Iconique Awards to celebrate Utah’s Queer culture and talent
Salt Lake City’s queer community is getting its own glittering night of recognition this fall with the first-ever Iconique Awards, a live celebration of Utah’s LGBTQ+ performers, creators, and cultural trailblazers. The black-tie event takes the stage Thursday, November 20, at Soundwell in downtown Salt Lake City, promising an evening of glamour, spectacle, and unapologetic queer joy.
Presented by Missionnaire in partnership with drag luminaries Sequoia, Lady Façade, Cxntcealed Carrie, and Phoenix Park, the Iconique Awards aim to highlight the entertainers, tastemakers, places, and moments that elevate and inspire Utah’s queer nightlife. The show expands upon the success of the Miss Iconique Pageant, which has become a cornerstone of Utah Pride Week festivities.
“Queer culture has always been at the forefront of the zeitgeist,” says Missionnaire. “It’s especially important now to recognize and acclaim the contributions of queer people. Every aspect of the Iconique Awards—the presenters, nominations, performances, and definitely our attire—will reflect that.”
The night begins with a preshow at Ivy & Varley, featuring cocktails and special performances with the hosts. From there, attendees will head to Soundwell for a red-carpet entrance at 7 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 8. The celebration continues into the night with an official afterparty at Why KiKi, featuring guest DJs, more performances, and signature cocktails.
The Iconique Awards voting process itself is as fabulously complex as a drag queen’s contour routine. The “Board of Iconique” — affectionately known as BOI — selected 27 figures from Utah’s queer nightlife to form the Nomination Committee. This group completed several rounds of voting to determine nominees in each category, from outstanding performers and venues to unforgettable cultural moments. Each committee member then invited ten individuals from their community to join the Iconique Voting Academy, whose collective votes will determine the winners announced at the event.
In addition to honoring talent, the show aims to serve as a cultural snapshot—capturing the artistry, resilience, and humor that define queer life in Utah. Organizers say the Iconique Awards were created not only to celebrate excellence but also to foster unity in a time when LGBTQ+ communities nationwide continue to face political and social challenges.
“Utah’s queer scene has always found a way to shine, even when visibility wasn’t easy,” says Lady Façade. “This show is about honoring that spirit—about saying we’re here, we’re thriving, and we’re going to look incredible doing it.”
Past Iconique events have already built a strong following. The 2025 Miss Iconique Drag Showcase, which featured local drag stars Mari Cona, Barbin, and Jenna Tea, drew crowds of hundreds and appearances from TV personalities Bronwyn Newport and Barby Garcia. Organizers expect the Iconique Awards to build on that excitement—melding pageantry, performance, and a sense of community pride.
Tickets for the Iconique Awards are on sale now at iconiqueevents.org. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress — this is a black-tie event, after all — and to arrive early for the red carpet. A limited-time promo code, ICON5ONLY, offers $5 off ticket purchases.
For the performers, producers, and community members shaping Utah’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, the Iconique Awards promise to be more than a ceremony—they’re a declaration of visibility and vitality. As Sequoia puts it, “It’s going to be iconique—with a ‘q.’”
Nominees:
The 2025 Iconique Award
The person who has undeniably left their mark on local queer culture. Our greatest honor of the night.
Drag Queen Artist of the Year
Celebrating the drag queen performer who set the standard this year with artistry, originality, and community impact both on and off stage.
Barbin
Gaye
Kawaii Kiki Blink
Kay Bye
Lady Façade
Lydia Chlamydia
Ms. Meredith
Nancy Raygun
Sequoia
Drag King of the Year
Celebrating the drag king performer who set the standard this year with artistry, originality, and community impact both on and off stage.
Justin Secrecy
Kory Edgewood
Liam Manchesthair
Mik Jäger
Notta Genda
Post-Op Malone
Willie Touchya
Not Everything Is About Drag Award for Best Other Nonspecific Performer
Honoring the performer of any discipline whose talent, consistency, and creative vision inspired the community.
Daddy the Clown
DJ Hysteria
DJ Sheāde
Jax Creative
Nami
The Solutions
Burlesque Performer of the Year
Celebrating the burlesque artist whose stagecraft, glamour, and storytelling brought the art form to life this year.
Antonio
Dr. Rubi K. Rose
Gigi Von She
Kolumbia Monroe
Rosa Rica
Gia Bianca Stephens Lifetime Achievement Award
Celebrating the elder whose wisdom, humor, and presence made/make them a cherished part of the queer community. Our favorite 35+ person.
Divina 2.0
Kolumbia Monroe
Madazon Can-Can
Mona Diet
Randy Oveson
Beautiful Beautiful Gowns Award for Excellence in Costume Design
Celebrating the designer whose creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail brought fashion and performances to life in unforgettable style.
Ana Lee Kage
Diana Lone
Lady Dy
Lauren Rose
M’Lady Wood
Satanica Lovescum
Hostess with the Mostess
For the host who excelled in charisma, audience engagement, and memorability at every event.
Cvntcealed Carrie
Hoe Shi Minh
Ivy Dior Stephens
Justice Legacy
Kay Bye
The High Body Count Hair Award for Excellence in Wigs
Recognizing the stylist who delivered boldness, beauty, and consistency in hair artistry that elevated local queer culture.
Isaac Amundson
Kylie From Hell
Lorem Ipsum
Lucy Fur
Mari Cona
Marlo Suzzanne
Mugstress of the Year
For the artist whose face is always stamped and their makeup skills, innovation, and signature style left a lasting mark.
Katie Party of 2
Kory Edgewood
Lady Façade
Lilia Maughn
Mari Cona
Starlett Mars Magazine
The 8 Award for Most Iconique Number
Honoring the single performance that stood out for creativity, execution, and lasting impact.
Barbin — “Miss Iconique”
Cliff Swallows — “Willy Wonka”
Diana Lone — “Princess Di”
Jax Creative — “Rage (Dark Carnival)”
Ms. Meredith — “All That Jazz”
Nancy Raygun — “Miss Iconique”
Phoenix Park — “Hillary Clinton”
Sky Faux — “Cunk on Earth”
The Rising Star Award for Best New Drag Performer
The emerging artist who has displayed exceptional talent, growth, and promise to contribute to Utah queer culture. This is for performers who have performed for under two years.
Beverly Vesper
Charlie Rose Toy
Cliff Swallows
Fenty
Hardy Harr
La Machis
Mercury Faux
Starlett Mars Magazine
Tydawna
White Chocolate
Advocate of the Year
Recognizing the person or organization who championed queer rights and visibility through dedication, impact, and community leadership, making a meaningful difference in queer people’s lives.
Bronwyn Newport
Mitski Avalox
Nuanua Collective
Utah March
Veronika DaVil
Fanny Brice Award for Being a Funny Girl
Awarded to the comedian whose wit, originality, and performance style made the community laugh hardest in 2025.
Craig Sorensen
Cvntcealed Carrie
Hoe Shi Minh
Phoenix Park
Sequoia
The Sapph Award
For that special someone who really puts the L in Utah LGBTQIA+.
Adelle
Diva Cupp
DJ Sheāde
Katie Party of 2
Lia Clark
Luna Sol
Gay Event of the Year
Recognizing the event that significantly impacted local queer life through visibility, inclusion, memorability, and community connection.
Dyked x Fervor
Gender Free Haircut Club
Miss Iconique
Sappho
SLC Pride
Those Bitches
Utah Pride
Producer of the Year
Honoring the individual behind the scenes whose vision, organization, and creativity brought unforgettable events, shows, or performances to life in 2025.
Hot Take Burlesque
House of Temptaxxxions
Ivy Dior Stephens
JRC Events
Missionnaire
Favorite Reality Star
Recognizing a local reality personality who stood out for authenticity, entertainment value, and cultural relevance. Who are the gays living for?
Angie Katsanevas
Bronwyn Newport
Heather Gay
Layla Taylor
Mary Cosby
No Child Left Behind Award
for Queens Who Can Read
Honoring the shadiest drag performer whose reads stood out for their humor, sharpness, and delivery.
Best Gay Gathering Place
Recognizing the space that brought queer folks together through atmosphere, inclusivity, and community vibes.
Blue Genes
HK Brewing
Lady Façade’s house
The comment section
Why KiKi
Excellence in Briefs Award for Favorite Gogo Dancer
Celebrating the dancer who brought energy, stage presence, and magnetism to every appearance. Looking hot doesn’t hurt.
Antonio
Corey
Dr. Rubi K. Rose
Justin Secrecy
Nicholas Gibas
Drag Hag of the Year
For the ultimate drag devotee who knows every queen, attends every show, and lives and breathes drag culture—your dedication, enthusiasm, and legendary fandom do not go unnoticed.
Jacob Buck
Juicy Meli
Morgon Barningham
Ray Taylor
Sonny Sly
Trevor Bird
Yara Al-badri
Favorite Bartender
For the bartender who not only served incredible drinks but embodied community connection, and memorable energy.
Alyssa — HK Brewing
Carter — Milk+
Chase — Blue Genes
Goth Natalie — The Sun Trapp
Ken — Spritz
Maria — Why KiKi
Unsung Hero of the Queer Community
For the thing that made a quiet yet powerful difference through service, dedication, and support of queer life in Utah.
Canva templates
Free PREP at Costco
Friends with DashPass
Private VPNs
SSRIs
Best Local Dish for Tops or Bottoms Who Don’t Care
Celebrating the favorite dish or local spots known for taste and comfort in our community.
A cheesy gordita crunch
A hotdog outside The Sun Trapp
A mug
Arepas at Arempa’s
Girls Who Smash
Most Immaculate Vibes Hands Down
Awarded to the person, place, or moment that radiated positivity, energy, and pure vibes.
A mug
Greeting your friends with an elegant European-style
double-cheek kiss
Julia Reagan billboards
No hangover
The Girl So Confusing Award for Best Feud
Recognizing the rivalry or shady clash that became iconic through its impact, entertainment value, and memorability.
Lexi Gold vs Gravity
Goth Natalie vs Non-goths
RPDR UK vs The World
Sequoia vs A door
Twinks vs Other twinks
The Girl So Confusing Remix Award for Best Collaboration
Recognizing the collaborative production or moment that became iconic through its impact, entertainment value, and memorability.
Dyked + Fervor
Jenna Tea + Ms. Meredith
Lady Façade + Missionnaire
Marlo Suzzanne + Galaxxy Band
Pattie Gonia + Sequoia
Club Rush Award for Thing to Fade Out of The Culture
A cheeky farewell to the trend, habit, or phrase that’s officially ready for retirement in 2025.
Drag queens jumping forward onto their knees for no
reason no seriously for what
Flats on stage
Labubu
The Fall of Lexi Gold
Primadonna Girl Award for Song to Stop Performing
Highlighting the track we love that every performer has in their repertoire—and maybe it’s time to let it go.
“ALIEN SUPERSTAR” (if ur white)
“JOYRIDE.”
“Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
“Physical”
“Pink Pony Club”
“This Is Me”
Diva Down Award For Most Iconique Injury
Because beauty is pain and pain makes history. This award honors the year’s most memorable, talked-about, and community-famous injury.
Hoe Shi Minh — “Barstool”
Jenna Tea — “Handstand”
Kawaii Kiki Blink — “Concussions?”
Lucy Fur — “Swollen knee”
Rovie Wade — “Car crash”
Trade of the Season
Awarded to the person whose confidence, style, and undeniable presence made him unforgettable. Also we all agree this person is hot.
Andrew Perry
Andrew Reed
Brent Atherley
Christion Hall
Jesús Rodriguez
Josh Mikel
Hot Girl We’re Living For
Honoring the diva who embodied beauty, charisma, unapologetic self-expression, and undeniable allyship.
CC99
Charlie Rose Toy
Jada Smith
Jade Draper
Jaemen Paul Ho’opukaikalamakahikina Cobb
Sacoya
Best Campaign Design
Honoring the marketing or branding effort that stood out for originality, execution, and cultural impact.
Dyked
Embrace the Void
Fervor
MUCK
The Wedding Party
Best IGLive Performance
Awarded to the Instagram Live performance that showcased creativity, authenticity, and audience engagement.
“Gaia Gate”
“Cvntcealed Carrie Miss Iconique IGLive takeover”
“Quarter Gate”
Ur mom joining a live
Missionnaire Fashion Icon Award
Recognizing someone whose fashion sense consistently turns heads—bold, refined, effortless, chic, and inspiring others to embrace their own unique look.
Gage Mansfield
Hysteria
Jacob Martin
Jaemen Paul Ho’opukaikalamakahikina Cobb
Joseph Gray
Rico Please
Sarah Hipp
Tyree Johnson
Nightlife Song of the Year
The song the gays are loving this year.
“Abracadabra”
“Gnarly”
“Golden”
“Sports car”
“Zombieboy”
