Droves of the best dressed queer and trans people in New York City funnelled into an airy courtyard in Bushwick's 99 Scott on June 10 to celebrate Them’s third annual Now Awards, our celebration of 11 LGBTQ+ people at the forefront of culture and change.
Our Now Awards recipients were honored for their inspiring work across categories like fashion, acting, music, internet influence, and more. Following welcoming remarks by Them editor-in-chief Sarah Burke, comedian and emcee Jes Tom took the stage, kicking off a night of laughs, cheers, and tears from the crowd gathered inside the glass façade of 99 Scott.
Some honorees, including Berlin fashion brand GmbH co-founder Benjamin Alexander Huseby, came from far and wide to accept their awards. Actor Elliot Page commended TV & Film award recipient Devery Jacobs for their work in Reservation Dogs, Backspot, and their efforts to uplift Indigiqueer voices, both on- and off-screen. Following Jacobs’ speech, Alma Avalle, vice president of the NewsGuild of New York, presented Oklahoma state representative Mauree Turner with the award for activism for their dedication and resilience in fighting for trans rights during an onslaught of legislative violence. Presented by MUNA lead singer Katie Gavin, lesbian pop star Reneé Rapp accepted her award in music. (Rapp used the opportunity to jokingly come out as straight, while praising the queer and trans people of color who “create culture.”) Actor John Cameron Mitchell graciously accepted the Now Award in Art on behalf of drag icon Jinkx Monsoon. And because queer pride exists year-round, Walmart presented the Founders Award to six LGBTQ+ business founders making that mission, and the Now Awards celebration, possible.
But the night wouldn’t have been complete without honoring the life and legacy of a titan in New York City’s trans community and beyond, Cecilia Gentili, who passed away just four months ago. In an emotional speech, Ceyenne Doroshow, a godmother of the Black trans liberation movement and an icon in her own right, presented Gentili posthumously with the Vanguard Award. Closing out the ceremony, Honey Balenciaga presented the Nightlife award to ballroom legend Leggoh JohVera, who stunned the crowd as he emceed a spontaneous ball in the venue’s courtyard. Dancers dropped and stunted as dozens of queer people circled around, snapping, cheering, and bopping to the music.
After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a photobooth sponsored by Wella Professionals and sampled their Miracle Hair Rescue Leave-In Treatment. And as the afterparty raged, attendees got to witness one of the biggest treats of the night: a surprise performance by Internet Influence award recipient Ve’ondre Mitchell and Aliyah’s Interlude of their hit song “It Girl (Remix).” Attendees shouted out the lyrics with precision.
If you want to see more of the event, check out photos from the night below and be sure to read the Now Awards profiles written for each of the honorees.
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