Queens, kings, club kids and their fans packed Fantasy Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted St., for the third annual Gaggys on Oct. 15. Hosted by drag legends Alexandrea Diamond, Abhijeet, Bambi Banks and Lucy Stoole, the Gaggys celebrate the best in Chicago’s drag and queer nightlife scene.
“Drag is such a labor of love, so any time it is recognized by your peers is really lovely,” said Helvetikah Blak, who took home the coveted Gaggy for Entertainer of the Year. Kitty Banks and Pagina were awarded Drag Queen of the Year and Drag King of the Year respectively.
The night featured performances from this year’s Entertainer of the Year (EOY) nominees Boy J, Helvetikah Blak, Khloe Park, Neutral Gena, Ramona Slick and Stephanie, as well as a performance from last year’s EOY winner, the self-proclaimed “homegirl of Halsted”, Sativa Diamond.
Five nightlife legends were also honored with special awards for their contributions to Chicago’s queer nightlife community. Shaun J. Wright was awarded the Frankie Knuckles Genre Defining Award for their contributions to Chicago’s house music scene. The Jojo Baby Life of the Party Award, named in honor of the late Chicago club kid Jojo Baby, went to everyone’s favorite party mom, Kristen Kaza.
Kaza, the host of femme-fronted dance party Slo ‘Mo at Avondale’s Sleeping Village, shouted out the queer and trans mothers that came before her during her acceptance speech, including trans activist Miss Major, who passed away earlier this month. Kaza herself is a mother to twin girls.
“Being a mom is not bound by biology,” said Kaza. “I see a lot of moms and a lot of leaders in this room.”
Jim Flint, longtime owner of Chicago’s famed Baton Show Lounge received the Gaggy Legacy Award for his advocacy in Chicago’s queer nightlife community. Flint is the founder of the Miss Continental Pageant, one of the first major pageants to welcome trans women as contestants.
The Gaggy Vanguard Award went to drag queen Dakota Monroe to celebrate her 22 years performing on stages across the city, and the Our Lady of Tajma Hall of Fame Award went to Sheri Payne, the longest running Baton Show Lounge cast member.
Winners throughout the night spoke on the importance of banding together in the face of Trump’s immigration crackdown.
“There are performers, bar staff and people from the scene who are afraid to leave the house,” said Gaggys host Abhijeet. “We have to be there physically and materially for each other.”
At least one attendee did not accept their award in person out of fear that ICE may be present in the neighborhood.
“ICE is affecting our club,” said Gaggys host Alexandrea Diamond. “We have been the only latino, POC club on the strip for 25 years. Thank you to the community for supporting us.”
The categories this year also celebrated the people behind the glittery stage, with nominees taking home awards in the categories of Best Dancer, Best Bar and Best Wig Stylist. EOY nominee Boy J took home the award for Best Male Entertainer, and Mister Mistress and Haley Diamond were awarded Best Newcomer King and Best Newcomer Queen respectively.
