The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2026 - Issue 39

biteevents The Abbey’s 35th Anniversary Giedre Jackyte highlights the LGBTQ+ community, culture, and contributions that made The Abbey’s 35th Anniversary a huge celebration. W hile not a fashion show in the traditional sense, The Abbey’s 35th Anniversary celebration was a reminder of the powerful role cultural spaces play in shaping identity, community and visibility. Held in West Hollywood and attended by some of the biggest names in entertainment, the evening celebrated the longevity of an iconic venue and its enduring contribution to LGBTQ+ culture over the past three and a half decades. Hosted by comedian and actress Megan Stalter, the event brought together an impressive mix of music, television, fashion and LGBTQ+ figures for a night that felt equal parts celebration, tribute and cultural milestone. The atmosphere was one of joy and grat- itude, reflecting the significance of a venue that has become synonymous with West Hollywood nightlife and queer visibility. The evening’s entertainment line-up reflected The Abbey’s status as a cultural institution. A DJ set from RuPaul set the tone early in the night. At the same time, singer-songwriter and actor Adam Lambert premiered his new track ‘Under the Rhythm’, intro- duced by longtime friend, mixed martial artist and coach Mayhem Miller, before taking to the DJ booth alongside owner Tristan Schukraft. These moments felt less like celebrity appearances and more like acknowledgements of the venue’s role as a gather- ing place for artists, performers and the LGBTQ+ community. One of the most memorable highlights was a Spice Girls tribute performed by drag superstars Aquaria, Trinity the Tuck, Heidi N Closet, Vanjie and Sugar. The performance captured the playful spirit of the evening before evolving into a genuine surprise when Melanie C herself appeared to launch the afterparty. Later joined by Christina Aguilera in the DJ booth, the celebration transformed into a vibrant collision of pop culture nostalgia and contemporary queer nightlife. Beyond the performances, the guest list underscored the venue’s far-reaching cultural influence. Figures