Picture this: Brisbane City Hall transformed into a kaleidoscope of sequins, tuxedos, and rainbow flags swaying to a rhythm that’s equal parts disco throwback and modern anthem. For 60+ years, this glittering beast of a party has been our community’s beating heart. It’s where leather-clad veterans swap stories with baby gays over champagne flutes, where our history literally waltzes with our future.
The Queens Ball: Where Generations Collide in Glittering Harmony
60+
Years of Queens Ball
70%
Annual Operating Funds raised
800+
Award Winners
From Backroom Beginnings to City Hall Royalty
Our ball’s origin story reads like queer folklore – born in 1961 among Mt Tambourine’s whispering trees when gathering could mean danger.
Fast forward to 1988’s legendary Roxy explosion when Sybil Thornedyke emerged from backstage to find “the venue packed to the rafters with young queers!” (Her words, not ours – and we’ve been dining out on that quote for decades).
The Awards - Our Community's Oscar Night
These aren’t just trophies – they’re love letters to the people keeping our scene alive. Who’ll take home:
Adult Venue of the Year
Shoutout to the spaces where grown-up magic happens - these venues don't just host parties, they curate sanctuaries where the LGBTIQA+ community can truly let their hair down (and other things too!)
Annual Event of the Year
The crown jewel of one-off parties - this event stopped traffic, broke records, and probably made conservative neighbours clutch their pearls (we salute you for that).
Artist of the Year
For the creator who turned Brisbane into their canvas - where paintbrushes become wands and stages turn into altars celebrating queer joy.
Community Social Group of the Year
The friendship architects - building real connections in a world of dating apps. Think book clubs with glitter and hiking groups that end in karaoke.
Community Support Group Group of the Year
The unsung heroes who keep our community afloat - answering midnight calls, fighting legal battles, and being the human version of a safety net.
DJ of the Year
The beatmatch wizard who can make 40-year-old lesbians and baby queers scream the same lyrics at 2 AM. That's alchemy.
Drag Performer of the Year
Where charisma meets couture - this queen served face, death drops, and social commentary in five-inch heels. Bow down.
Licensed Venue of the Year
More than just a watering hole - this is where first dates happen, coming-out tears are wiped, and someone always knows your cocktail order.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The human archive of queer Brisbane - they've been fighting the good fight since before some of us were glitter in a craft store.
Media Personality of the Year
The microphone warrior who turns our whispers into headlines - making sure our stories aren't just told, but heard.
Performer of the Year
The stage sorcerer who makes us laugh till we snort, cry till our eyeliner runs, and dance like nobody's filming (though they probably are).
Performer of the Year
The stage sorcerer who makes us laugh till we snort, cry till our eyeliner runs, and dance like nobody's filming (though they probably are).
Regular Event of the Year
The weekly/monthly lifeline - whether it's karaoke Wednesdays or leather-daddy brunches, this is where 'chosen family' gets built.
Volunteer of the Year
The glue holding our community together - they've probably mopped up more mysterious spills and diffused more drama than a UN peacekeeper.
Young Achievement Award
The future in platform boots - proving Gen Z's not just about TikTok dances (though we'd watch those too). Watch this space.
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