#IS CALLUM JUST MERLIN?!?!?!

[sapphoismymuse]

i know rayla’s outfit at the end with callum’s scarf was meant to parallel her wearing his clothes but my first reaction to watching that scene was “wait… MERLIN?!?!”

[elf-callum-human-rayla]

My thoughts on season 7

I loved season 7. I really do! Yet, I can’t help but feel disappointed with what could be the final season of the series.

I feel so disappointed because it had everything I could want and more, it was comfortable. Too comfortable.

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT FOR SEASON 7

Rayla x Callum aka Rayllum

I’ve mentioned before that season six felt like it was straight out of a fanfic and it was magical. I really loved it, because it also worked for the story. It made sense that those things happened, because that’s where they were up to relationship wise. It was the calm before the storm, emphasising all that they had to lose in the coming battle.

Now don’t get me wrong, I squealed at every rayllum moment in season 7. But unlike last season, it didn’t feel like it fit the story. This season was suppose to be intense - it’s a story that has been building up for six seasons - this is the climax. And yet, they spent half the season basically in a domestic blissful ignorance in the Silvergrove.

I can understand some time there. Some of that needed to be in there - they did believe that it was truly over. It made the fact that when they find out that they failed their last mission all the more devastating.

BUT it was too much. And it feels very wrong to say that because I loved it so much. But a lot of that didn’t shouldn’t have fit into the story before the big fight that’s what season six was for.

Snake boi Callum aka dark magic Callum

The trailer suggests, and all the promo, basically suggests this massive struggle between Callum and dark magic. And there is, kinda. But I have two main problems with how it was dealt with.

1. That whole talking to himself scene felt like it was put in just so that they could have something to grab for the trailer. It had some substance, it showed the internal struggle Callum was facing. The fact that even through he found his true north, it doesn’t mean he is completely perfect. But that leads to my next point:

2. There were no real consequences to Callum using dark magic in the end. Sure, he got his white streak. But at the starscraper Kosmos tells Callum, that if he is ever to use dark magic again he would be lost to it. But, he’s not?

It was an intense scene, Callum having no choice but to turn to dark magic if he wants to trap Aaravos forever. But the consequence is dark magic would have a firm grip on his soul - Aaravos would be able to control him. And in the end Aaravos is temporarily defeated and it never actually happens.

This would be completely fine if there was more story coming (I talk about that in the next point) and it could be (fingers crossed). But there’s a chance that it won’t. If the story continues, I can see this becoming a massive problem for them later down the line when Aaravos returns.

But if we were to treat this season as the final season, all of that build up just fizzled away. We won’t get to see the long term consequences of what happened.

Which brings me to the next thing:

There is no real win at the end of the day, but they treat it as one.

There were so many ways they could have defeated, or temporarily defeated Aaravos. In the end it’s only temporary - another 7 years and 19 days until he returns. And we may never get to actually see that.

It was a situation where they won, but they also didn’t, which is a way to end it (see my last point about Merlin). There was a way to trap him (kinda) forever in a coin much like the pearl did I don’t think they were devastated enough that all their work is only a temporary reprieve.

Again, if we knew the story was continuing that would be the perfect way to continue it. They faced him down once, but have only stopped him temporarily and need to work on stopping him once and for all. But there might not be a chance to tell that story. If it just ends there, like that, there is no real resolution after all that build up. I would be incredibly disappointed if that’s where it ended.

It was somehow too fast and too slow

A lot of things felt rushed, there wasn’t enough time to really address every little thing. The beautiful thing about season three is that everything was connected, even when it doesn’t seem like it. Everything lead to the battle at the storm spire, where all of the storyline’s that had been established, had come to some conclusion or another. Even though that wasn’t the end of the series, it could have been left there and still feel like a complete show.

I’m so glad it didn’t end there, but if it did it would’ve been okay. If the series does end with season 7, all those established storylines, all that build up over the seasons don’t get a conclusion. We see that with dark magic Callum, where it was set up to be a big thing just for it not to be.

Next point: Soren should have died (PLEASE put down the pointy sticks and hear me out)

I didn’t want Soren to die, I still don’t want Soren to die. But Soren’s death would be devastating to both sides. It would be in line with his character to take a fatal blow while protecting someone else.

It would’ve really added an edge to the final battle, the heroes facing the reality that they (temporarily) won at a cost. Basically all of the arch dragons die which is something, but it doesn’t feel as personal as a member of their own team dying in the midst of the fight.

Added bonus that it would really send Claudia off the edge. She’s just lost her father, she’s just lost Terry, now she’s lost her brother. It would make more sense why she sides with Aaravos, because she is hurt and is taking it out against the world. Instead she just accepts it and escapes to wait it out for Aaravo’s return - which we might not even get to see.

If Soren didn’t die, something equally as devastating would need to happen.

Sorry for the long post, if you’re still here, hi! Basically what I am saying is that if the show ends here that would be disappointing, not only because it would be over, but because season 7 is not a series finale season. It has been left incomplete. I can see why they wanted to do that, in the hopes that they do get to write more. And I’m sure it’s a terribly tricky balance to write in the hopes of something more but the chance that there won’t be. But they did do it with season 3.

I think a big reason why I feel like this doesn’t work as a season finale is because they are acting as though it’s all over. There’s no sense of the doom that is to come, a whole “we haven’t finished but we won’t give up” kind of ending.

I thought about the ending of Merlin - spoiler alert if you haven’t watched it - it has a completely heartbreaking ending. But it works because the story feels complete. Even though everything didn’t work out, the story was done. Everything was tied up. There was this sense of “we won but we lost” yet the story is complete. AND the added bonus of being able to continue the story with its ending if they so desired.

Despite all of this there are so many things that they did well (angry Ezran and Terry’s realisation being my favs). Don’t get me wrong, I really did love season 7. But it could’ve been better and less fan service.

Thanks for listening to my little all over the place Ted talk. Let’s hope this isn’t the end, cause that would be very disappointing.

[wizardbracket]

Round 2: Match 25 of 32

Why they deserve to be the ultimate wizard according to YOU:

Merlin:

Vanquished (so far): Prospero

"He deserves to win for the sole reason that he's bbgurl"

"He literally just is the ultimate wizard. Like that's his title"

"No one can possibly surpass Dragoon the Great"

"He's gay, he is literally the embodiment of magic. He waits over 2000 years for Arthur to return and he is still waiting"

"The Greatest Sorcerer to Ever Walk the Earth, The Last Dragonlord, Dragoon the Great"

Luz Noceda:

Vanquished (so far): Callum

"She had to be smart and hardworking to get her power, she has a yet-to-hatch familiar, her human world technology is magic to her magic world friends"

"She technically wants to be a witch and there was one mention of a wizard in the show, but I wanna argue that she counts as a wizard because her magic is based on study. She puts a lot of work into learning her craft and cannot cast magic that she has not studied. Her presentation is also baller."

[greenapplespider]

Introduction:

My husband and I have a small hobby farm; he works full time and I run a home bakery. I’m a zoomer. In my spare time I write and draw. I have several original stories as well as fanworks- reading/writing fanfiction is one of my favorite hobbies. I’m do commissioned illustrations on the side.

I experience gender/sex dysphoria and a lot of my works (intentionally or otherwise) have transhumanism, body horror, disassociation, mental instability, and similar complicated themes proliferating through them. Both the original stories I’m currently working have varying levels of these themes in different ways within them. Many of my fanworks do as well.

I am pro-ship, pro-free speech/expression, and generally anti censorship. I enjoy stories with dark, depressing, whumpy, and controversial themes. If I write, draw, or enjoy something that offends you, move on- I don’t care for the sensibilities of cry bully’s, nor do I care if you think some dynamic of my work(s) are problematic, per whatever pet issue seizes the masses.

In the words of old- ‘don’t like don’t read’, ‘dead dove do not eat’, and ‘YKINMKATO’.

—

My current work:

(Will be added to when need be)

Original works:

‘Blood in Moderation’ is an epic length graphic novel I’m planning. It is a dark, urban, fantasy about magic, alchemical mutants, transhumanism, and wealthy elites who take no issue consorting with foul things for power. It’s currently unpublished- my goal is to have part one of the Torch City Arc done within the next 5 years. This story is my baby- so perhaps I’m taking a bit too long to make it perfect. —— ‘Blood in Moderation: The Sewer King’ follows the character Callum, a fresh cop, assigned to work in one of the most dangerous precincts in the city. As he becomes more disillusioned and jaded with the reality of his job, he starts looking into wrongfully abandoned missing persons cases in his spare time and eventually crosses paths with the daughter of the cities most prolific gun runner and smuggler. She’s looking for her missing best friend. Together they uncover a lot more than a human trafficking scheme.

‘Second Class Citizen’ is a BL erotica and thriller set in a dystopian. John is a former psychologist working as a journalist for an independent, anti-government, publication. On his way home from work he is attacked by one of the many organized gangs police purposely ignore. His attackers take more than just his money. Due to John’s work as a journalist the government views him as dissident and the police threaten him into silence. One of John’s attackers takes a sick liking to him and with no other recourse John’s best mate, Henry, decides to take matters into his own hands. (Not published yet- the goal is by late summer of next year).

Fanworks:

I have many fandoms which I’ll do fanart for:

Naruto, MP100, Black Clover, The Witcher, ATLA, LOTR, Merlin, Stargate, Star Trek, and many others

I’m currently doing fanfics for Naruto, Black Clover, and The Witcher- they’ll be linked here as well as posted on this blog and my AO3 as I finish them.

[doyelikehaggis]

Fandoms + Ships (for Prompt Purposes)

As I like to reblog prompts a lot but have the annoying little habit of jumping ship on a fandom, I decided it is finally time I make an official list, which will be constantly updated as I develop new interests! If there’s a ship you want to request but it isn’t here, just ask and I’ll let you know where I stand with it!

In The Flesh

• Kieren x Rick

• Kieren x Simon

The Hunger Games

• Everlark (Katniss/Peeta)

• Finnick/Annie

• Haymitch/Effie

• Katniss/Madge

HSMTMTS

• Caswen (Ricky/EJ)

• Portwell (EJ/Gina)

• Mashlynn (Maddox/Ashlynn)

• Ricky/Jet

The Vampire Diaries

• Stelena (Stefan/Elena)

• Mattlena (Matt/Elena)

• Tylena (Tyler/Elena)

• Elenijah (Elijah/Elena)

• Barolena (Bonnie/Caroline/Elena)

• Stexi (Stefan/Lexi)

• Denzo (Damon/Enzo)

• Forwood (Tyler/Caroline)

• Maroline (Matt/Caroline)

• Bamon (Bonnie/Damon)

• Bamenzo (Bonnie/Damon/Enzo)

• Carenzo (Caroline/Enzo)

• Dalijah (Damon/Elijah)

• Parkwood (Tyler/Liv)

• Klayley (Klaus/Hayley)

Legacies

• Handon (Hope/Landon)

• Jandon (Josie/Landon)

• Henelope (Hope/Penelope)

• Hizzie (Hope/Lizzie)

• Kizzie (Kaleb/Lizzie)

• Methan (MG/Ethan)

• Ked (Kaleb/Jed)

• Dark!Jobastian (Dark!Josie/Sebastian)

• Landizzie (Landon/Lizzie)

Teen Wolf

• Sciles (Scott/Stiles)

• Scydia (Scott/Lydia)

• Mccallinski (Lydia/Scott/Stiles)

• Stalia (Stiles/Malia)

• Malydia (Malia/Lydia)

• Stira (Stiles/Kira)

• Scira (Scott/Kira)

• Liason (Liam/Mason)

• Allydia (Allison/Lydia)

• Allerica (Allison/Erica)

• Berica (Boyd/Erica)

• Malisaac (Malia/Isaac)

• Lydora (Lydia/Cora)

• Allora (Allison/Cora)

• Scanny (Scott/Danny)

• Malira (Malia/Kira)

The Witcher

• Yennskier (Yennefer/Jaskier)

• Geraskerer (Geralt/Yennefer/Jaskier)

• Raskier (Radovid/Jaskier)

• Trennefer (Triss/Yennefer)

• Geralt/Triss

EastEnders

• Frobby (Bobby/Freddie)

• Chryed (Christian/Syed)

• Ballum (Ben/Callum)

• Sukeve (Suki/Eve)

• Ben Mitchell/Kheerat Panesar

• Jack Branning/Michael Moon

• Whitney Dean/Chelsea Fox

• Lauren Branning/Peter Beale

• Lauren Branning/Lucy Beale

• Peter Beale/Fatboy

• Zack Hudson/Martin Fowler

• Zack Hudson/Felix Baker

• Anna Knight/Bernie Taylor

• Stacey Slater/Danielle Jones

• Peter Beale/Tamwar Masood

• Darren Miller/Tamwar Masood

• Masood Ahmed/Jane Beale

• Anna Knight/Bobby Beale

• Anna Knight/Bobby Beale/Freddie Slater

• Linda Carter/Alfie Moon

Hollyoaks

• McHay (Ste/John Paul)

• McShepherd (John Paul/Carter)

• Stendan (Ste/Brendan)

• Brendan/Walker

• Joel/Theresa

• Brendan/Warren

• Brendan & Mitzeee (platonic)

• Brendan & Joel (platonic)

• Amy/Michaela

• Leah:Vicky

• Cleo McQueen/Nathan Nightingale

• McNightingale (John Paul/James)

Friends

• Roey (Rachel/Joey)

• Chanoey (Chandler/Joey)

Stranger Things

• Elmax (El/Max)

• Elumax (El/Lucas/Max)

• Byclair (Lucas/Will)

• Byler (Will/Mike)

• Ronance (Robin/Nancy)

• Steddie (Steve/Eddie)

Glee

• Blam (Blaine/Sam)

• St. Hudson (Finn/Jesse)

• Tike (Tina/Mike)

• Quinntana (Quinn/Santana)

• Pezberry (Santana/Rachel)

• Quinncedes (Quinn/Mercedes)

• Sike (Sam/Mike)

• Jarley (Jake/Marley)

• Kurtbastian (Kurt/Sebastian)

The Flash

• Barrisco (Barry/Cisco)

• Snowbarrisco (Caitlin/Barry/Cisco)

• WestStein (Joe/Martin)

• Superflash (Barry/Kara)

• Thallen (Barry/Eddie)

•Westthallen (Iris/Barry/Eddie)

• Westhawne (Iris/Eddie)

Outlander

• Jamie/John

• John/Brianna

• Brianna/Roger

• Lizzie/Josiah/Kezzie

• William/Denzell

Lucifer

• Lucifella (Ella/Lucifer)

• Douchifella (Lucifer/Dan/Ella)

• Mazifer (Maze/Lucifer)

• Douchifer (Dan/Lucifer)

• Chlaze (Chloe/Maze)

PJO/HoO

• Jasico (Jason/Nico)

• Jercy (Jason/Percy)

• Perachel (Percy/Rachel)

• Rachabeth (Rachel/Annabeth)

• Pipabeth (Piper/Annabeth)

Merlin

• Merthur (Merlin/Arthur)

• Mercelot (Merlin/Lancelot)

•Merwaine (Merlin/Gwaine)

• Morgwen (Morgana/Gwen)

The Dumping Ground

• Elektra/Faith

• Elektra/Carmen

• Carmen/Lily

• Tyler/Jody

• Jody/Sasha

• Tyler/Ryan

• Chloe/Candi-Rose

• Candi-Rose/Bird

• Candi-Rose/Jay

The Story of Tracy Beaker

• Tracy/Crash

• Tracy/Ben

• Tracy/Lol

• Lol/Wolfie

• Crash/Rio

• Justine/Rebecca

Life With Derek

• Dasey (Derek/Casey)

• Derek/Sam

• Derek/Trevor

• Casey/Sally

Boy Meets World

• Shory (Shawn/Cory)

• Jeric (Jack/Eric)

• Eric/Jason

• Shawngela (Shawn/Angela)

• Shawpanga (Shawn/Topanga)

Girl Meets World

• Rilaya (Riley/Maya)

• Riley/Zay

• Riarkle (Riley/Farkle)

• Lucaya (Lucas/Maya)

• Maya/Zay

• Riley/Maya/Zay

Descendants

• Jal (Jay/Mal)

• Jaylos (Jay/Carlos)

• Mevie (Mal/Evie)

• Hevie (Harry/Evie)

• Buma (Ben/Uma)

• Umaudrey (Uma/Audrey)

• Haudrey (Harry/Audrey)

• Humaudrey (Harry/Uma/Audrey)

• Bevie (Ben/Evie)

iCarly

• Creddie (Carly/Freddie)

• Carly/Sam

• Carper (Carly/Harper)

• Sparper (Spencer/Harper)

Victorious

• Tandre (Tori/Andre)

• Jori (Jade/Tori)

Zoey 101

• Quogan (Quinn/Logan)

[mortemhq]

MERLIN’S BEARD, MALACHAI ARMATI (THOMAS DOHERTY), IS THAT YOU? it’s been so long – i thought you might’ve been dead! i mean, you never know in times like these. well, it’s good to have you back in the fight. come on now, there’s no time to waste – we need you to re-enter the fray within the next 48 hours, or else i fear all might be lost. don’t let us down – the world is counting on you.

[ he/him, cis man ] greetings to all of our listeners! we start today’s potterwatch with a long-awaited update on malachai armati who was finally spotted alive just last night, wandering the streets of london. for those of you who haven’t tuned in before, they are a 24 year old pureblood wizard who is oddly reminiscent of felix catton, callum nova, nate archibald, (shitty) london tipton, and harry bingham, which makes sense considering their pragmatic, shrewd, roguish, spoiled, inconsiderate, and hedonistic nature. you might know of them as the biological child of domenico armati (well...) and aurelia varano, and we’re sure that their family will be relieved to hear they’re safe and sound — or at least as much as you can be, in times like this. to all our listeners, if you catch a glimpse of someone who looks a bit like that muggle thomas doherty, that’s them. before approaching, please be aware that they’re rumored to be affiliated with the neutrals, so best proceed with caution. these are dangerous times we’re living in. well, thanks for tuning in, folks. we’ll play ourselves out with honey whiskey by nothing but thieves. [ a, 26, she/her, cst ]

[shiftingaround]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ introduction

Hi there!

My name is Nira, I’ve known about shifting for about 4 years now, but have mostly only been lurking other than the occasional tiktok comment here and there (@/myrealitymyrules on tiktok).

I have not been attempting to shift the entire time. I took an extremely long break (I would say roughly at least a year) just to concentrate on myself and my mental health with the occasional sporadic shifting attempts here and there.

More information about my DR’s below the cut!

I have a lot of DR's but my main one is currently my 2nd Fame DR! (This will change a lot, so I will update this as it changes)

  ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ My DR's:

Waiting Room

9th Member of Stray Kids

AFL

Black Butler

Bridgerton (Nobility)

Bridgerton (Non-Nobility)

Criminal Minds

Descendants

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Equestrian

1st Fame (Actor and musician)

2nd Fame (Musician only)

Fantastic Beasts

Hazbin Hotel

Hogwarts University

K-Pop Girl Group

Merlin

Monster High

The Office

Pretty Little Liars

Red Dead Redemption 2

Resident Evil

Set It Up

Spider-Han (Han from SKZ is Spider-Man)

Stoked

Stranger Things

Top Gun

The Umbrella Academy

If you shift to any of these places or even if you’re just a shifter in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I NEED shifting friends so badly because I have literally none!

(Please only DM me if you are 18 or above)

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ My S/O's are:

(Not all are listed)

9th Member of Stray Kids - Bang Chan (20 - at the time of arrival in my DR)

Black Buter - Currently none, but I may script Chan into this DR as well, I'm not sure.

Bridgerton (Nobility) - Callum Turner (26 years old)

Bridgerton (Non-Nobility) - Anthony and Kate Bridgerton (26 and 27 years old - during the events of Season 2)

Criminal Minds - Currently none, I may also script Chan into this DR.

Descendants - Harry Hook, Uma and Gil (All 21 ears old)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Rodrick Heffley (20 years old)

Equestrian - Bang Chan (27 years old - I scripted him into this DR, because I truly just think that equestrian Channie)

1st Fame - Callum Turner and Austin Butler (34 and 32 years old)

2nd Fame - Bang Chan (27 years old - again, this is my man I fear. He is in almost all of my DRs)

Fantastic Beasts - Theseus Scamander (27 years old)

Hazbin Hotel - Lucifer Morningstar (Immortal)

Hogwarts University - Draco Malfoy (20 years old)

K-Pop Girl Group - Bang Chan (27 years old)

Merlin - Merlin and Gwaine (21 and 23 years old)

Monster High - Currently none, but once again I'm thinking about scripting Chan into this one too.

The Office - Jim and Pam (23 and 25 years old)

Pretty Little Liars - Jason Dilaurentis (19 years old)

Red Dead Redemption 2 - Arthur Morgan (31 years old) (I have also considering scripting Chan into this one and changing my S/O, but I love Arthur too much for that!)

Resident Evil - Currently none, I don't think I'm going to have an S/O for this DR. I'm still deciding.

Set It Up - Harper and Charlie (27 and 28 years old)

Spider-Han - Han Jisung (22 years old)

Stoked - Bang Chan (20 years old - can you blame me? Surfer Channie? Yes please, in every way)

Stranger Things - Steve Harrington (19 years old)

Top Gun: Maverick - Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw and Jake "Hangman" Seresin (both 25 years old)

The Umbrella Academy - Five Hargreeves (he does age, and he will be 19 years old when he gets back from the future, instead of being 13.)

But yeah! That’s all of those.

I also really want to hear about your DR's! That’s my favourite part about shifting!

Where are you shifting? Why are you shifting there? Who are you shifting for if anyone? All that fun stuff!

[humanoidtyphoons]

That thing about sexism in writing of female antagonists when thinking about how we rarely have evil villainesses toxically in love with a male protagonist, reminds me of a writer for Fire Emblem, admitted that it took alot of effort for him to write women that were truly evil.

And that was the writer that write the most truly evil female antagonists (as in not in love with an evil man that was using her, just wanted to be a mom, or brainwashed by a male antagonist).

It’s a shame, but gosh, we’re missing out on how fun it can be! To be driven to desperate ends and taken to those dark places just to get that love? I enjoy the journey.

I do like love redeeming characters, but I also like love making things worse.

It’s tricky, tho, because I do think I do think at times having the villainess in love with the hero comes across as flat and annoying, and it’s often because it feels one note. I get annoyed at love interest turned villain too bc so often once they’ve gone villain, the feelings of love/attraction straight up disappear (I really should watch more of The Dragon Prince, Claudia/Callum I loved them so, but I know the show went a different direction with them… Merlin/Morgana had Merlin BBC let itself commit to the messiness!).

Ack, I don’t think evil women should be that difficult to write! They’re not inherently good! But step off that pedestal, and it’s instantly damnation, jfc.

(I guess Zira from Lion King 2 will always be legendary because of how much she is being driven by rage, she might as well be a wraith. Maybe her existence didn’t make sense but I love that not even her son dying stopped her vengeful path. She faltered for a moment, but it was still secondary to revenge. Yes, she’s not in love with Simba, but she’s still among my favourite villains ever. TBH, it’s a shame Scar/Zira never got to interact but I think they could have been happy together with how similar they seem.)

I’m not too familiar with Fire Emblem, sorry.

I can think of a few villainesses that fit that criteria (not in love with an evil man that’s using her, not brainwashed, nor just wanted to be a mom), but. Yeah. Unfortunately they do seem hard to come by.

[qnewsau]

All the winners from the 63rd Queens Ball Awards

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/queens-ball-awards-2024-winners/

All the winners from the 63rd Queens Ball Awards

More than a dozen Queensland queer community advocates, performers and organisations have been honoured and celebrated at this year’s 63rd annual Queens Ball Awards.

Hundreds descended on Brisbane City Hall on Saturday evening for the 63rd annual Queens Ball, the Queensland LGBTQIA+ community’s glitzy night of nights.

Organised by Brisbane Pride and hosted by Chocolate Boxx and Paul Wheeler, the Ball is the longest-running continuous queer event in the world.

It’s a night not just to celebrate the achievements of the community but to also acknowledge the event’s history.

Brisbane Pride President James McCarthy highlighted the importance of the record when addressing those attending.

“The Queens Ball represents 63 years of struggle, triumph, love and defiance,” he said.

The night’s grand event was the announcement of the Queens Ball Awards winners.

James also revealed that they had 4,750 votes cast for the 226 nominees. Both of these were records for the event.

Bay Pride from Wynnum Fringe Festival was a big winner taking out three awards.

It took out Event of the Year while the event’s creative producer Callum Cantrill won the Young Achievement Award and artist director Tom Oliver won Ally of the Year.

The festival was targeted by a homophobic campaign last year which backfired with spectacular turnout on the day thanks to the hard work of organisers.

Drag legend wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Drag legend and Hall of Famer Betty Nature won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Betty has been the driving force behind the long-running CWC Cabaret, a fundraiser for people living with HIV that has been held for over 30 years.

In the hotly contested Drag Performer of the Year, Gayleen Tuckwood won the award ahead of more than 40 other nominees.

Community Support Group Free Mum Hugs won their category for the second year running while The Sportsman Hotel won Venue of the Year for the third time in a row.

See the full list of Queens Ball Award winners below:

First Nations Leadership and Engagement Award: Corey March Activist of the Year: Helen Wheels Ally of the Year: Tom Oliver Young Achievement Award: Callum Cantrill Community Social Group: Dykes on Bikes QLD Community Support Group: Free Mum Hugs Event of the Year: Bay Pride at Wynnum Fringe Venue of the Year: The Sportsman Hotel DJ of the Year: DJ Merlin Artist of the Year: Dylan Mooney Drag Performer of the Year: Gayleen Tuckwood Volunteer of the Year: Imani Andersen Community Sporting Group: Gay Skate Brisbane Performer of the Year: Archie Arsenic Lifetime Achievement Award: Betty Nature PROUD Award: Justin Rosenberg

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[queenofthearchipelago]

Thanks for the tag, @per4mancecheck! I'm glad our son made the honorable mentions list!

There were a handful of more characters I could have added to this but the prompt said characters of All Time, so then these are the characters that have just completely changed who I am as a person, for the better.

My honorable mentions are Aziraphale (Good Omens), The Tenth Doctor (Dr Who), Will Byers (Stranger Things), Clark Kent (Smallville), Gilbert Blythe (Anne with an E), Callum (The Dragon Prince), and Neal Caffery (White Collar).

Tagging @queerfables, @ryupioupiou, @pearlashley762, @eddiediaaz, @omniscientfish

@goldenliartrash tagged me to make a poll of my five all time fav characters and then tag five people to do the same. So there it goes:

So now, the tags: @motsimages, @tanoraqui, @caffeinateddiscoverer, @per4mancecheck, @redacted-metallum

[quodekash]

How do you know he’s a mage? 

1- He’s a skinny kid

2- He’s got dark hair 

3- Definitely had/has a crush on the knightly white boy with blonde hair and blue eyes who’s a few years older and sometimes makes fun of mage, more so at the start, but as they experience more stuff together and help each other out in dire situations they come to trust each other more and ultimately are friends 

4- Knightly white boy has an attractive sister with long dark hair who does magic too, except it’s not the good kind of magic. And she was genuinely cool at the start of the show, but then she started doing what she thought was the right thing, but she was doing it for the wrong reasons. And those reasons probably involve her father somehow. But also her turning evil wasn’t her fault at all, and eventually knightly white boy has to fight against her even tho he doesn’t want to cos she’s his sister. 

5- He has a red neckscarf. 

[ruffboijuliaburnsides]

Me: oh, since we’re isolating, we should finally watch The Dragon Prince!

Me, at Rayla’s first scene: if anything happens to this girl, I will kill everyone in this kingdom and then myself.

Me, at Rayla’s second scene: *SOBBING HYSTERICALLY* I WOULD DIE FOR YOOOOOOOU

[zoeekar]

Okay, y’all, be honest with me. Is The Dragon Prince the Merlin we’ve been waiting for??

I mean, we have Merlin Callum

Arthur Soren

And his sister

This lil cutie who is obviously Morgana Claudia

who is also not all good? (I dunno, I haven’t watched the whole thing yet but like...)

Oh and also this:

It writes itself, people!!!

[combustion-man]

okay the dragon prince though

how intentional is it that callum is just animated merlin? 

[mortemhq]

MERLIN’S BEARD, ORPHEUS SELWYN (CALLUM TURNER), IS THAT YOU?  it’s been so long – i thought you might’ve been dead! i mean, you never know in times like these. well, it’s good to have you back in the fight. come on now, there’s no time to waste – we need you to re-enter the fray within the next 48 hours, or else i fear all might be lost. don’t let us down – the world is counting on you.

[ he/him, cis man ] greetings to all of our listeners! we start today’s potterwatch with a long-awaited update on orpheus theodore selwyn who was finally spotted alive just last night, wandering the streets of london. for those of you who haven’t tuned in before, they are a 30 year old pure-blood (squib) wizard who is oddly reminiscent of there's a fate worse than death and it's living to hear eulogies for the person you could have been; spending hours inventing new objects and tools that don't necessarily require magic to work; experimenting on yourself for the greater good of research; haunting everywhere you go like a forlorn piano melody echoing in an empty room; standing tall and proud as if you do not live in fear for the existence you were imprisoned in, which makes sense considering their pioneering, cooperative, valiant, self-loathing, paradoxical, and obsessive nature. you might know of them as the biological child of thelonius selwyn ii and elizabeth burke iii, and we’re sure that their family will be relieved to hear they’re safe and sound — or at least as much as you can be, in times like this. to all our listeners, if you catch a glimpse of someone who looks a bit like that muggle callum turner, that’s them. before approaching, please be aware that they’re rumored to be affiliated with the death eaters, so best proceed with caution. these are dangerous times we’re living in. well, thanks for tuning in, folks. we’ll play ourselves out with safe and sound by point north and the ghost inside. [ kier ]

[stars-in-my-damn-eyes]

Thanks for the tag, @storm-and-starlight !!

**

How many works do you have on AO3?

37, though three are on anon. 38, if you count the anon fic i co-wrote that was posted to my friend's account.

What’s your total AO3 word count?

229917 words!

How many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

7! They are, in no particular order, the Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy, BBC Merlin, The Dragon Prince, Lucifer Netflix, the Witcher Netflix, the Witcher games, and the Magnus Archives.

What are your top five fics by kudos?

1) Death to the Details

2) Slightly Akin to Wonder

3) The Lark's Requiem

4) Perhaps Not in Entirety

5) With Reminiscent Undertones

Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

I try to! Admittedly I am very much behind on this - however, I respond because I appreciate commenters.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

A Rotten Kind of Cold (Geralt dies). I'm not a big angst writer - this was 100% for the shock value for the witcher flash fic challenge, because in the first week, multiple people had shocked ME with mcd fics.

Do you write crossovers? If so, what’s the craziest one you’ve ever written?

I have written one (1) crossover, the esteemed Witcher/Star Wars Original Trilogy fusion fic Almost Seemed to Shine Again, which is in dire need of an update. I suppose that, by default, it is also the craziest.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Nope! :D

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I do not write smut. I dislike sexual content so I neither consume nor create it.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Somebody plagiarised segments of Empyrean, my half-elf Callum TDP fic, and while I brushed it off at the time it did end up being a big reason that I haven't updated Empyrean since I was 16.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, but I would die on the spot (in a positive manner) if someone did translate a fic of mine!

What’s your all-time favorite ship?

N/A, I'm afraid (ha! pun!). It's platonic relationships all the way, for me - I'm not interesed in the romance genre at all.

What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

The Empty Eyes of the Damned. It's a concept very dear to my heart but I am no longer as interested in the witcher as I once was.

What are your writing strengths?

Plot! Dialogue! Also fight scenes, for some reason.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Interesting prose, unique character voices, and the proper use of metaphor. English was my worst subject in school - besides, when I write, I mostly just transcribe what I'm visualising in my mind so it ends up depressingly literal and homogenous.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in fic?

I quite enjoy seeing it! Whether it be untranslated sentences, or stylised text to indicate that something is being spoken in a language other than English (or a conlang!), I really like reading characters speaking foreign dialogue, too. One thing I don't love is when characters speak a gimmicky, caricature-like version of a foreign language (such as a German character saying "ja" instead of "yes" when speaking to a non-speaker of their language. It feels very forced and you can see the hand of the author in the dialogue). But yeah! Generally speaking, I like it!

What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written?

HMMMMM. Most definitely either Seven for a Secret, I think, or the Idiot Hymn (it rhymes :D), OR my beloved, How to Explain Plato’s Allegory of the Cave to an Eel with Identity Issues (and Other Fun Exploits at Aretuza). I know this is technically 3 but shut up i was a B in AS Level maths i dont actually know how to count.

**

tagging: @brothebro @jask-jaskier-jaskiest @ruffboijuliaburnsides @violaceum-vitellina-viridis @heronfem @theaceace @concertconfetti and anyone else who wishes to do this!