Overview

• Carpenter earned Best Album for her 2024 release Short n' Sweet and thanked “my queens on stage” during her acceptance speech.
• During her performance, participants carried placards reading “In trans we trust,” “Protect trans rights,” “Support local drag,” and other slogans.
• Outlets identified the moment as a show of solidarity in a climate of policy moves under President Donald Trump that target transgender rights, including proposed firearm restrictions criticized by the NRA and the removal of “gender ideology” language from federal websites.
• The onstage lineup included Drag Race figures Symone, Willam, Denali, Laganja Estranja, and Lexi Love, alongside ballroom performers Dashaun Wesley and Honey Balenciaga.
• A fan-shot clip of Carpenter’s surprised reaction to the win drew over 1 million views on X as discussion continued over criticism of her new album Man’s Best Friend and its cover imagery.