Survey Reveals What the Gold Coast’s Sapphic Community Really Want.
Community | Representation | Safe Spaces
Hairy Mary's has unveiled the results of its first Sapphic Community Survey, providing valuable insight into what lesbian, queer, bisexual, pansexual and sapphic-identifying women and non-binary people want from their local LGBTQIA+ venue.
Following several successful sapphic events over the past 12 months, the venue invited sapphic community members to share their thoughts on what was working, what was missing from the Gold Coast, and how Hairy Mary's could better support the community.
The message was clear.
Sapphic community calls for more variety of events, better representation, and LGBTQIA+ venues that are safe and welcoming for everyone.
While dance parties remain popular, respondents overwhelmingly said they were looking for something more: genuine connection, greater representation and a stronger sense of community.
Many described the need for spaces where people could comfortably meet others, particularly those attending alone, new to the Gold Coast or recently out. Others called for more opportunities beyond nightlife, including social gatherings, games nights, speed dating, live music, themed events and community meet-ups.
The survey also highlighted a strong desire for greater sapphic representation across entertainment, with respondents requesting more sapphic DJs, performers, drag kings and local artists.
Hairy Mary's owner Steven Fahd said the feedback reinforced the venue's commitment to creating more than just a place to party.
"What stood out most wasn't simply that people wanted more events - it was that they wanted more opportunities to connect. They want spaces where they feel represented, welcomed and part of a genuine community. That's exactly what we want Hairy Mary's to be."
As a result of the survey, Hairy Mary's will begin introducing a number of new initiatives over the coming months, including more community-focused events, greater representation of sapphic performers and DJs, and continued improvements to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.
What's Coming Next
The venue also plans to diversify its sapphic programming with a broader mix of social events alongside its popular afternoon ance parties, recognising that community can be built in many different ways.
While the survey represented only a snapshot of the community, the consistency of the responses has given Hairy Mary's confidence that these changes reflect a genuine need within the Gold Coast's growing sapphic community.
The venue hopes this marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation, with community feedback continuing to shape future events and programming.
"This wasn't about asking people to fill out a survey and filing it away," Fahd said. "It was about listening. We're committed to building something that belongs to the community, and we want everyone to feel like they have a seat at the table."
With new events already in development, Hairy Mary's says this is only the beginning of a longer-term vision to create one of Australia's most welcoming and vibrant sapphic communities.