International Recognition for Queer Advocacy from Graz: Tuntenball Receives a PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe 2026, Supported by British Airways
The Tuntenball has been honoured with a Pride Award at the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe 2026, supported by British Airways. Presented by the UK’s Attitude magazine, the awards celebrate individuals, organisations, and initiatives that champion the LGBTIQ community and drive positive social change.
For us, this international recognition is a truly special honour. What began in Graz in 1991 has grown into far more than a single night of celebration. Today, the Tuntenball stands for visibility, community, solidarity, and the vision of a society in which everyone can live freely and with equal rights.
Tuntenball organiser Joe Niedermayer accepted the award in London with deep gratitude:
“It is a tremendous honour for us in Graz that Attitude has recognised and celebrated our work. Coming from a comparatively small city, this international recognition makes us especially proud. Thank you for this award, and thank you to everyone who has made the Tuntenball and our work possible over so many years.”
The current issue of Attitude features an in-depth article about the Tuntenball and its history. In the interview, Joe Niedermayer reflects on the event’s origins and development, the importance of solidarity and allyship, and the vision of a truly equal society.
The Tuntenball was founded in 1991 as a bold queer statement within Austria’s traditional ball culture. Today, around 2,500 guests gather each year at the Congress Graz to celebrate. Since its inception, the event has been organised by the RosaLila PantherInnen. The proceeds support the organisation’s work, including counselling services, assistance for queer refugees, political advocacy, and the “feel free” Community Centre in Graz.
This award therefore belongs not only to the Tuntenball team, but to everyone who has helped shape the event over the past decades: our dedicated volunteers, artists, partners, supporters, and, of course, our guests.
To see the story of the Tuntenball recognised and celebrated on an international stage fills us with immense joy and pride.
You can find all photos from the awards ceremony in our photo gallery.