Organisers have hailed Queensland’s first LGBTI and inclusive formal for high school students a success.
Held last weekend at the University of Sunshine Coast, the event brought together Year 10-12 students from all over the state for a night of music, entertainment and the opportunity to come together and socialise.
Sunshine Coast Pride Network co-chair Fiona Anderson, one of the event’s organisers, said the formal was inspired by events like the inaugural Fancy Formal in Byron Bay last year and youth group Minus 18’s annual Queer Formal in Melbourne which help stop regional LGBTI teenagers feel isolated.
“We had about 70 kids come, from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Ipswich and even Warwick, and they had a fantastic time,” she said.
“We want schools to see that there are many ways to encourage all students to be a part of their end-of-year celebrations and that no one should be made to feel excluded or uncomfortable.”
Year 10 student Samuel Bouzanquet (pictured above, far left) helped to organise the formal and said he hopes it becomes a regular event.
“[The formal] isn’t about the postal vote, it’s not a rally for our rights, it’s just about having fun,” he said.
“It’s our time, and it’s about being ourselves and celebrating who we truly are.”
