How did the barber and drag queen first meet in Darwin?

The barber met Ben Graetz, who performs as the drag queen Miss Ellaneous, at a Darwin Pride pool party event after initially connecting on Grindr.

What role did the Covid-19 pandemic play in their relationship?

The pandemic grounded Ben in Darwin, allowing him and Dion Padan to spend more time together, which deepened their connection and led to Padan realizing he was in love.

When and where did Dion Padan and Ben Graetz get married?

Dion Padan and Ben Graetz got married in Sydney in 2022, followed by three separate celebrations in Darwin, Sydney, and Liverpool, UK.

Home / Lifestyle / From Barber to Husband: A Love Story Forged in Darwin

From Barber to Husband: A Love Story Forged in Darwin

1 Feb

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Summary

A barber moved to Darwin and met a drag queen persona, sparking a connection.
Covid lockdowns grounded the couple, deepening their relationship and leading to love.
They married in Sydney in 2022 and later celebrated with three international events.

From Barber to Husband: A Love Story Forged in Darwin

A barber from north Wales moved to Darwin, Australia, in 2018, seeking a new life. He met Ben Graetz, a local who performed as the drag queen Miss Ellaneous. Their initial connection at a Darwin Pride event was strong, but Ben's frequent travel made romance seem unlikely.

The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 unexpectedly grounded Ben, allowing him and Dion Padan to spend more time together. A pivotal weekend in Dundee solidified their bond, leading to Padan realizing he was in love. This realization came with a sense of safety and being deeply understood.

Following a business fire in Darwin and Ben's involvement with WorldPride in Sydney in 2022, Padan moved to join him. They married in Sydney that same year, celebrating with three separate events in Darwin, Sydney, and Liverpool, UK.