SWELL x Pride: Reflecting on A Night of Living Statues

Written By: Dylan Rackley

Community Stories and Connection: Reflecting on A Night of Living Statues

Last month’s A Night of Living Statues event was a powerful demonstration of what happens when community comes together to share stories, celebrate identity, and build connections.

Hosted by the Gold Coast Pride Collective, this evening brought together local LGBTIQA+SB community members to share their experiences and showcase the vibrant talent that exists right here on the Gold Coast.

Stories That Matter

The heart of the event was the personal stories shared by community members — each one highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of living authentically on the Gold Coast.

Dustin spoke passionately about the importance of representation, particularly in response to growing anti-LGBTIQA+SB sentiment. His message was clear: visibility matters, and events like this are essential for countering harmful narratives.

Annie shared her journey as a bi woman who took the initiative to create the community she needed when she couldn’t find it. Her story exemplified the power of taking action and highlighted how community connection can significantly impact young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Blair opened up about his experience moving from a rural town to the Gold Coast, describing how difficult it was to find a cohesive queer community and the exhausting reality of having to “come out constantly” in different spaces.

Michael echoed similar challenges from the perspective of a rainbow family, contrasting the difficulty of finding accessible community support on the Gold Coast with his previous experiences in Sydney.

Calleigh, a queer First Nations woman, shared the importance of intersectional inclusion through her experience with The Lavender Corner drop-in group. Her story highlighted how meaningful it is to find spaces that welcome all aspects of identity without prejudice.

Dylan delivered perhaps the most powerful testament to community resilience, sharing her deeply personal journey of facing significant professional discrimination as a highly regarded trans woman. Rather than letting these challenges defeat her, Dylan channelled her experience into building her own thriving business, demonstrating the incredible strength that can emerge from adversity.

Her inspiring vision of “putting glitter back onto the strip through the celebration of queer culture” painted a picture of a Gold Coast where diversity is not just tolerated, but celebrated as a vital part of what makes the city vibrant. Dylan’s message about finding acceptance through “shared humanity” served as a powerful reminder that, at our core, we all seek connection and belonging. Her story exemplified how the Gold Coast Pride Collective’s mission of building community creates the conditions for individuals to not just survive, but truly thrive with authenticity and pride.

Nerida brought a cultural perspective, discussing the historical role of LGBTIQA+SB communities in driving arts and culture in major cities, and advocating for similar investment on the Gold Coast.

Celebration Through Performance

The evening wasn’t just about sharing challenges, it was equally about celebrating talent and joy.

The cultural showcase featured an entertaining drag show and performances by young dancers, demonstrating the incredible creative talent within our community. These performances served as more than entertainment; they were powerful displays of pride that challenged stereotypes and showcased the community’s artistic contributions to the Gold Coast.

Building Stronger Communities

What emerged from the evening was a clear picture of both the challenges and opportunities facing LGBTIQA+SB people on the Gold Coast.

The stories revealed common themes: the ongoing need for visible representation, the importance of accessible community spaces, and the power of peer support in building resilience.

These personal accounts reinforce what research tells us — that strong community connections are fundamental to wellbeing. When people find spaces where they can be authentic, receive support, and celebrate who they are, both individuals and the broader community thrive.

Looking Forward

Events like A Night of Living Statues are more than one-off gatherings; they’re part of building the foundation for a more inclusive and connected Gold Coast.

By creating platforms for storytelling, celebration, and connection, we’re addressing isolation and building the kind of community where everyone can live authentically.

The stories shared that evening remind us why this work matters and point towards a future where the Gold Coast is known not just for its beaches and tourism, but as a place where all residents, regardless of their identity, can find belonging, support, and opportunities to thrive.