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Graz, Austria – The 35th annual Tuntenball, a renowned LGBTQ+ charity event, took place on Saturday under the theme “Grand Bordell,” drawing over 2,500 attendees to the Congress Graz. The event celebrated diversity and freedom, with attendees embracing creative and expressive outfits, and raising funds for vital community support services.

The “Grand Bordell” theme, according to organizers, symbolized a reclamation of a space free from shame, moral judgment, and societal stigma. Beyond the glamorous spectacle, the Tuntenball is a significant fundraising event for the LGBTQ+ community, with organizers claiming it is the largest charity event of its kind in Europe. The event featured numerous acts, artists, and DJs across multiple stages, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.

A Night of Celebration and Recognition

The Tuntenball is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where every guest is celebrated as a star. Attendees showcased imaginative costumes, emphasizing self-expression and pushing fashion boundaries. “Kleinkunstprinzessin” Grazia Patrizia, who hosted the evening, emphasized the importance of visibility, stating, “The Tuntenball is very important, it radiates outwards, the party and the festivity. But every Euro that comes in is used well for the future and for counseling. We must remain visible to show society that we are here, we are fighting, and we will always be here.”

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Tuntenball Courage Award to the initiative Heublumen. Founded in 2023, Heublumen has been instrumental in supporting the LGBTQ+ community in rural areas, organizing regional Pride parades, such as the Unken Pride, and hosting regular gatherings and lectures to foster connection and visibility.

The traditional Tuntenball Drag Race culminated in a win for “XTZ Lamborghini,” whereas the crowd also enjoyed a performance by Groove Coverage at midnight in the Stefaniensaal.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Services Through Charity

The Tuntenball has evolved from a small gathering of 140 people in 1990 at the University of Graz’s cafeteria to a major cultural event. The event’s proceeds directly fund the year-round work of the Graz-based LGBTQ+ organization RosaLila Pantherinnen and support numerous projects. This year, the funds raised are particularly crucial, as they secure the continuation of RosaLila Pantherinnen’s work and the provision of psychosocial counseling services for queer individuals.

Organizer Joe Niedermayer highlighted the increasing importance of the event in light of a perceived lack of political support. “The hatred in our society is not decreasing – it is becoming more acceptable,” Niedermayer stated. He further explained the vital role the Tuntenball plays in providing resources, noting, “Queer people have more problems than heterosexual people, the suicide risk is higher, depression is more common, but people can’t help it. That’s why we are glad that we are one of the social organizations that also generate money themselves, for example through the Tuntenball, which brings money and can partially fill these gaps.”

The Tuntenball’s impact extends beyond a single night of celebration, providing essential funding for ongoing support and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.

As the event continues to grow in prominence, it remains a powerful symbol of inclusivity and a vital source of support for queer individuals and organizations in Austria. The success of the 35th Tuntenball underscores the ongoing require for community-driven initiatives and the importance of creating safe and affirming spaces for all.

What comes next for the Tuntenball and RosaLila Pantherinnen will depend on the funds raised and the continued support of the community. Organizers will be focusing on ensuring the sustainability of their services and expanding their reach to further support the LGBTQ+ community in Graz and beyond.

Share your thoughts on the Tuntenball and its impact in the comments below!

Cheyenne, WY – Wyoming residents now have a novel opportunity to chase life-changing wealth with the launch of the “Millionaire for Life” lottery game, officials announced this week. The game, operated by WyoLotto, offers a daily drawing with the potential to award a top prize of money for life. This new game provides a fresh option for lottery players in the state, alongside existing games like Powerball and Mega Millions.

The “Millionaire for Life” game distinguishes itself from traditional lottery formats by offering a non-lump sum prize. Instead of a one-time payout, winners receive a lifetime annuity, providing a steady stream of income. A single playslip for the game costs $5 and allows players to select six numbers, or opt for a “Quick Pick” where the numbers are randomly generated. The Wyoming Lottery Commission hopes this new game will generate additional revenue for the state’s earmarked funds, including education.

How to Play Millionaire for Life

Players have several options when participating in the “Millionaire for Life” game. The simplest method is to request a “Quick Pick” ticket from a lottery retailer. Alternatively, players can manually select their numbers on a playslip using a pencil, blue, or black ink. Each playslip accommodates up to five sets of six numbers. If a mistake is made while filling out a playslip, players should mark the “VOID” box and obtain a new one; erasing is not permitted. For those who enjoy consistent participation, the “Multidraw” option allows players to automatically enter the same numbers for 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or even 20 consecutive drawings.

Understanding Your Ticket and Checking Results

Each “Millionaire for Life” ticket serves as the official receipt and displays the selected numbers for each play, the date of the drawing, and the total amount paid. Players are strongly encouraged to carefully review their ticket for accuracy before leaving the retailer. Once purchased, tickets cannot be canceled, emphasizing the importance of verification at the point of sale. To determine if a ticket is a winner, players have multiple options: they can visit a WyoLotto retailer, utilize the WyoLotto app and its ticket scanner, visit the Check Your Numbers page, check local newspapers or television broadcasts, or call 855-995-6886. Players can also sign up to receive winning number notifications via email.

Claiming Your Prize

Winning tickets must be redeemed within 180 days of the draw date. Detailed instructions on how to claim a prize can be found on the WyoLotto website’s Claim Your Prize page. WyoLotto emphasizes that the official source for verified winning ticket numbers is the lottery terminal at retail locations, and the organization is not responsible for inaccuracies found in other sources.

Protecting your ticket is crucial. WyoLotto advises players to sign the back of their ticket immediately upon purchase. This signature serves as proof of ownership in the event the ticket is lost or stolen.

The launch of “Millionaire for Life” adds another layer of excitement to Wyoming’s lottery offerings. As the game progresses, WyoLotto will continue to monitor participation and assess its impact on revenue generation for state programs. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and to view the lottery as a form of entertainment.

What impact will the new game have on overall lottery revenue in Wyoming? Only time will tell, but the daily drawings and unique prize structure are designed to attract a broad range of players. Share your thoughts on the new game in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with friends and family who might be interested in trying their luck!

Mainz, Germany – The Landeskriminalamt (State Criminal Police Office) of Rhineland-Palatinate is warning citizens booking vacations to be vigilant against a surge in online fraud involving fake holiday rentals. The warning, issued on February 22, 2026, comes as many start planning travel for Easter and the summer months.

According to the police, criminals are advertising non-existent properties in popular tourist destinations, enticing potential renters with significantly discounted prices. Victims who pay upfront often arrive to find no accommodation, no contact person, and little recourse for recovering their funds.

Authorities have identified four key indicators of fraudulent listings. These include prices substantially lower than comparable properties in the region, incomplete or falsified contact information – specifically lacking a tax number or registered business address – a requirement for upfront payment via bank transfer or money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram, and a lack of direct phone contact, with communication limited to email or messaging apps.

The Landeskriminalamt advises prospective travelers to first check for any travel advisories issued by the German Foreign Office for their intended destination. Currently, the Foreign Office advises against non-essential travel to Turkey.

To protect themselves, vacationers should thoroughly investigate the provider, ensuring they have complete contact details, a legitimate legal notice (Impressum), and a secure website address. Paying by credit card or direct debit is recommended, as these methods typically offer greater protection against fraud, allowing for potential chargebacks.

Police also suggest using reverse image searches to verify the authenticity of property photos. Fraudsters frequently steal images from legitimate listings to create deceptive advertisements.

Individuals who suspect they have been targeted by a holiday rental scam are urged to immediately contact the booking platform, if applicable, and file a report with the police. Reports can be filed online through the portal at portal.onlinewache.polizei.de. It is crucial to preserve all evidence, including chat logs, emails, booking confirmations, and bank transfer records.