The internet would be nothing without queer content creators!
Last night, the annual American Influencer Awards took place virtually to "recognize the top talent on social media in more than 50 beauty, fashion, fitness, and lifestyle categories" and, as expected, the LGBTQ+ community won big! After all, what would the internet be without the queer trendsetters who literally help shape the culture that so many people in the mainstream take for granted?
Scroll through to see some standout queer winners from social media's biggest night, as well as the full list of winners who took home an award!
Trixie Mattel — Drag Influencer of the Year
The Drag Race season 7 alum and All Stars 3 winner is a true multi-hyphenate, balancing a successful hosting, podcasting, YouTube, and music career, and after becoming one of the most recognizable names in all of the international drag fandom, it only makes sense that she took home the prize for Drag Influencer of the Year!
Manny Gutierrez (a.k.a Manny MUA) — Product Review Influencer of the Year
Manny changed the game when it comes to makeup and skincare product reviews on YouTube, and he has been providing both entertainment and useful information to his nearly 5 million subscribers for years already!
Michael Costello — Designer Influencer of the Year
After designing gowns for everyone from Lady Gaga to Mariah Carey to Beyonce, and sharing his beautiful designs with his over 1 million Instagram followers, it's no wonder why Michael Costello's talent helped him nab the AIA for Designer Influencer of the Year.
Olivier Rousteing — International Fashion Influencer of the Year
Balmain's creative director continued to prove to be all our jet setter goals throughout the year!
Nikkie De Jager (a.k.a NikkieTutorials) — International Makeup Artist of the Year
After publicly coming out as transgender in 2020, NikkieTutorials has had an amazing, whirlwind year that included launching her very own makeup brand and attending the Met Gala!
Bretman Rock — Content Creator of the Year
The biggest award of the night went to none other than Bretman Rock, the beauty and lifestyle influencer who is best known for giving everyone on the internet the entertainment they need via his hilarious personality and the relationships he has with his friends and family. With over 8 million YouTube subscribers, Bretman has also been bringing much-needed queer, Filipino-American representation to spaces that have still need more it, including reality TV, the red carpet at major awards shows, and even the cover of Playboy magazine! 2021 was definitely Bretman's year!
Beauty Winners:
Barber Influencer of the Year: Stacey Morris
Celebrity Hair Stylist of the Year: Jesus Guerrero
Celebrity Makeup Artist of the Year: Ariel Tejada
Creative Makeup Artist of the Year: Carrie Esser
Emerging Hair Stylist of the Year: Maribel Nunez
Emerging Makeup Artist of the Year: Luis Alejandro
Hair Colorist of the Year: Jessica Scott Santo
Hair Influencer of the Year: Brad Mondo
Hair Stylist of the Year: Linh Phan
Influencer Beauty Brand of the Year: Henry Vasquez
International Hair Stylist of the Year: Mario Henrique
International Makeup Artist of the Year: Nikkie De Jager
Makeup Influencer of the Year: Angelica Torres
Nail Artist of the Year: Deshauwn Slusher
Skincare Influencer of the Year: Hyram Yarbo
Textured Hair Influencer of the Year: Nikki Nelms
Tutorialist of the Year: Rosy McMichael
Fashion Winners:
Celebrity Stylist of the Year: Monica Rose
Creative Fashionista of the Year: Leslie Quezada
Designer Influencer of the Year: Michael Costello
Drag Influencer of the Year: Trixie Mattel
Emerging Fashion Influencer of the Year: Juliette Porter
Fashion Blogger/Vlogger of the Year: Caitlin Covington
Fashion Haul Influencer of the Year: Nita Danielle
Fashion Influencer of the Year: Alex Costa
International Fashion Influencer of the Year: Olivier Rousteing
Fitness Winners:
Brand Collaboration of the Year: Maddie Ziegler
Celebrity Fitness Trainer of the Year: Melissa Alcantara
Competition Influencer of the Year: Gabi Butler
Emerging Female Fitness Influencer of the Year: Johanna Devries
Emerging Male Fitness Influencer of the Year: Garrett Miller
Female Fitness Influencer of the Year: Chloe Ting
Fitness Instructor of the Year: Alex Toussaint
Fitness Program of the Year: Anna Victoria
International Fitness Influencer of the Year: Saman Munir
Male Fitness Influencer of the Year: Sam Asghari
Nutrition and Wellness Influencer of the Year: Dr. CourtneyTracy
Yoga Influencer of the Year: Cassey Ho
Lifestyle Winners:
Couples Influencer of the Year: Kara and Nate Buchanan
DIY Influencer of the Year: Barbara Lewis
Emerging Lifestyle Influencer of the Year: Maria Gloria
Foodie Influencer of the Year: Soy Nguyen
Gaming Influencer of the Year: Alia Shelesh
Home Design Influencer of the Year: Shea McGee
International Lifestyle Influencer of the Year: Becky Wright and Kelsey MacDermaid
LGBTQIA+ Influencer of the Year: Veondre Mitchell
Lifestyle Blogging Influencer of the Year: Dani Austin
Lifestyle Influencer of the Year: Louie Castro
Parenting/Family Influencer of the Year: Crystal Pettit
Pet Influencer of the Year: Tucker Budzyn
Photography Influencer of the Year: Patty Othon
Product Review Influencer of the Year: Manny Gutierrez
Senior Influencer of the Year: Helen Elam
Tech Influencer of the Year: Marques Brownlee
Travel Influencer of the Year: Garrett Gee
Stream the 2021 American Influencer Awards below!
