Sparkles, glitter, rainbows, drag queens, and a whole lot of support and empowerment will be the highlight of this year’s Brite Ball, which is being held on Saturday July 3 at Brothers Sports Club.
The inaugural Brite Ball is being hosted by headspace Bundaberg after young people advocated for a safe and supportive LGBTIQA+ event for all of community.
Event co-ordinator and headspace youth engagement committee member Rhys Williams says it is time for Bundy to shine at the first-ever pride ball.
“For many years young people have met at headspace for a weekly social group called Brite, we’ve now grown in confidence, and with the support of headspace and our sponsors we’re ready to celebrate all the colours of the rainbow,” Mr Williams said.
“LGBTIQA+ young people, allies and community will all come together to support diversity, with the queer community having always existed, t’s now time to come together and accept one other.
“It will be amazing; it is a chance for us to be our authentic self and have a good time knowing there is no judgement.”
Renowned Drag Queen Quiche Loraine is flying up from Brisbane to perform for the ball in all her glam and glitter.
“I simply can’t wait to give Bundy a great time and I want all of you in your sparkliest warpaint to come along and be a part of the show,” Ms Loraine said.
“Will there be makeup workshops and tutorials? Yes. Will there be absolute buffoonery? Yes! Will there be big lip syncs and huge wigs? YES. Will there be music and dancing and gorgeous gowns and confetti for all the beautiful members of our community? Gawd YES!”
“I can honestly say that being invited to bring some BRITE to your Ball is a greater honour than that time I got nominated for a Gold-Logie.”
Naming rights sponsors Heritage Bank and branch manager Gina Waga jumped on board when the opportunity arose to support LGBTIQA+ young people in our community.
“Heritage Bank values inclusiveness in all aspects of our society,” Ms Waga said.
“We’re delighted that our support will enable headspace to facilitate the Brite Ball, which will help celebrate diversity and create a welcoming space for all young people of the Bundaberg region.”
The event has also been made possible with support from Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community Grants Program, and sponsorships from Best Practice, Queensland Computers, Stroud Homes, Slater and Gordon Lawyers, Steeline Roofin Spot, Tom Smith MP, Accent Psychology, Open Door Support Services, CQUniversity, Ergon Energy, Catalyst Directions, Stephen Bennett MP and Bundaberg Central Rotary.
For more information on the Brite Ball go to the headspace Bundaberg website or social profiles, or email headspacebundaberg@youturn.org.au or call 4152 3931.
Other stories: Headspace shows its heart with defibrillator