The Queens Ball returns for its 65th year with a fresh round of community recognition following the release of 214 nominations. Organised by Brisbane Pride, the awards invite Queenslanders to spotlight the organisations and people who have made notable contributions to the state’s LGBTQIA+ communities. With community voting now open, supporters are encouraged to participate online and help shape the list of winners that will be revealed at the ceremony.
For many, the Queens Ball is more than an awards night; it is a ritual of celebration and solidarity that gathers activists, performers and allies together. The event continues to serve as a high point on Brisbane’s cultural calendar and a moment to reflect on achievements across advocacy, arts, health and community work. Tickets are limited for the evening, so those seeking to attend should secure seats promptly in advance of the ceremony.
How voting works and who is nominated
Organisers announced a slate of 214 nominations across multiple categories, each recognising distinct forms of community service and excellence. Voters can visit the Brisbane Pride website to review full listings and cast their ballots; this participatory process ensures that the awards reflect grassroots sentiment rather than a closed selection. The nomination pool includes grassroots groups, event producers, artists and individuals whose efforts over the past year have had measurable impact on inclusivity and visibility in Queensland.
Why community input matters
The community voting model underlines the Ball’s commitment to democratic recognition: when community members choose recipients, winners represent broad support rather than purely institutional endorsement. This helps amplify lesser-known contributors and brings attention to work happening outside major organisations. By engaging in the vote, people lend their voice to narratives of resilience and creativity that define the LGBTQIA+ scene across the state.
Event details, hosts and theme
The 65th Queens Ball will be staged at Brisbane City Hall on Saturday, June 20, 2026, framed by the theme United Colours of Pride. That theme speaks to collective strength and the diverse identities that form the community’s fabric. Hosting duties for the evening will be handled by beloved drag performer Chocolate Boxx alongside community figure Paul Wheeler, promising an evening of performances, awards presentations and communal celebration in a historic setting.
Tickets and participation
Limited tickets remain available for the ceremony, and organisers encourage early booking to avoid disappointment. Even for those unable to attend in person, participating in the community voting process offers an accessible way to influence outcomes and celebrate achievements. Full nominee lists, voting pathways and event updates are accessible through the Brisbane Pride online channels.
Honouring Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke and the Ball’s legacy
This year’s programme carries added meaning as the Ball will pay tribute to the late Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke, the founder and long-time organiser who helped shape the event into what it is today. First held in 1962, the Queens Ball is recognised as the longest continuously running LGBTQIA+ event in the world, a lineage that reflects decades of bravery and community care. Dame Sybil, who died aged 86 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, left an indelible mark on generations of Queenslanders through her activism and performance.
Brisbane Pride President James McCarthy has underscored the Ball’s role as both celebration and testimony to the community’s history. The 2026 ceremony will honour Dame Sybil’s vision and the many people who have helped sustain the event across its long history. Attendees can expect a respectful tribute woven into an evening of glamour, performance and recognition that reaffirms the Ball’s place at the heart of Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ life.
As the countdown continues to the awards night, organisers invite everyone with a stake in Queensland’s queer communities to vote, attend, and celebrate. The Queens Ball remains a living archive of progress, perseverance and joy—an occasion to remember past leaders, acknowledge current changemakers, and inspire those who will carry the work forward.