Ms Cobalt 2014 is . . .

Congratulations to Valynne Vile, who took home the title of Ms Cobalt 2014!

Anna Propriette and Shanda Leer rounded out the top three, and it was a tough choice because each girl embodies the unapologetic and creative spirit of queer East Van.

I judged the second round of the contest, and Valynne was an obvious star. She got her start in drag just last year at the Mr/Ms Cobalt 2013 competition and has since been in high demand, calling The Cobalt home and the people who frequent it family.

I once did a write-up on Valynne for my column Blitz & Shitz and billed her as being “like Sharon Needles, without the ego.”

Known for her spooky glamour, Valynne has a defined character but isn’t afraid of stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something new. Whether tackling the living dead, a trashy diva or Sailor Jupiter, her versatility and dedication — along with her drinking problem — make her the perfect ambassador for The Cobalt.

Note: I’ll be adding a video of Valynne’s winning performance as soon as one is uploaded.

Keep Reading

Mya Foxx with an up arrow behind her; PM with a down arrow behind her

‘Canada’s Drag Race’ Season 6, Episode 3 power ranking: Big Sister

Social strategy comes into play in a big way—but does it pay off?
Icesis Couture and Pythia behind podiums

‘Canada’s Drag Race’ Season 6, Episode 3 recap: Pick your drag poison

Season 6’s top 11 queens get to choose their own adventure: Snatch Game or design challenge?
The cover of Casanova 20; Davey Davis

Davey Davis’s new novel tenderly contends with the COVID-19 pandemic

“Casanova 20” follows the chasms—and—connections between generations of queer people
Two young men, one with dark hair and one with light hair, smile at each other. The men are shirtless and in dark bedding.

‘Heated Rivalry’ is the steamy hockey romance we deserve

The queer Canadian hockey drama packs heart and heat, setting it apart from other MLM adaptations