Some of Queensland’s Leather titleholders are finding it’s getting harder and harder to promote community fetish and kink events and fundraisers due to Meta’s targeting of queer creatives and shadowbans. But that isn’t stopping them from continuing to build on connection and inclusion with events Fuel and Ignite, bringing joy from the bar to the playroom.
Unfortunately, Meta’s targeting of LGBTQIA+ performers, BIPOC creators, sex workers, and pole dancing communities is growing.
In January, QNews began reporting on a wave of Meta account removals targeting the community, all falsely accused of “human exploitation” or “human trafficking”.
Many creatives and community members haven’t been targeted in this manner; instead, they have been shadowbanned.
Shadowbanning on social media platforms is meant to be used against spam, hate speech, or content violating community guidelines, but more and more sex-positive creatives and individuals are finding themselves targeted.
The platform reduces or hides a user’s content from public view without notifying them, and their posts don’t appear in searches, hashtags, or recommendations.
Shadowbans affect our ability to reach community
The result is a sharp drop in engagement, and for Queensland’s leather and fetish community, who are hosting community events and fundraisers, it has made things even harder.
“We’ve had posts and accounts flagged for adult solicitation, which we have thankfully been able to challenge and have come back in our favour, but it doesn’t make it easy.” Mr Queensland Leather 2025, Jacob Harland, told QNews.
“It’s fair that the events we are promoting are not for under-18-year-olds, but it sucks because it also affects our ability to reach adults.”
“As we have ramped up promotion, our pages have been hit with strikes and shadowbans, which we keep challenging, and for some of us, like Archie Arsenic, their promotional pages are also their livelihood.
“And we aren’t the only ones affected. It’s just really sad because the whole point of these events is to reach out to people and bring the community together.”
Source: FacebookMs Queensland Leather Archie Arsenic, Queensland Leather Boy Matthew Butler, and Jacob have teamed up with Queensland Leather Pride to deliver their FiredUp Events series launched at the start of the year.
Through connection, creativity, and unapologetic after-dark energy, the funds raised from the events are split between the titleholders’ nominated charity and travel fund.
“Representing Queensland’s queer and fetish communities is a serious honour,” Jacob said, “sadly, our community is under so much pressure from political and economic developments both here and abroad.”
“We need to keep making space for joy, connection and self-expression. And, we must stand together with others in need.”
FUEL raises over $5,000
“The history of queer progress is built on a legacy of solidarity with others,” Jacob said.
“Those of us with a platform have a responsibility to serve our communities.
“Archie, Matt and I are doing this in our own small way by raising funds for deserving charities and building inclusive spaces where everyone can be their true self and have a damn good time.”
Last week’s FUEL: Art, Jock & Sock Auction hosted a live auction of worn gear and original artworks, blending desire, storytelling, and fundraising.
“We were so proud of how well the event went,” Jacob said, “It went beyond our expectations.”
“All up, we raised over $5,000, and that couldn’t have been done without our sponsors and the community.”
The events Silent Auction is still running and ends at 12:00 pm AEST on May 5
This Sunday, they host IGNITE at The Sportsman Hotel, from 8:00 pm till late.
The dungeon party experience features a dancefloor, DJ Les Smith on the decks, live stage shows and the Queensland Leather Pride dungeon.
Attendees are invited to dance, watch, play or simply exist on their own terms. Highlights include a best dressed competition supported by Libidex, a raffle and more.
Source: HumanitixAll kinks, all genders, all bodies, all welcome
These events are grounded in a shared ethos: all kinks, all genders, all bodies, all welcome.
Consent, respect, and care sit at their heart with a focus on creating safer, inclusive spaces.
“We’ve listened to community feedback from the last event. which was packed with entertainment,” Jacob said.
“So we have pulled back from that to give people time to actually connect and enjoy the dungeon space. There will be three sets of shows spaced throughout the night.”
“And for those who attend on the night, we have a special long weekend surprise which will give you space to party to your heart’s content.”
Grab your tickets to IGNITE here, and head to The Sportsman on Sunday night for all the fun.
Together, FUEL and IGNITE reflect the spectrum of Brisbane’s leather scene from art and intimacy to passion, leather and incredible music on the dance floor.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
