2026 LORING AWARDS

EMPOWERING QUEER CREATIVES

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Awarded for an EP or LP released between January 1st, 2025 and January 1st, 2026 by a Minnesotan musical act with one or more queer individuals. The higher percentage of queers involved, the better chance of receiving a nomination. Any act can be recommended for a nomination.

After Luck - Mikey Marget
Gully Boys - Gully Boys
Something Profound - anni xo *WINNER*
To The Core - Sophie Hiroko

RECORD OF THE YEAR

Awarded for a musical recording released between January 1st, 2025 and January 1st, 2026 by a Minnesotan musical act with one or more queer individuals. The higher percentage of queers involved, the better chance of receiving a nomination. Any band can be suggested for a nomination.

No Promise (I'll Be Fine) - Kym and the Kick *WINNER*
Right 14 Me - SYM1 and Moistbreezy
Sunbathe - Daphne Jane
TV Head - 26 BATS!

MUSICAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Awarded to a prominent Minnesotan queer artist/band that has released or produced original music and/or performed original music in 2025. Must be queer and must identify with Minnesota.

anni xo *WINNER*
Daphne Jane
Gully Boys
SYM1

UPCOMING MUSICAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Awarded to an upcoming Minnesota queer artist/band that has released or produced original music and/or performed original music in 2025. Must be queer and must identify with Minnesota.

Kym and the Kick
Mikey Marget
Sophie Hiroko *WINNER*

DRAG ROYAL OF THE YEAR

Awarded to a drag queen, drag king, or non-binary drag entertainer who identified with Minnesota and it's drag scene in 2025.

Anne Noying
Jack Jester
Lala Luzious *WINNER*
MizDiagnosis
Rose Nylon

PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Awarded to a prominent Twin Cities actor, dancer, speaker, or other form of performance outside of music and drag performance that performed in Minnesota during 2025. Must be queer and must identify with Minnesota.

Aurora Veil
Berto Borroto / Aranya
Denzel Belin
Jack Jester
Monty Hays
Trẻ Da Marc *WINNER*

MULTIMEDIA ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Awarded to a prominent Twin Cities creative that has created some type of multimedia art in Minnesota during 2025. Must be queer and must identify with the Twin Cities area.

A. Love Unlaced
Anne Noying
Ariesfirebomb
Mexica Xadows
Rose Nylon *WINNER*

CREATIVE ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR

Awarded to a Minnesotan queer activist that advocated on behalf of the queer community and/or its interests in 2025. Must be queer and must identify with Minnesota.

Ariesfirebomb
Berto Borroto / Aranya
Denzel Belin
Mrs. Moxie *WINNER*
Shelby Stahl

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