Los Angeles played host to the 14th annual LGBTQ Queerties Awards on Tuesday night, celebrating the best in queer entertainment and culture. The ceremony saw significant wins for the television drama “Heated Rivalry,” powerhouse performers Cynthia Erivo and Lady Gaga, and a host of other trailblazers. The awards, which recognize achievements across film, television, music, and digital media, are notable for being determined by millions of LGBTQ+ people and allies, according to Q.Digital, Queerty’s parent company.
“Heated Rivalry” took home the top prize for best TV Drama, solidifying its place as a standout series within the LGBTQ+ community. Jonathan Bailey, recognized for his perform across stage and screen, received the “Badass” award, considered the ceremony’s highest honor. Lady Gaga’s anthem, “Abracadabra,” resonated with voters, earning her the award for best anthem. Cynthia Erivo had a particularly successful night, winning two awards: Film Performance for her role in “Wicked: For Good” and Read for her memoir, “Simply More.”
The Queerties aren’t just about recognizing established stars. they also shine a light on rising talent and impactful voices. This year’s special honors included Margaret Cho receiving the Icon Award, Megan Stalter taking home the Vanguard Award, and Mae Martin being recognized with the Groundbreaker Award. The event was hosted by the ever-popular Trixie Mattel and will be available to stream exclusively on WOW Presents Plus beginning March 19, offering a wider audience the chance to experience the celebration.
As Scott Gatz, CEO of Q.Digital, stated, “The Queerties represent the true voice of our community.” He emphasized that the winners were chosen by a broad base of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, reflecting stories, performances, and cultural moments that resonate deeply with the community. This year’s awards underscore the growing visibility and influence of LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment.
A Night of Diverse Recognition
Beyond the headline-grabbing wins, the Queerties Awards recognized excellence across a wide spectrum of categories. Bosco was crowned Drag Royalty, whereas Suzie Toot was named Future All-Star. The podcast “The Kelly Mantle Show” earned recognition, as did TikToker Niecy Nash and Instagram personality Cheyenne Jackson. Caleb Hearon was honored as Comic of the year, and the theater production “Oh Mary” received an award. KATSEYE was recognized as Breakout Musical Artist, and Conan Gray’s music video for “Vodka Cranberry” took home a prize.
The awards also extended to the film world, with “Twinless” winning for Comedy Movie and “Wicked: For Good” earning the title of best Drama Movie. François Arnaud, also a star in “Heated Rivalry,” was awarded for his TV Performance. The reality TV show “The Traitors” was also a winner, alongside sports hero Gus Kenworthy and style icon Sarah Paulson. The Digital Series “Dragvestigations” and reality TV star Ezra Sosa were also recognized. Looking ahead, “Red, White & Royal Wedding” (Amazon Prime Video) was named the Next Big Thing.
The Queerties Awards serve as a vital platform for celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond. The full list of winners, as reported by Variety, demonstrates the breadth and depth of talent within the community.
“Heated Rivalry” Continues to Gain Momentum
The success of “Heated Rivalry” at the Queerties Awards adds to the show’s growing acclaim. The series has garnered attention for its compelling storyline and strong performances, particularly from Arnaud. Yahoo Entertainment reports that the show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, is currently working on a second season, with shooting expected to begin this summer. Hudson Williams and François Arnaud, stars of the series, have also spoken out against hateful comments directed at the show and its cast, emphasizing the importance of community support.
Cynthia Erivo’s double win at the Queerties further cements her status as a leading force in the entertainment industry. Her performance in “Wicked: For Good” has been widely praised, and her memoir, “Simply More,” offers a deeply personal and inspiring account of her life and career. Lady Gaga’s continued success with “Abracadabra” demonstrates her enduring appeal and ability to connect with audiences through her music.
The Queerties Awards, streaming March 19 on WOW Presents Plus, offer a comprehensive seem at the year’s most impactful LGBTQ+ moments in entertainment. The awards highlight the importance of representation and the power of community in shaping the cultural landscape.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the Queerties Awards will undoubtedly remain a crucial platform for celebrating and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices. The continued success of shows like “Heated Rivalry” and artists like Cynthia Erivo and Lady Gaga signals a positive trend toward greater inclusivity and representation.
What are your thoughts on this year’s Queerties winners? Share your opinions in the comments below!
