Newfoundland hosts inaugural Drag Awards celebrating local talent

The first Newfoundland Drag Awards took place at The Rockhouse in St. John's, celebrating local drag talent. The event was organized by Dakota Blake and Dill March, who created the non-profit Drag is Art to support the drag community after the closure of Velvet Night Club. The awards featured six categories, including new and emerging drag artist, which was won by Fifi Fofum. Public nominations and votes determined the winners, with about 1,000 submissions and 6,000 ballots cast. The event also honored the late drag queen Reign Michaels. Despite the loss of a key performance venue, the awards brought the community together. Performers expressed excitement about the event and the opportunity to showcase new talent, highlighting the importance of unity in the local drag scene.