All the glitz, glamour, sparkle & winners of the MEDEAs
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All the glitz, glamour, sparkle & winners of the MEDEAs
All the glamour and winners of the second Melbourne Excellence in Drag and Entertainment Awards (MEDEAs) last night.
Celebrating the vibrant queer performing culture in Naarm has given many quite a headache this morning.
With 30 award categories and a whole lot of sequins, it was a fabulous night at the 2025 MEDEAs.
The awards kicked off with the Trailblazer Award.
“It’s a chance to recognise the performers who helped pave the way and change the face of our communities.” Leasa Mann said.
“It’s my extreme honour to bring to the stage tonight somebody who put AFAB drag on the map here in Melbourne.”
“She received constant pushback from the gatekeepers within our community,
“But always pushed forward to make sure she was seen and heard.”
Congratulations, Bella Nitrate, who received the Trailblazer Award.
“If a 13-year-old me could see me now,” Bella said, who has been doing drag for 13 years.
“It’s taken me a long time to be able to say this, but I was Melbourne’s first AFAB drag queen.”
“When I started drag, there were no AFAB female-presenting queens in Melbourne.
“I was told I shouldn’t be here, that people didn’t like it, and that I wouldn’t win competitions because I was a woman.
“But I stayed simply because I had no choice.
“I was here and I was here to stay.
“And I love drag way too much to let it go.
“13 years ago, the lines of gender were way more divided than they are today.
“And I like to think that I had something to do with that.”
Melbourne’s Favourite Drag King was awarded to Freddie Merkin, who stepped on stage and dedicated the award to all the drag kings of Melbourne.
“We all have a point of difference and offer something really different, which is equally fabulous and important,” Freddie said
“There are some amazing Kings in this category out there every week.”
“Hosting gigs, entertaining you all, and I am so in awe of that.”
“Let’s just celebrate that there are more than just two of us in Melbourne.”
Melbourne’s Favourite Drag Queen was awarded to Gabriella Labucci, who simply said thank you when receiving her award.
Bettie Bombshell received Melbourne’s Favourite Burlesque Performer and dedicated and to the entire burlesque community.
Bitch of the Year went to Tash York
“This is for anyone who is bisexual and is not believed,” Tash said,
“For anyone who sings and does drag.”
“This is for anyone who is AFAB and doesn’t feel like they are allowed to be in AMAB spaces.”
Burlesque Performer of the Year went to Kitty Obsidian.
“I don’t have the words to explain what it means that people do see me,” Kitty said,
“I have worked in this industry for well over a decade now.”
“And I am still the only Aboriginal person up here.
“I am humbled to represent and be the black excellence you need to see.
“But think about that for next year, there should be more than one Mob up here.
Melbourne’s Favourite Drag-Related Business – Le Wigs by Mimi Le Minge
Rising Drag Star – Sindel Storm
Melbourne’s Favourite Burlesque-Related Business – Maison Burlesque
Rising Burlesque Star – Florence Fable
Melbourne’s Favourite Dancer – Egson Ham
Best King Event – Dootfest
Melbourne’s Favourite Burlesque Event – Smut & The Late Night Show @ The 86
Best Variety Event – New Gigs on the Block
Melbourne’s Favourite Queer Venue – Sircuit/Mollies
Best Boutique Event – Beers 4 Queers
Melbourne’s Favourite Burlesque Venue – The 86
Outstanding Achievement in the Media – Kick Ons (Art Simone, Fembot XYZ, Laxe Susan, Mum)
Best Drag Production Show – Hey Henny – Winx Show
Community Spirit Award – Themme Fatale
Technical Contribution – Notstressifnot
Belle of the Ball – Amena Jay
Lifetime Achievement – Doug Lucas
Costume Designer – Sequin polar bear
Choreographer of the Year – Sabrina baby slut
DJ of the Year – Rosie Ray
Mx Congeniality – Linh Uendo
Drag Queen of the Year – Lazy Susan
Drag King of the Year – Johnny Gash
It was a truly dazzling night at the Melbourne Excellence in Drag and Entertainment Awards.
Congratulations to everyone who won, and everyone who turned out a fabulous look.
You can check out our full gallery of photos soon, cos we still have a hangover.
Can’t wait to do it all again next year.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
