Queensland
‘We’re back’: Brisbane’s Sportsman Hotel cheers eased restrictions
Brisbane’s Sportsman Hotel has announced a weekend lineup of entertainment as Queensland eases COVID-19 restrictions further. The Queensland Government announced on Tuesday that some “stage three” restrictions would begin early, at noon on Friday (July 3). The new rules allow more patrons inside the state’s pubs, restaurants and cafes, with social distancing still required. Sportsman …
WATCH: Winners announced in 2020 Queens Ball Virtual Awards
Four Queensland LGBTIQ community advocates and groups received Queens Ball Awards as Brisbane Pride streamed the iconic event online on Saturday night. The Queens Ball is the longest-running LGBTIQ event in the world. But due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony went online to coincide with this weekend’s Global Pride celebrations. Hosts Ella Ganza and Paul …
Brisbane lesbian couple jailed for ‘heinous’ abuse of toddler
A Brisbane mother and her girlfriend have received jail after a string of “vile and abhorrent” assaults on their three-year-old son. Police found the injured boy with severe bruises to most of his body, as well as abrasions and cuts, the Courier-Mail reported. The women’s abuse and neglect of the three-year-old only came to light …
Brisbane Tritons water polo team back in training as Valley Pool reopens
Queensland’s LGBTIQ-inclusive water polo club the Brisbane Tritons can dive back into training after their local pool in Fortitude Valley reopened. The Valley Pool opened on Wednesday, after coronavirus restrictions closed all of Brisbane’s public pools in March. Tritons president Sean Langeveld (pictured, centre) said the closure of the pools had a massive impact on …
Brisbane’s drag queens are returning to the Sportsman Hotel
Brisbane’s drag queens are returning to the Sportsman Hotel from tonight as Queensland’s COVID-19 restrictions ease further. Sporties owner Neil McLucas said from tonight (Friday, June 5), two queens will entertain diners and the Butch Bar will also reopen. “Given the restrictions, we decided to turn it into a theatre restaurant, with the queens entertaining …
LGBTI Legal Service gets funding to continue free community support
Queensland’s free LGBTI Legal Service will continue operating for the next five years after it received new state government funding. Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath (pictured, second from left) announced the state government has allocated $1.3 million to the free legal centre until 2025. Since 2010, the LGBTI Legal Service has provided free and confidential advice to …
Flood of support for first LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day
Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate, so this Thursday (May 28) is Australia’s inaugural LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day. The initiative aims shine a light on the high levels of domestic violence within Australian LGBTI relationships but low levels of reporting. Ben Bjarnesen, Queensland Police officer, DVConnect board member, and domestic violence survivor, founded the LGBTI Domestic …
Voting is now open for the Queens Ball Virtual Awards 2020
Brisbane Pride has opened voting for this year’s 59th Annual Queens Ball Virtual Awards. The Queens Ball is the longest-running LGBTIQ event in the world. Next month, the event will move online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Brisbane Pride President Rebecca Johnson told QNews.com.au the committee determined the event must still go ahead. “For 59 …
Miriam Margolyes isn’t a fan of ‘disgusting’ Surfers Paradise
Miriam Margolyes promises to tell it as she sees it in her new travel documentary, and she reckons there’s one place in Queensland she’s not keen to return to. The Harry Potter actress became a grey nomad for a 10,000 kilometre, two-month journey across Australia exploring our national identity in ABC series Almost Australian. And …
Brisbane’s Sportsman Hotel reopens as COVID-19 restrictions ease
Brisbane gay venue The Sportsman Hotel reopened for dinner on Saturday as Queensland’s COVID-19 restrictions eased. The venue had to close its doors in late March as the pandemic shut down pubs and nightclubs around the country. But under the new Queensland rules beginning Saturday (May 16), 10 people at a time can now dine …