Sydney's DIVA Awards celebrates drag talent 'on our terms'
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Sydney's DIVA Awards celebrates drag talent 'on our terms'
“DIVAs is about the community,” Vybe said.
“And the sisterhood of showgirls, showgays and showtheys nominating and celebrating the shows, events and DJs that keep us laughing, dancing and smiling through the years.”
“It’s a time to celebrate the new things our community has created, whether it be new queens, scene or incredible growing events.”
Community voting for the DIVA Awards starts this Friday, it’s Sydney’s drag night of nights with plenty of glitter and sparkle.
It’s the night of nights for Sydney’s drag queens, and community voting goes live for your favourite performer, shows, venues, DJs, and more this Friday.
A chance to dress up and celebrate in style, the awards take place in September, hosted by Hannah Conda, who won Entertainer of the Year in 2024.
When we asked Hannah what one of her favourite DIVA memories was, she said it was seeing everyone arrive.
“We are all in the entrance area of the venue, fawning over each other’s looks and seeing everyone’s outfits,” she told QNews.
“It’s a night where everyone stands up and creates fabulousness.”
Felicity Froccocino agreed, “It’s seeing everyone dressed to the nines, celebrating what a wonderful community we have and celebrating our successes.”
Victorian-based drag performer Polly Filla is a frequent flyer to the DIVA Awards from Bendigo.
One of her favourite moments was in 2023 when Froccacino won ‘Sydney’s Favourite Drag Hostess’.
“We were rushing and running late that night, but were having such a camp time,” Polly said.
“When Felicity’s name was announced, she didn’t realise she had won and was just sitting there.”
“I had to poke her and tell her that her name was called.”
What we do in nightlife is amazing
“DIVA’s is the highlight of the drag year!” Drag Race Down Under’s Vybe said.
“It’s such a special night where all the girls go balls to the wall glamour. New hair, outfits and jewels.”
“Apart from a big party, it’s the only recognition for drag work we have in Sydney.
“It’s nice to have the gaggle of girls gather for a camp night and to celebrate the shows, gigs and gossip of the year.”
Hannah Conda added she “loves when people are exploring each other’s looks,”
“Plus, having a walk down memory lane when everyone brings up memories in their speeches or in the park segments of the show.”
“We get to reminisce about the good, the bad, the ugly.
“It’s all about coming together and celebrating the fact that we get to do drag in this day and age.
“Our community is so special and vibrant with all the different facets of drag, and it’s nice to come together for one night of the year and share a moment.”
Bringing the drag and nightlife community together is something that fellow Drag Race Down Under artist Etcetera Etcetera agreed with.
“It’s a hard industry at the moment, so it is night to put everyone on a pedestal,” they said.
“It’s important to have awards that are moderated and curated by the queer community.”
“Often queer people are pushed out of mainstream conversations and commendations,
“So it’s special to reclaim that and give to each other a sense of recognition and power.
“What we do in nightlife is amazing, and it should be respected and awarded more frequently.”
Image: Supplied
It’s about more than winning a trophy
“The DIVA Awards give you something to strive for,” Vybe said
“When I was starting drag, I never thought I’d be up with the award winners because that level of show was so unbelievably good.”
“That became the inspiration to try new things, work with different girls and produce gay shows for people to live for.
“It’s also an important moment from a legacy perspective.
“A lot of the new generation don’t know the history of DIVAs.”
“It’s showgirls and the story they’ve helped form our culture, it’s like a living, cross-dressing museum.”
The DIVA Awards are about more than winning a trophy.
“It’s important because it creates visibility and validation,” icon Felicity Froccacino said.
“And momentum for drag performers and creatives who are often overlooked in mainstream awards.”
“Mainstream awards rarely acknowledge drag, queer cabaret, and gender-diverse artistry on equal footing with other performing arts.
“The DIVAs celebrate these talents on our terms, with our own cultural references, humour, and history.
“Drag isn’t just entertainment; it’s political, subversive and often life-saving for audiences who see themselves represented.
“DIVA amplifies that impact and sends a message that queer art matters.
“Emerging artists see what’s possible when they see their heroes recognised.
“It’s an incentive to push the boundaries, take creative risks, and keep the culture alive.”
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Community voting opens Friday
Voting for the community DIVA awards opens at noon on Friday, 15th August and stays open for just over a month.
The categories you can vote for are Sydney’s Favourite DJ, Favourite Male Performer, Favourite Venue, Favourite Drag Hostess, Favourite Pub Event, Favourite Drag Show, and Favourite Drag Artist.
“I’d love for people to think outside the box when voting.” Hannah Conda said.
“Think about all the different venues, performers and avenues we have.
“And if you haven’t seen some shows, get out and see if you can before you vote.
“Feel free to break away from the regular names that you might pick.”
Etcetera Etcetera doesn’t want you to just think about the shows you see every week.
“Think about the spaces and performers that have made you feel safer, seen and valued,” they said.
“Or created environments that might have surprised you and taken you out of your comfort zone in a positive way.
“These things need to be celebrated.”
“What created a new feeling for you this year and was a unique event?
“Reward creativity as well as popularity”
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Celebrating the past and futures of Sydney drag culture
Felicity Froccacino says when voting she wants you to “think about the community achievements each performer has done.”
“Think about what performers have made you think, laugh, feel entertained and loved.”
“Think about the venues you frequent and how they make you feel.
“Most importantly, think about voting for those who make a difference. Vote for me!” she laughed.
To wrap things up, Etcetera Etcetera wanted to remind us that part of the DIVA Awards’ importance is its history.
“But as it has every year, it represents the future of drag in Sydney.”
“This year will be a great opportunity for new and emerging drag artists to participate in the award and leave their mark on it.
“There’s a whole new generation coming to the awards this year, which is exciting, and everyone should have open arms and legs for these amazing industry workers and artists.
“We should make sure they feel a part of the legacy of this amazing award ceremony.”
Community voting and ticket sales start at noon on Friday, 15th August.
“If you’re coming for DIVAs,” Vybe said, “come and be gay!”
“Chuck on a frock, suit up, live a little and help us keep DIVAs and the queer nightlife industry exciting, growing and thriving, not just surviving!”
Award winners will be announced at the DIVA Awards on Monday, 22nd September at The Juniors in Kingsford.
Find out more here.
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