Tom Ballard To Host Bobby Goldsmith Foundation’s “HalloQueen” Trivia Night
Image: www.bgf.org.au
Legendary Australian comedian and broadcaster Tom Ballard will lend his voice to Australia’s longest-running HIV charity this October. As host of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation’s (BGF) “HalloQueen Trivia”, Ballard will, alongside Sydney Drag star Joyce Maynge, facilitate a night of laughs and friendly competition, all in support of people living with HIV.
Ballard, of Triple J and TV fame, is known for comedy that intersects with politics, equality, and social justice. In 2022, he published his first book: I, Millennial: One Snowflake’s Screed Against Boomers, Billionaires and Everything Else. Now, he calls lending his astute tongue to BGF a “natural fit”.
“As a comedian,” Ballard began, “I very rarely get to do anything that could be considered important or helpful, so I am stoked to support an organisation like BGF, which continues to show up for all people living with HIV every day. HalloQueen is going to be a whole lot of camp and ridiculous fun and it’s all in support of BGF’s vital work. You’ve got to come along!”
“HIV Hasn’t Disappeared”: The Important Mission Behind HalloQueen
The trivia night will be held on Thursday 29 October at 6pm at the Sydney Masonic Centre, with all proceeds being directed to BGF’s mission: providing life-changing support for people living with HIV, helping them navigate challenges, build connections and live well on their own terms. The foundation notes that while HIV is no longer a public health crisis, thousands of people living with HIV continue to experience stigma, isolation, homelessness, and financial hardship.
For CEO Mike Searle, the event presents an opportunity to engage a new generation of supporters while reminding people that HIV hasn’t disappeared.
“Medical advances have transformed HIV from a terminal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition for many people,” Searle said, “but the need for community support hasn’t disappeared. Every day we work with people experiencing social isolation, financial stress, mental health challenges and the ongoing impacts of stigma.
“Events like this help ensure that support remains available when people need it most.”
Returning host and drag icon Joyce Maynge said HalloQueen had established itself as one of Sydney’s most entertaining LGBTQIA+ fundraisers.
“I’ve proudly supported BGF for more than twenty years,” said Maynge, “and I continue to be inspired by the impact the organisation has on the lives of people living with HIV. HalloQueen is a celebration of community, generosity and not taking ourselves too seriously. I’m delighted to be back and even more excited to be sharing the stage with Tom Ballard this year.”
Tickets to this year’s HalloQueen Trivia night can be purchased here.
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