I’m loyal. I’ve watched every movie with every drag queen on the planet and interviewed so many of them over the years that I’m beyond invested in their success and ascension into the hallowed halls of broader pop culture.
Nostalgia never tasted so good. When I told my boyfriend I was going to try the Monster Pizookie at BJ’s, he already knew all about it.
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.
Sabrina Carpenter is taking over my life! Trust and believe, I’m not mad.
The “Manchild” singer paired with Johnnie Walker on the rooftop of the Aster Hotel to light up the Hollywood sky with music and some truly fanciful flights.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: The Go Go Highball and Johnnie Walker Black Label are pictured ahead of the biggest night in music at The Aster on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Stars were seen sipping on the cocktail of the weekend, the Go Go Highball, created by Johnnie Walker with GRAMMY award-winning partner Sabrina Carpenter. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Johnnie Walker)
The Go Go Highball is her signature Johnnie Walker Black Label collaborative concoction. It was a smoky and sublime drink that welcomed us all to the city’s best Grammys soiree.
They also collaborated on a crystal embellished clutch that Carpenterinas around the world are begging for as we speak.
Johnnie Walker and Sabrina also collaborated on these unbelievable large scale animations that ruled the Hollywood skyline. Breathtaking much?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Johnnie Walker lights up the skyline of Los Angeles with large scale animations to celebrate music’s biggest weekend at The Aster on January 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Johnnie Walker)
Max and Helen’s on Larchmont Boulevard was host to an after AFTER party. Shoutout to the art director, because this was a candy land cherry bomb.
I couldn’t stop dancing and making friends, a testament to the untouchable vibes curated by the creative team behind this night.
Carpenter dazzled at the Grammys with a campy, unforgettable performance surrounded by thirsty men. I’m sensing a theme here.
“This moment is the perfect celebration of our partnership with Sabrina: raising a Go Go Highball to her progress and the incredible milestones she has achieved as an artist, against the backdrop of music’s biggest weekend” said John Williams, Global Head of Whiskey at Diageo.
I can’t help but raise a glass to pop’s most exciting new artist and whiskey’s most trusted brand.
Cheers to many more nights sipping Johnnie Walker Black Label and dancing through Hollywood being the “Manchild” I was always born to be.
GO GO HIGHBALL
Ingredients:
- 30ml (1oz) – Johnnie Walker Black LabeL
- 90ml (3oz) – Schweppes (or other premium) Ginger Ale
- 30ml (1oz) – Sour Cherry Juice*
Garnish: Two Black Cherries
Glassware: Highball
Ice: Cubed
Method: Build ingredients in chilled highball glass over lots of ice. Add sour cherry juice last to have a ‘drizzle’ effect. Garnish cocktail with two black cherries.
There are people born the year “RuPaul‘s Drag Race” premiered who are now able to vote. People who have had the show their entire existence. What a wonderful world.
Talk about the eighth world Wonda. Queen of the night Janelle Monáe invited a few lucky ghouls to a secret location in Santa Monica for the ultimate haunt on La Playa. I’ve never been one to miss an exorcism, so I made my way post haste.
I’m a no sabo. Me, Jennifer Lopez, and Jenny Ortega. While I may not be fluent in Spanish, I know that mas es mejorar.
It’s hard to have the blues when your community’s with you.
Stepping into the premiere of Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt, my expectations were high. I’ve seen and adored so much of his oeuvre, and Julia Roberts never misses, so I expected a knockout.
And knocked out I was.
Imagine sitting in a pitch meeting 10 years ago and hearing about a show where celebrities come in and eat chicken, and leave in a flop sweat.
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