Gold Coast Pride Collective Condemns Homophobic Targeting Of Pride Formal

The Gold Coast Pride Collective has asked for community support after a slew of false registrations were made to their upcoming Gold Coast Pride Formal, presumably as a means of sabotaging the event.

“We were initially thrilled to see registrations for the free event approaching capacity,” a spokesperson for the collective said. “However, after following up on a number of RSVPs, we discovered that some tickets had been claimed without any genuine intention of attending, seemingly as part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the event as part of what they described as a “joke.””

Gold Coast Pride Collective President Michael James said the targeting of an event designed to offer a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for queer kids was disappointing to say the least. 

“We are so disappointed to see this attitude towards such a joyous event, the first of its kind here on the Gold Coast. Our young people deserve to be celebrated, not mocked, to make the event the brunt of any joke is absolutely unacceptable. 

“Now is the time to rally around our community and show our young people there is a space for them to celebrate and be themselves.”

Gold Coast Pride Formal To Proceed As Planned

According to organisers, the Gold Coast Pride Formal will proceed as planned on Saturday 21 November at QT Hotel, with a number of free tickets once again available. Moreover, it is the request of the Gold Coast Pride Collective that the community, now more than ever, rallies behind the event.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that we have no safety concerns about the event, and the Gold Coast Pride Formal will go ahead as planned, regardless of attendance numbers,” a spokesperson for the collective said.

“The event will take place in a safe and secure function room at the QT Hotel, with Gold Coast Pride Collective board members, volunteers and community members on hand throughout the evening to ensure every attendee feels welcomed, supported and safe, and can enjoy the celebration without harassment or disruption.

“We encourage everyone across the Gold Coast to share the event, spread the word, encourage young people to register for their free tickets and help us fill the room with positivity, acceptance and community spirit.”

About Gold Coast Pride Formal

The Gold Coast Pride Formal is an LGBTQIA+ youth formal that is completely free to attend for all high school-aged young people through to 21 years of age, irrespective of school enrolment status. 

The event is designed to provide an inclusive and welcoming celebration where young people can come together with friends, family, and allies, make new connections, and enjoy a memorable evening.

The formal has no dress requirement, with attendees free to dress up in their finest formal attire, express themselves through their own unique style, or simply come along in casual clothing.

Since there is no cost for young people to attend, the celebration relies on the generosity of members of the public, businesses, and community organisations. Those who wish to support the formal can donate the equivalent cost of a ticket through the Eventbrite page, thereby helping the Gold Coast Pride Collective continue providing accessible and inclusive events for LGBTQIA+ young people.