HERVEY Bay's own drag performer, Matthew Bonasia aka Kryptonite, has been nominated as 'Performer of the Year', at the 55th annual Queen's Ball Awards Gala for the Brisbane Pride Festival.

Every year, the Queen's Ball Awards Gala recognises the accomplishments of individuals, organisations, and events across Queensland for outstanding achievements within the LGBTIQA+ community.

Maryborough's Diversity 2.0 night has also been nominated for the 'Regular Event of the Year' award.

Matthew Bonasia is the creative director of the Burlesque at the Bayswater and said he's delighted by the nomination.

"It's really nice that my work has been acknowledged in this way," he said.

"It's unusual for a performer like myself to be nominated as it's usually more a mainstream popularity contest, it's very flattering ... Now I want that trophy," Matthew laughed.

Diversity night, held at the Criterion Hotel in Maryborough has been proudly hosting events for the Fraser Coast for over 10 years, and the recognition was welcomed by the whole LGBTIQA+ community.

To cast your vote, head to the link:

http://www.brisbanepride.org.au/the-queens-ball/vote/