By Kevin Ferrisi –

This past weekend, Trevi Lounge was ablaze with excitement as fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race gathered to witness the thrilling finale of season 16, which saw Nymphia Wind crowned as the newest drag superstar. The festivities didn’t end there, as attendees were treated to a spectacular night featuring some of the most beloved local drag talents and living icon, from RuPaul’s Drag Race, season 6 contestant, Gia Gunn.

As the neon lights of Trevi Lounge flickered to life, the air buzzed with anticipation. It was the climax of the season, the grand finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the crowd was alive with excitement. Drag enthusiasts poured into the venue, their spirits high and their expectations even higher. At the heart of it all was Nymphia Wind, a beacon of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. Her journey through the competition had been nothing short of spectacular, and now, as she stood poised on the brink of victory, her fans gathered to witness her crowning moment.

Highlighting the evening was Gia Gunn, famed contestant from season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, who headlined the event. Gia, known for her charismatic presence and dynamic performances, dazzled the crowd, reminding everyone why she remains a standout figure in the drag community. The stage came alive with the presence of Gia Gunn, a queen whose star had risen high since her days on the Drag Race runway. With every flick of her wrist and every word she uttered, Gia commanded the attention of the room, reminding everyone why drag was not just an art form but a way of life.

Adding a special touch to the event, VIP ticket holders had the exclusive opportunity to meet Gia Gunn in person during a pre-show meet and greet session, complete with a photo op that created lasting memories. The show was hosted by the dynamic duo Bleach and Angel Rivers, whose banter and charm kept the audience engaged between acts. The hilarious but stunning couple also performed throughout the night. Local drag favorite Ryder Die also graced the stage, delivering a performance that resonated well with hometown fans.

Each local entertainer performed a lip-sync and dance number to a musical mix building up the energy in the room that led to each of Gia Gunn’s two sets. As Gia closed the first set of the night with a mesmerizing lip-sync to Toni Braxton’s ‘You’re Makin Me High’, the audience was already captivated by her electrifying presence. But just as the song reached its climax, Gia stunned everyone by casually lighting a joint on the dance floor, perfectly timed with the beginning of 420, just minutes before the clock reached midnight, the start of the unofficial cannabis holiday. The room erupted into cheers and applause as she effortlessly blended her performance with a bold statement of celebration.

Gia then took a moment to greet the packed venue saying, “How many 420 people do we have up in here,” as the crowd breaks out into a roaring cheer. She continued with, “I said, I don’t know if they smoke weed over there in Connecticut but tomorrow is 420.” The audience responded immediately, acknowledging the legality of cannabis in the state. Gia said, “I thought, I don’t know what they do over there but I know tomorrow you guys have a 420 party, so…” as she implied that she felt she was in a safe space to celebrate. She thanked everyone for welcoming her into their home venue and for all the love the local drag fans have shown.

Gia Gunn is a prominent drag performer renowned for her appearances on reality television. She first captivated audiences as a contestant on season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, securing the 10th position, and later returned to showcase her talents on All Stars, season 4, achieving the 8th spot. Gia’s star continued to rise as she graced the second season of The Switch Drag Race, the Chilean iteration of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she emerged as the runner-up. Notably, Gia holds the distinction of being the sixth contestant to bravely come out as transgender, further solidifying her impact and influence within the drag community.

Later in the evening, for her second set, Gia continued to push boundaries, seamlessly transitioning from Soul II Soul’s ‘Back to Life’ to Little Mix’s ‘Wings’ in a mash-up that celebrated body positivity. With each move, she exuded confidence and empowerment, leaving the audience inspired and uplifted by her fearless artistry.

Taking advantage of the last opportunity to bond with the adoring crowd, she explained, “Y’all, I had such a good fucking time with you guys tonight. Thank you so much for welcoming me here in Fairfield motherfucking Connecticut. I love places like this, it truly reminds me of when I was growing up as a little gay boy, figuring out, at the time, I just thought I was gay. But then further through drag, I actually was able to find myself and be proud to be the transgender woman that I am.”

She continued with, “I am so thankful for drag because it really shaped me into the woman that I am today. Please continue to support drag and community. Honestly, it’s all we got and anytime you can speak out for a trans person, please do so. Fucked up shit is happening to all of us in the world but even more so to my trans brothers and sisters. So, I really appreciate you guys supporting me and the girls tonight. Thank you so much for having me.”

The event at Trevi Lounge not only celebrated the latest RuPaul’s Drag Race champion but also underscored the vibrant and inclusive drag culture that thrives in Fairfield, bringing together fans and performers in a night of joy and entertainment. As the night drew to a close, the echoes of applause filled the air, a testament to the unforgettable evening that had unfolded at Trevi Lounge. The event had not only celebrated the crowning of a new drag superstar but had also highlighted the vibrant and inclusive culture that thrived within Connecticut’s drag scene.

Click here to check out all the photos in the events gallery of Gia Gunn, at Trevi Lounge in Fairfield, CT on April 19, 2024. Photos by Ray Rivera.