The LGBTQ community celebrated its most creative and influential voices at the 14th annual Queerties Awards on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. “Heated Rivalry” took home a top prize, securing the award for outstanding television drama, while Jonathan Bailey claimed the Badass award, the ceremony’s premier award. Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” was selected as best anthem, and Cynthia Erivo commanded the evening with two wins: Film Performance for her role in “Wicked: For Good” and Read for her memoir “Simply More.” The awards, which honor the year’s most acclaimed LGBTQ entertainment and cultural moments, were decided by millions of community members and supporters. The ceremony was hosted by Trixie Mattel and will stream exclusively on WOW Presents Plus beginning March 19.
Top Winners Dominate the Night
The evening’s achievements reflected the range of LGBTQ creative expression across multiple media platforms. “Heated Rivalry” emerged as the night’s major breakthrough, claiming the esteemed top television drama award and cementing its place as a defining moment for the community. Jonathan Bailey’s acknowledgment with the Badass award—the ceremony’s premier accolade—underscored his substantial influence both on and off screen. His win highlighted the importance of inclusion in mainstream television and the community’s recognition of artists who genuinely represent LGBTQ stories and principles.
Cynthia Erivo’s dual wins demonstrated the range of her reach beyond traditional acting roles. Her celebrated turn in “Wicked: For Good” earned her the Cinema Performance accolade, while her deeply personal memoir “Simply More” claimed the Read category, displaying her multifaceted talent as both an entertainer and author. Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” emerging as the year’s top anthem reflected the song’s cultural resonance among the LGBTQ community, solidifying Gaga’s enduring legacy as an iconic voice for the community and its artistic vision.
- Jonathan Bailey wins top Badass award for outstanding performance
- Cynthia Erivo earns two major awards spanning movies and books
- “Heated Rivalry” acknowledged as best dramatic television program of 2024
- Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” crowned fans’ beloved anthem
TV and Film Dominate the Spotlight
Television and film served as dominant forces at the 14th annual Queerties Awards, demonstrating the LGBTQ community’s strong commitment in screen-based storytelling. “Heated Rivalry” secured the prestigious TV drama award, highlighting its importance to audiences and appeal to viewers looking for authentic representation on screen. The recognition highlighted television’s expanding role in showcasing diverse narratives that focus on LGBTQ experiences and perspectives. Meanwhile, the film category highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for artistic works, with “Wicked: For Good” receiving critical acclaim and numerous accolades from voters who recognized its artistic ambition and cultural impact.
The evening’s award presentations demonstrated the spectrum of creative talent spanning various genres and mediums. From dramatic series to motion pictures, winners reflected years of dedication to craft and storytelling that connected powerfully with LGBTQ audiences and allies numbering in the millions. The variety of awardees—spanning established stars and emerging talents—reflected the community’s dedication to honoring excellence across all areas. These victories confirmed that film and television remain influential vehicles for genuine storytelling, empowering creators to share narratives of significance profoundly to the LGBTQ community and audiences worldwide.
Theatrical and Performance Excellence
“Heated Rivalry” established itself as a defining television achievement by taking the top TV drama award, a reflection of its engaging storytelling and nuanced character development. François Arnaud enhanced the show’s recognition by securing the TV Performance award, highlighting the standard of acting that brought its narrative to life. The dual victories positioned “Heated Rivalry” as not merely entertainment but as culturally significant television that genuinely reflects LGBTQ experiences. These wins validated the show’s artistic direction and its importance within the broader landscape of current television.
Cynthia Erivo’s success in the Motion Picture Performance category for “Wicked: For Good” demonstrated the outstanding artistry bringing beloved stories to the screen. Her nuanced portrayal earned recognition from a voting body made up of millions of viewers who resonated with her performance. The award celebrated both Erivo’s distinctive talent and the film’s larger accomplishment in creating a theatrical adaptation that respected its source material while engaging contemporary audiences looking for meaningful representation and entertainment excellence.
Music and Entertainment Honors
Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” won the esteemed Anthem award, solidifying the track’s standing as a cultural touchstone within the LGBTQ community. The honor underscored the song’s vibrant appeal and its impact with millions of listeners who adopted it as an anthem of celebration and empowerment. Gaga’s triumph highlighted music’s pivotal role in community identity and expression, showing how a solitary composition can surpass commercial success to serve as a meaningful symbol of collective joy and cultural pride. The award affirmed that the greatest songs stem from authentic connection between creator and fan.
Beyond music, the evening celebrated entertainment throughout various formats and channels. KATSEYE earned recognition as Breakout Musical Artist, demonstrating the community’s support for rising artists redefining the musical landscape. Conan Gray’s “Vodka Cranberry” took home the music video award, demonstrating the significance of visual narrative in modern music. These honors demonstrated the Queerties’ commitment to celebrating artistic achievement in all its forms, from renowned artists to rising talents poised to define the next generation of LGBTQ-inclusive entertainment.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Anthem | “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga |
| Breakout Musical Artist | KATSEYE |
| Music Video | “Vodka Cranberry” – Conan Gray |
| Drag Royalty | Bosco |
| Comic | Caleb Hearon |
New Talent Discovery
The Queerties recognized emerging creative leaders through focused emerging talent categories that highlighted fresh voices reshaping entertainment. Suzie Toot’s Future All-Star award and KATSEYE’s Breakout Musical Artist honor recognized performers positioned to influence culture for the foreseeable future. These awards represented the community’s investment in nurturing new talent and guaranteeing diverse perspectives kept enhancing LGBTQ storytelling and artistic expression across all mediums.
Community Voice and Cultural Significance
The Queerties Awards distinguished themselves from industry honors by amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ community itself. Scott Gatz, CEO of Q.Digital, underscored this democratic approach, noting that “millions of LGBTQ+ people and allies” selected their most-loved performances, artists, and cultural moments. This community-driven voting made the ceremony into a true reflection of community priorities rather than a top-down industry verdict. The winners represented stories, performances, and defining cultural works that connected genuinely with those who saw themselves reflected on screen and in music, fostering a strong validation of common identity and collective taste.
By amplifying varied artistic talent across broadcast, film, music, and streaming platforms, the Queerties underscored entertainment’s crucial role in LGBTQ cultural expression and visibility. The awards recognized that inclusion is significant—that viewing one’s own truthfully represented in mass media deepens community ties and affirms real-world narratives. From Jonathan Bailey’s Badass honor to the recognition of rising talent and innovative creators, the ceremony showcased how entertainment shapes identity, fosters connection, and challenges societal stories. This commitment to honoring audience-selected achievement made certain the Queerties stayed a defining moment for LGBTQ artistic expression and cultural recognition.
- Winners voted by millions of LGBTQ+ people and allies across platforms
- Awards honor genuine narratives reflecting community perspectives and identities
- Entertainment valued as key medium for cultural representation and visibility
- Varied categories covering music, television, film, and digital media honored
- Community-driven selection process sets apart Queerties compared to traditional industry awards
The Story Behind the Celebration
The 14th yearly Queerties Awards event took place on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, bringing together the LGBTQ community and allies to celebrate creative excellence across entertainment. Led by beloved drag icon Trixie Mattel, the event provided a night of recognition for creative professionals who have contributed significantly to LGBTQ culture and representation. The intimate gathering honored not just personal accomplishments but the collective power of storytelling to influence self-perception, break down prejudices, and build environments where the community sees itself authentically reflected in mainstream media.
The awards will reach a larger audience when they stream exclusively on WOW Presents Plus beginning March 19, extending the celebration beyond the Los Angeles venue. This streaming platform guarantees that LGBTQ fans around the world can access the ceremony and celebrate their community’s artistic accomplishments. The streaming release reflects the Queerties’ dedication to accessibility and inclusivity, enabling millions more to witness the acknowledgment of musical performances and cultural moments that have defined LGBTQ activism and entertainment throughout the year.