Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) has announced it is going to hold the region’s first formal especially for young people who identify as LGBTIAQ+ and their friends, who are eager for opportunities to socialise and celebrate with each other.
While it may seem an unusual step for a theatre company to take, BYT director Lisa Apostolides explained the event had ‘evolved from requests by youth audiences after watching our production called No One Way, which toured schools earlier this year. ‘
Group member Raani Nichols came up with the idea of holding a ‘Fancy Formal’ and together with Lisa they have gained more support and connections to create the event, with LGBT+ youth groups from Tweed and Lismore also attending.
The evening will commence at 6pm with mocktails and canapes being served by young people studying hospitality and event Mmanagement through TAFE at the YAC, followed by three short performances by BYT cast members of No One Way and a 15-minute open mic session.
‘The rest of the evening will see awesome DJ’s mixing it up for the young people attending,’ Lisa said.
This celebratory event has been made possible with a grant from the Mental Health Association of NSW (sponsored by ACON), a donation from community member Stephen Allkins (king of the 80’s DJ scene in Sydney) and a Small Change grant successfully gained by Raani.
The inaugural LGBT+ and friends Youth Fancy Formal will be held at the YAC in Byron Bay on Saturday November 12 from 6pm-10.30pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/lgbt-and-friends-fancy-formal-tickets-28271625192 or on the door for $10. Food and non alcoholic drinks can be purchased at concession prices
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
