DIVA FOREVER: The Drag Industry Variety Awards Celebrates Their 35th Anniversary

The Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVAs) is about to celebrate its 35th anniversary, high on glamour and plenty of back-slapping – a true celebration of Sydney drag. 

Back in 1991, when the first DIVAs were held at DCM Nightclub, it would have been amazing to think we’d still be celebrating the best of our industry with the awards 35 years later.

Credit belongs to David Wilkins, Penny Clifford, and Ian Jopson, who organised an event to celebrate Sydney’s amazing drag queens, and the talents of the people who made up the local gay entertainment industry. They created a community organisation that has continued because of countless volunteers, with support from LGBTQIA+ venues, media, and small businesses.

“When we first sat down to hatch a plan for DIVA back in 1991, we wanted to build something lasting,” said Clifford. “I’m thrilled that over the past three and a half decades, this event has served as the ultimate celebration of Sydney’s drag industry. A heartfelt thank you to all those hardworking Committee legends that have kept the spirit of DIVA alive.”

It’s timely to honour all the wonderful volunteers who over the years have worked hard, and with love, to help DIVA reach and keep a key place in Sydney’s queer tapestry. DIVA is proud to sit within the Sydney rainbow family; its past, present, and its future. 

Hitting a bump in 2008, the company that had produced the event for 18 years was wound up. We now celebrate Greg Steele, a.k.a. Sheila Bliege, and Lex van Netten who, between them, carry the DIVAs forward.

“I first walked into DIVA in 1998, never imagining the journey ahead,” said Bliege. “10 years later, our community rallied to save her. With unwavering support from every corner, it’s been my greatest privilege to honour the heart, resilience and brilliance of Sydney drag.”

As we prepare to award the class of 2026, it’s fair to say the industry has never been in better shape. Young exciting entertainers abound in all corners of Sydney, and fresh creative minds bring stunning costumes, wigs, and routines to life. Fans and supporters will have a broad list of nominations when voting opens on Star Observer’s website.

Name your favourite drag star of the last 35 years and they are more than likely to have a trophy – or for some queens, several – sitting on the sideboard or in the kitchen cupboard. But however many and wherever they’re stored, these trophies hold cherished memories of an illustrious drag career, and a reminder of fabulous times.

The rollcall of winners is like a snapshot in time: you can peruse the list of Entertainers of the Year and suddenly be taken back to that moment, admiring and loving your favourite drag performers and venues. 

But it’s how we recognise those who leave a significant memory, and they historically tell the Sydney drag story; its colour, its art, and its soul. 

Those names make up the DIVA Hall of Fame. On this special occasion we celebrate all our Hall of Famers, and remember those no longer with us, immortalised in the Divas Never Fade 35th anniversary poster.

DIVA extends an open invitation to all our community to join us in this fabulous celebration, at the Wintle Theatre, Souths Juniors Kingsford, on 28 September, 2026. 

Visit divaawards.com.au for more information.