Brisbane’s queer youth can celebrate at a special event, Queerosity, held in conjunction with National Youth Week.

Due to the success of last year’s event, and in conjunction with this year’s National Youth Week, we are excited to report that Brisbane’s biggest queer youth festival is back, even bigger and better than before!!

Queeriosity is a free festival for 12-24 year olds, created by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, sexually and gender diverse young people.

Because of its ever growing popularity, this year we are moving the event outdoors – allowing us more space to create an awesome festival vibe.

From 12noon to 6pm on Saturday April 21st, Captain Burke Park at Kangaroo Point will come alive with dj’s and live bands, free activities, interactive workshops, market stalls, information booths  and discussion groups for all to enjoy.

When you need a rest from the endless excitement, you can head down to the other end of the festival to the Chill Out Zone! Bring a blanket, meet new people and relax in the shade to the awesome sounds of Brisbane’s up and coming young musicians!! It is the only event of its kind in Brisbane, according to Co-Organiser Dr Jodie Taylor.

“It’s a colourful, drug, alcohol and discrimination free space for young LGBTIQ people to celebrate their identity, make new friends and participate creatively in queer culture,” Dr Taylor said.

“Queeriosity promotes diversity, inclusion and vibrancy within the young queer community.”

The event is facilitated by Open Doors Youth Service, a community organisation that supports sexually and gender diverse young people.

“Open Doors has a long history of creating safe spaces that support and engage LGBTIQ young people in their community. Queeriosity is fast becoming a major event on the LGBTIQ community’s calendar. It is the only major youth event of its kind in South East Queensland and it is growing bigger every year. This year it’s particularly exciting to see the event become a real music festival with some amazing performers lined up” Jules Woo, Brisbane based musician & Youth Worker at Open Doors said.

Queeriosity was launched in 2010 and has continued to receive extremely positive feedback from all involved.  Open Doors expects this year’s festival to be an even more spectacular success.

“Last year we expected about 250 attendees and we got 370” Morris said. “It was amazing to see so many young people come out and celebrate their identity and interact with their community”

“We’ve arranged a larger space and an even bigger program this year.  We encourage all members of the young queer community to come along and revel in their vibrant culture.” Dr Taylor said.

Entertainment will include live bands and DJs, acoustic acts, dance battles and workshops, face painting & a temporary tattoo stall, graffiti art workshops, drag acts, information stalls, discussion forums, art and history display, craft activities, community marketplace, free food and drink, and a Young Performer Showcase Spectacular.

Queeriosity will also be releasing “On the Fringe” CD, a media project from the Open Doors Peer Mentoring Program. A selection of artists who feature on the CD will be performing their songs live.

Queeriosity caters to the under-25 LGBTIQ community. Friends, family and allies of all ages are welcome to attend, but must attend with a young person under the age of 24.

You can get there by cross river ferry, which leaves from Riverside Ferry Terminal, Eagle Street, Brisbane. Alternatively, it’s a short scenic walk across the Storey Bridge from Fortitude Valley, following the bike path down to Captain Burke Park. There will be plenty of signage to point people in the right direction!

This event is a Drug and Alcohol Free festival. The event will be supervised by qualified youth workers, volunteers, licensed security and Queensland Police.

Entry is free.