It’s time to grab the glitter and get excited as headspace present Bundaberg’s first-ever Brite Ball, an event for the LGBTIQA+ community and allies, a place to celebrate diversity.
The Brite Ball will be held at Brothers Sports Club on 3 July, as a gala dinner event with a showcase of fabulous entertainment.
Attendees will need to be 16 years of age and it will be a drug and alcohol-free experience.
Local Heritage Bank branch manager Gina Waga is also keen to celebrate and said, as the largest customer owned bank in Australia, Heritage Bank recognised the need to support LGBTIQA+ young people in the community and have taken up the naming rights sponsor offer for the inaugural event.
“Heritage values inclusiveness in all aspects of our society,” Ms Waga said.
“We’re delighted that our support will enable headspace to run the first-ever Brite Ball, celebrating diversity and creating a welcoming space for all young people of the Bundaberg region.
When headspace opened in Bundaberg in 2017 the goal was, and always will be, to support local young people in whatever ways they need most, especially to help them feel valued and listened to.
So, when the headspace Youth Engagement Committee wanted to rally behind the rainbow community it was an obvious choice for headspace to mentor and encourage them.
headspace Bundaberg manager Dean Hyland is thrilled to walk alongside the Youth Engagement Committee to bring about the initial Heritage Bank Brite Ball.
“Headspace is committed to embracing diversity,” Mr Hyland says.
“This is what our young people want, and so here we are planning a fantastic event. All people deserve to feel safe and supported, our LGBTIQA+ community included.
“It is wonderful to have the sponsorship of Heritage Bank, they take great lengths to understand our local community and offer support where it is truly needed and valued.”
Youth Engagement Committee member and event co-ordinator Rhys Williams says an event such as this is all about the people and the opportunity to be your true self.
“The Brite Ball will be amazing, it is a chance for us to be truly authentic, to be who we want to be and dance how we want to dance, it’s all about having a good time and knowing there is no judgement” Rhys said.
“The queer community has always existed, now it’s time to come together and for all of us to accept each other.
“Being LGBT isn’t a phase, or a trend, its who we are, its how we feel and who we want to be. We’re still the same person you always knew, we just want to be more open and comfortable with who we are.”
It can be a real challenge figuring out who you are, especially when exploring gender identity and sexuality, it can lead to overwhelming and uncomfortable feelings, which is why it is important to have a safe space to feel like you can be your full and true self.
Brite was established in June 2018 as a youth-led social group for LGBTIQA+ young people. Now it’s 2021, and Brite has grown, grown so much they are ready for their very own all-inclusive gala event.
The Brite Ball committee comprises of staff at headspace Bundaberg, young people, and community champions. It has been made possible with support from Bundaberg Regional Council through events grant funding, a Heritage Bank donation and sponsorship from Best Practice, Queensland Computers, Stroud Homes, Steeline Roofin Spot, Tom Smith MP, Accent Psychology, Open Door Support Services, CQUniversity, Ergon Energy and Stephen Bennett MP.
There are more opportunities to support the event should local business like to learn more, get in touch with headspace Bundaberg. Tickets for Brite Ball will become available to purchase on 1 May, however to stay up to date with event details please register your by clicking here.
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