Sunshine Queer Collective hosts region’s first queer ball for LGBTQIA+ community

A LGBTQIA+ community will embrace their authentic selves at a first-of-its-kind event on the Sunshine Coast, which aims to recreate the formal experience.

Miss Lady Saint Diva, Sellma Soul and Wild King Quinn will be performing at the Sunshine Coast's Queer Ball. Photos: social media, contributed

LGBTQIA+ people of all ages have a chance to show off their sparkle in the safety and warm embrace of the Sunshine Coast’s queer community at an inclusive event.

Sunshine Queer Collective is hosting a not-for-profit Queer Ball on October 4 at the Banana Bender Pub as the first LGBTQIA+ event of its kind in the region.

Chairperson Zo Wilson said the event will showcase “our vibrant and inclusive community” with a focus on “true inclusivity” by providing easy access for guests of all ability and mobility.

The event will also offer ticketing options including free entry for support workers accompanying guests and ticketing price points to accommodate financial situations.

Mx (the honorific requested) Wilson said the Queer Ball was a “passion project” for the group.

“Not many LGBTQIA+ people were able to go to their school formal as their authentic selves,” they said.

“We hope to recreate this experience, with people being able to dress in a way that expresses their identity and celebrate safely with other members of the community.”

The event will have volunteers from community group Free Mum Hugs attending “to give out the love and support” to guests.

Mx Wilson said it was important to include Sunshine Coast performers part of the LGBTQIA+ community in their line-up of entertainers.

“We have sought out the best entertainers to make sure the event is vibrant, high energy and great value for money,” they said.

Natalia Napper and Zo Wilson from Sunshine Queer Collective. Photo: Kate Whatman

The event will also have plenty of opportunities to dance to DJ Crockey’s “signature upbeat, fabulously queer vibes” and a photo booth will be set up for guests to enjoy.

Mx Wilson said they had started a social group on the Sunshine Coast that frequently held smaller events and quickly noticed the region’s large LGBTQIA+ community.

Without any bars or clubs catering specifically to the community, the group has to rely on events to connect with each other, Mx Wilson said.

“I had big dreams of holding a large, vibrant, fantastically queer event, and when I told my friends about it they were really enthusiastic about making it happen,” they said.

In 2023, the social group had formed a committee to become the Sunshine Queer Collective with the intent to deliver the Queer Ball but faced a setback when the venue initially booked had shut down and the committee lost its deposit.

Mx Wilson said they had been able to come back “bigger and better” this year with the Banana Bender Pub offering their support.

DJ Crockey and Miss Lady Saint Diva (back row), Wild King Quinn, Natalia Napper, Corey Baden and Zo Wilson (front row). Photo: Kate Whatman

The group also received grants from the Sunshine Coast Council and Lesbians Incorporated as well as donations from Headspace and Youturn.

The Rangebow Festival is also supporting the event.

“People can see our vision and we have been overwhelmed at the enthusiasm and support we have received from the Sunshine Coast community,” Mx Wilson

Originally published as Sunshine Queer Collective hosts region’s first queer ball for LGBTQIA+ community