Crowd pleaser event Rainbow Migrants' Karaoke with an Accent on again Saturday 17 May.
Observed globally, IDAHOBIT is a day to reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality, and to reaffirm our commitment to ending the discrimination still faced by many in the LGBTIQA+ community.
To mark the occasion, ECU is spotlighting an uplifting event that embodies resilience, creativity and inclusion: the third edition of Rainbow Migrants' Karaoke with an Accent. Happening on the Saturday night 17 May at the iconic Connections Nightclub, the event is timed to coincide with both IDAHOBIT and the Eurovision Grand Finale.
The celebration is the brainchild of ECU's Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski, Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow and founder of ECU's Rainbow Migrants Living Lab in ECU's School of Arts and Humanities. His research-led initiative fosters social connection and wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ migrants, refugees and people from multicultural backgrounds — engaging them in creative, culturally affirming experiences.
A night of connection, courage and community
This season's event embraces the theme Singing for Justice — a call to raise our voices in solidarity, pride, and joyful resistance.
"Karaoke with an Accent is about more than singing — it's a powerful, welcoming space where people can share who they are without fear," Dr Krzyzowski said.
"It creates vital opportunities for LGBTIQA+ migrants to connect, heal, and be seen."
Past events have drawn more than 100 people, with standout performances in multiple languages including Auslan, celebrating the rich diversity of rainbow migrants, including refugees and people seeking asylum. For many, the night has been a transformative experience — boosting confidence, building friendships and creating a rare sense of belonging in a new country.
"This event on IDAHOBIT is a reminder that while progress has been made, safety and equality can never be taken for granted. In many parts of the world, same-sex relationships and diverse gender expressions are still criminalised. Even in places seen as "safe," recent shifts show that rights can be fragile and easily rolled back. Discrimination and exclusion remain part of daily life for many — a call to stay vigilant, united, and committed to justice," he said.
Dr Krzyzowski's own journey as a gay migrant from Poland has shaped his mission to build community-led responses to the challenges at the intersection of culture, identity and migration.
What fun you can expect
Presented in proud collaboration with community partners, this year's Karaoke with an Accent on Saturday, 17 May 2025, from 7:00–10:00 PM at Connections Nightclub promises:
- An open karaoke stage for all skill levels
- A non-English song category to celebrate language and culture
- Lip-sync performances
- A fabulous drag host and judging panel
- Prizes, sparkle, and strong community vibes
Entry is free, but registration is essential. Register now
Whether you're performing or cheering from the crowd, the night is for everyone — especially LGBTIQA+ migrants, refugees and asylum seekers looking for safe and inclusive celebration.
Building safe, inclusive futures
Karaoke with an Accent is one of several flagship initiatives delivered by RaMiLab that use culture and creativity to build trust and community.
Other inclusive projects include:
- Rainbow Inclusive Aged Care – co-designing inclusive care models for LGBTIQA+ older people, including migrants, in aged care settings. Rainbow Inclusive Aged Care Project
- Intergenerational Pride Housing Pilot – matching LGBTIQA+ students experiencing housing insecurity with affirming older homeowners. Pride International Housing Pilot - GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc
- Eid al-Fitr Celebration – providing a safe space for LGBTIQA+ Muslims to honour both cultural and spiritual identity.
Through research, events, and partnerships, ECU remains deeply committed to advancing equity and fostering belonging for all members of our community — because everyone deserves to be safe, supported, and celebrated.
To learn more about ECU's range of initiatives and supportive programs for the LGBTIQA+ community check out the LGBTIQA+ Diversity and Inclusion hub.
