Darwin queen scoops accolade at the 2019 Australia LGBTI Awards

DARWIN drag queen Miss Ellaneous has won artist of the year at the 2019 Australia LGBTI Awards in Sydney

Ben Graetz aka Miss Ellaneous poses with the Artist of the Year award at the 2019 Australian LGBTI Awards (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Image)

DARWIN drag queen Miss Ellaneous has won artist of the year at the 2019 Australia LGBTI Awards in Sydney.

It’s the first time the ‘artist’ accolade has been part of the annual awards, a category that recognises the cultural work being done to keep LGBTQI issues visible in the arts.

In her acceptance speech Miss Ellaneous, aka Ben Graetz, said she was “truly humbled and honoured”.

Miss Ellaneous also paid her respects to the LGBTIQA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who “paved the way”.

“I am honoured to have been recognised and acknowledged for my artistry and I’m lucky to be working in a career that not only creates change but allows me to pursue my passion of creating much- needed visibility to my black and culturally diverse community,” she said.

“We currently have an epidemic of suicide in this country which is twice the national average for my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“And although not documented we know that a large proportion of this is within our brotha boys, sista girls and rainbow community.

“I dedicate this award to my brother and mentor David Page and for all those who are no longer with us, but continue to inspire me to keep doing the work that I am doing.”

More than 2000 people were nominated across 18 categories in the awards.

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