Big Gay Day raises $40,000 for charity

A record $40,206 has been raised for LGBT charities at this year's Big Gay Day, topping the previous record set last year by more than five thousand dollars.

Collected from a combination of gate takings and individual donations, the proceeds from the gate will be shared amongst  the following organisations: Gay & Lesbian Welfare Association (GLWA); The Australian Transgendered Support Association of QLD; Growing Up and Out in Queer Regional Queensland; Open Doors; andYoung Women's Place - a drop in centre in Toowoomba for gay and lesbian youth.

As the masses filled the Wickham Hotel and surrounding streets, it was clear from the get-go that some of the problems that had plagued previous events had been corrected. Bar service and toilets ran efficiently with out excessive queues and people were able to move from one place to another without hassle.

It was time to party! Mr Q- Search for a Cover Boi was the first show to hit the main stage and the crowd went wild cheering for their favourite scantily clad hotties. From there Operator Please, TV Rock and The Ultimate Kylie Show kept the massive crowd pumping all day.

Crystal Waters, the American superstar headlined the show and had the evening crowds jumping along with her and two exceedingly hot dancers as she belted out her hit songs Gypsy Woman and 100% Pure Love before closing with Destination Unknown.

Organisers were thrilled with the success of the day. Wickham Hotel Venue Manager Maree Brown told QNews, “We just loved it, the day ran very well. All the performers/ DJ's were overwhelmed by the event and Brisbane's hospitality and were very proud to be part of the event.   I would also like to say a big thank you to all the chairty volunteers who helped set up the event and staff who worked tirelessly on the day.”

The big question now is who will perform at next year's tenth anniversary of Big Gay Day?