Darwin’s Lasey Dunaman wins second runner up for Miss First Nation Supreme Queen

A Top End drag queen has revealed just why visibility and inclusion is important on the world stage. Watch the video.

A Top End queen has been crowned Miss First Nation’s Supreme Queen second runner up, and she hopes to use her renewed platform to shine a light on self-acceptance.

Darwin-based Kamilaroi queen Lasey Dunaman said drag was an outlet to be her authentic self.

One of her onstage goals was “visibility as a First Nations drag queen”.

“It’s for other people, but it’s also an outlet for myself as well,” she said.

“I was quite a feminine young boy but I had to hold it within, I couldn’t express myself because I was picked and prodded every time I did.

“So I think now, as a grown man – I’m 40 now – it allows me that forum to express that femininity that I had to hold back so much.”

Kamilaroi queen Lasey Dunaman was the only NT representative at 2023's Miss First Nation Supreme Queen competition during Sydney World Pride.

Ms Dunaman said pride meant acknowledgment and acceptance to her.

“I grew up in rural New South Wales, from a very strict Roman Catholic family, it was quite difficult,” she said.

“I was married, I had children young and tried to live that straight life to please my family.

“It was hard, but I’ve seen the light and I knew that I needed to be my authentic self and if I wanted to raise honest children who could also be themselves and open, then I needed to be as well.”

Top 3 woop woop. Supreme Queen the amazingly talented miss @cerulean 1st Runner up Corey March and second runner up Lasey Dunaman & Miss Deadly sash.
Photo @Josephmayerphotography@SydWorldPride

🏳️‍🌈🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🏳️‍⚧️#kamilaroiqueenpic.twitter.com/G9EZU5qrQJ

— Lasey Dunaman Dq (@LaseyDunaman) March 2, 2023

Ms Dunaman was offered the chance to renew her title as Miss First Nation’s Supreme Queen – after she previously won in 2018 – at Sydney World Pride.

She was the only NT queen to compete in 2023.

“It’s amazing, it’s so humbling,” she said.

“Especially in a First Nations arena, to be able to get down there and represent the Northern Territory is really heartwarming.”

The Top End's Mardi Gras float was inspired by the NT's starry skies. Picture: Joshua Diao

Sydney World Pride’s Mardi Gras Parade also featured a Northern Territory float inspired by the starry sky.

Behind the NT government’s Northern Stars float were 80 followers adorned in colour-changing, inflatable stars.

Equity and Inclusion Minister Lauren Moss said she was thrilled to be a part of this year’s Mardi Gras float.

“I’m proud that our Government is making it easier than ever for more LGBTQIA+ Territorians to participate in Pride events,” she said.

“We have made significant inroads with a range of social reforms that have had a positive impact on our local community and we will continue to support a safe and inclusive Territory.”