Since their debut social event in the second half of 2022, Euphoria Social have been fighting tooth and nail to establish a community of likeminded queers—and promote inclusion and diversity within Melbourne’s events space.
Now, after almost a dozen successful events (during which they’ve raised more than $3000 for several LGBTQIA+ charities), Euphoria Social have teamed up with Gogglebox’s Tim Lai for their inaugural People’s Choice Awards Gala.
“The Awards Gala was established with the intention of inclusivity and recognition within the LGBTQIA+ community,” founder of Euphoria Social, T, tells Not Safe For Queers. “Because I think that recognition in traditional, mainstream events is overlooked in certain areas and certain demographics. So, we wanted to make something that was a little bit more diverse.”
And that’s where Tim Lai comes in. After hearing about the event’s emphasis on amplifying the voices of marginalised people, Tim said count me in.
“The truth is that—even within the rainbow community—there can be tendency to overlook those who don’t look or don’t fit into a conventional mould,” Tim says.
“Marginalised intersectionalities, we often struggle to find our voice amongst all that noise. And that’s why this gala and awards evening is so different: because it’s about acknowledging those who are unheard and those who are unseen.”
Held on the first day of Pride Month, Euphoria Social’s People’s Choice Awards Gala will honour those who’ve made significant contribution to the LGBTQIA+ community, and will include performances from singers JXCKY and Anthony Lucas, drag artists Justin Sider and Valencia, and more.
On the night, awards will be presented across 10 categories, including Volunteer of the Year, Diversity Hero, LGBTQIA+ Influencer, and more—with their goal of inclusion and diversity seen throughout the voting process, too.
“So, for the public vote, we did things a little differently,” says T. “we didn’t put names; we put reasons why people were nominated. So, in each category, we have examples of why people were nominated, and that encouraged people to vote based on their actions rather than who they are.”
“We didn’t want it to be all about the blue tick. We didn’t want it to be biased, or a popularity thing; we wanted it to be based on merit.”
Now, with three finalists announced for each category, Euphoria Social and Tim Lai are gearing up for a night where queer excellence is allowed to shine, outside the limits that mainstream awards nights routinely impose on the community.
Plus, in true Euphoria Social style, it wouldn’t be an event without a philanthropic aspect to it. That’s why 5% of all ticket sales will be going to 3CR’s Queering The Air.
Euphoria Social’s People’s Choice Awards Gala will be held at The Auditorium in Fitzroy North on Saturday, 1 June 2024. Unfortunately, ticket sales have been exhausted, but you can still donate.