From Grindr to 'I Do': A Darwin Love Story Born from Drag and Scrabble
In 2015, Dion Padan relocated from north Wales in the UK to Sydney, fulfilling a long-held dream. However, changes to Australian immigration rules soon altered his plans. To secure permanent residency as a barber, he needed to move to Tasmania or the Northern Territory. Opting for Darwin in 2018, he feared Tasmania's climate too closely mirrored Britain's unpredictable weather. Arriving in the city with little prior knowledge, Dion embarked on a new chapter that would unexpectedly lead to love.
A Welcoming Connection on Grindr
Shortly after settling in Darwin, Dion connected with Ben Graetz on the dating app Grindr. Ben extended a warm welcome, offering to show him around town and expressing curiosity about how a Welshman ended up in Darwin. He inquired if Dion planned to attend Darwin Pride, hinting at an upcoming pool party event without revealing his own role as the host in drag persona, Miss Ellaneous.
When Dion arrived at the Pride pool party in 2018, he was stunned to discover Ben's alter ego. "She was running and dancing around the pool, then threw herself in the water in full drag," Dion recalls. Miss Ellaneous invited him backstage to view her costumes, sweeping him into a world of vibrant performance and creativity.
The Spark Ignites Amidst Performances
Throughout the day, Dion watched Miss Ellaneous captivate audiences with humour, confidence, and generosity. Offstage, their conversations flowed effortlessly, marked by laughter and a palpable connection. Other performers noticed their chemistry, remarking, "Where did you come from? You make such a cute couple." Despite their denials of dating, an undeniable energy lingered between them.
Dion soon learned that Ben was "a bit famous" in the drag scene, frequently travelling for shows. This made the prospect of romance seem distant, as Ben's busy schedule kept him on the move. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 changed everything, grounding both men in Darwin and allowing their relationship to flourish.
A Weekend Getaway and a Scrabble Revelation
With more time spent together, Ben invited Dion for a weekend away in Dundee. They stayed in a secluded villa with a jacuzzi and no phone signal, fostering an intimate atmosphere. On the second evening, seated on the veranda playing Scrabble, Dion experienced a profound moment of clarity.
"I felt really at ease – we’d had such a beautiful afternoon together," he shares. "Then without any grand gesture or dramatic moment, it hit me. I felt safe. I felt seen. I felt deeply listened to, without judgment. The connection was unmistakable. I was in love."
Building a Life Together Across Continents
Since that pivotal Scrabble game, their journey has included significant challenges and joys. Dion lost his barber shop in Darwin to a fire, while Ben moved to Sydney in 2022 to work on WorldPride. Feeling adrift, Dion followed him, and they married in Sydney that same year with just two witnesses.
Recognising the difficulty of gathering all loved ones in one place, they celebrated their union with three separate events: in Darwin, Sydney, and a "festival of love" on their first anniversary in Liverpool, UK. Recently, they relocated to Brunswick Heads in northern New South Wales for improved quality of life, mental health, and career opportunities. Dion now works as a self-employed barber, and Ben continues his drag performances, often travelling but supported by nearby domestic airports.
Embracing Cultural Heritage and Shared Values
Ben, a First Nations man with ties to Malak Malak, Kungarakan, Muran Clan (Iwaidja), and Torres Strait Islands (Badu Island), brings rich cultural depth to their relationship. Dion cherishes learning about Ben's heritage, while Ben enjoys hearing about Welsh identity. "We’re not from the same place, but that’s a blessing. It adds another dimension to our relationship," Dion notes.
He admires Ben's dedication to creating space and opportunity for other Indigenous people, carrying significant responsibility for his community. "When it comes to Ben, I feel as if I’ve won the lottery," Dion expresses. "He’s the most kind, generous, loving, driven, calm and loyal person I’ve ever met."
A Proud Husband and Supportive Partner
Dion takes pride in their life together, especially when assisting Ben with drag shows featuring personas like Tina, Bogan Villea, or Miss Ellaneous. "I am a very proud husband and it fills my heart seeing him achieve so much," he says. Their story, from a chance Grindr message to a heartfelt Scrabble moment, underscores the power of connection across cultures and identities.
