icon that is Trixie Mattel.
“Is that applause for me or for my gown?” she asked as the crowd went wild.
Jinkx Monsoon, Trixie Mattel and Gus Kenworthy
My favorite jokes of hers tonight – paraphrased:
‘We don’t have One Battle After Another, but we do have one bottom after another.”
“Katya couldn’t be here tonight. And she’s not watching, she doesn’t have Wi-fi.”
“Everyone’s saying this season of Drag Race is the geriatric season. And may the best drag queen – live!”
Downwind of those haymakers, we kicked off our night with Margaret Cho winning the Icon Award for her decorated career and acerbic wit.
Margaret Cho accepting the Icon Award
“I eat p**sy sideways,” she said, award in hand. “Eat it like a sandwich. Like you’re playing harmonica.”
Lushious Massacr, who is quickly becoming my favorite drag queen, won best digital series for her show, Dragvestigations. She delivered a fiery speech calling for queer people to be bold and boisterous in public.
“You do not have to conform to fit this society,” she said. “Make some noise if you are bitter!”
Lushious Massacr
Meg Stalter, she of the meteoric rise, won the Vanguard Award. I’ll never forget her on Colbert going “Get me outta here!”
Megan Stalter
The stars were out and I felt honored to have contributed to this beautiful LA community, including writing this article. Sorry I couldn’t fit everyone in this piece, but know I had the time of my life and can’t wait till next year.
The ceremony will stream exclusively on WOW Presents Plus, World of Wonder’s owned and operated streaming service, beginning March 19.
