An Epic Event, For and Inspired By Our Incredible Community

GO Magazine's 2016 Readers' Choice Nightlife Awards recap

We would like to thank everyone who joined us to celebrate LGBTQ nightlife at GO Magazine’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Nightlife Awards on Wednesday evening at XL Nightclub. Queer nightlife is about more than a party; it’s about finding community in safe spaces to express our love and true selves.

As a publication rooted in New York City, we are continually inspired by the way our community comes together to uplift one another. That’s what we celebrated on Wednesday night. DJ Robi D Light kept the crowd feeling fresh all evening with her hot beats and unique tracks. Dancer/choreographer extraordinaire Megz Alfonso and beatbox champion and recording artist Butterscotch opened the award ceremony with swoon-worthy and inspiring performances. Butterscotch reiterated our feelings exactly when she said, “That’s why we’re here tonight: to be out and to be proud!” Our good friend, top androgynous model Rain Dove, then took the stage to announce the winners of each of the 50 awards handed out, all voted on by YOU, our readers.

Our red carpet was filled with nominees – from entertainers to DJs to bar owners and drag queens and kings – who gathered for photos and interviews. Check out our images from the awards on gomag.com. Look for the red carpet interviews, conducted by TV personality and musician Kiyomi Valentine and award-winning LGBT journalist Alex Berg, in the next week or so on GO TV or our Facebook page. We also want to see YOUR amazing photos from the night, so be sure to tag us on Instagram @gomagazineny or email them to webeditor@gomag.com.

From bartenders, entertainers and DJs to bar owners and promoters, we appreciate all that our vibrant, amazing community does to keep queer spaces thriving. And for those of you who missed our live announcements at this star-studded event, read on for a list of all the winners!

Honorary Award: Lea Delaria
Honorary Award: Grace Chu
Honorary Award: Maro Hagopian
Honorary Award: Shea Carmen Swan
Honorary Award: Diva Dodgeball
Honorary Award: Lez Volley
Honorary Award: Spice NYC’s Pride Art and Music Festival

Best Emcee: CB Glasser
Best Go-Go Dancer: Cat Widdifield
Sexiest Burlesque: Rox Republic
Best Burlesque Performer: The Maine Attraction
Favorite Drag King: Goldie Peacock
Favorite Drag Queen: Crimson Kitty
Best Comic: Michele Balan
Best Overall Entertainer: Lola Von Rox

Most Engaging DJ: DJ Tikka Masala
Most Eclectic DJ: DJ Culi
Best Mixes: DJ Avg Jo and DJ Stacy
Hottest Beats: DJ RosyQ
Best R&B DJ: DJ Robi D Light
Best Hip Hop DJ: DJ Mary Mac
Best House DJ: DJ Nikki Lions
Best Overall DJ: DJ Amber Valentine

Mixologist Extraordinaire: Ednita (E) Lee
Friendliest Flirt/Bartender: Krys Robens
Babeliest Bartender: Kristine Bungay
Best Overall Bartender: Debbie Greenberg
Favorite Door Person: Dot Katsias

Hippest Crowd: Hot Rabbit
Most Eclectic Crowd: Turnt Up Fridays
Sexiest Dancers: Lesbo-A-GoGo
Best Music: Bad Habit
Best Fashion Event: dapperQ iD
Best Ambiance: girlNATIONnyc
Best Karaoke Night: Anything Goes
Party with the Sexiest Vibe: Las Reinas
Best Annual Event: Whitney Day’s Thanksgiving Eve
Best Party Overall: Misster

Pride 2016 Parties Most Prideful: Pier Pressure
Pride 2016 Parties Best Music: Priday
Pride 2016 Parties Most Unique: Femme Fatale
Pride 2016 Parties Best Overall: Siren

Best Billiards: Ginger’s Bar
Best Chill Spot: Cubbyhole
Best Crowd: Henrietta Hudson
Best Pick-Up Spot: The Stonewall Inn
Best Drink Deals: Cubbyhole
Best Bar New Jersey: Club Feathers
Best Bar Queens: Bum Bum Bar
Best Bar Brooklyn: Ginger’s Bar
Best Bar Manhattan: Henrietta Hudson
Best Community Bar: The Stonewall Inn
Best Bar Overall: Henrietta Hudson


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