Queerstories

Joshua shares a poetic narrative about being Indigenous and queer in Canada.Joshua Whitehead is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and he is the author of Making Love with the Land, full-metal indigiqueer and Jonny Appleseed all of which have received a litany of accolades and awards. He is also the editor of Love after the End: An Anthology of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Speculative Fiction, which won the Lambda Award in 2021. He performed this story at Sydney Writers Festival.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leanne shares her greatest failures for your entertainment and edification, and as a terribly public method of therapy, one might suppose.Leanne Yong started her career as an IT business analyst and is now an escape room creator who has designed internationally recognised games with her partner that weave unique puzzle mechanics with narrative. Two Can Play That Game is her debut novel. She performed this story at Sydney Writers Festival.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Approaching 60, and reckoning with family histories, physical stuff, and the world at large, Sophie makes a list.Sophie Cunningham is the author of nine books, including the novel This Devastating Fever and the essay collection City of Trees. She is also a teacher, mentor, climate change activist and every day she posts an image of a tree on her Instagram @sophtreeofday. Sophie is the Chair of the Australian Society of Authors and an executive director of the Copyright Agency. She performed this story at Sydney Writers Festival.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info

Daniel recounts the meaningful form of lying.Daniel Lavery is the cofounder of The Toast, served as Slate's Dear Prudence from 2016–2021, and the author of Something That May Shock and Discredit You. He performed this story at Sydney Writers Festival.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernie shares her experiences with the supernatural.Best known as a judge from The New Inventors and her many years with ABC Science, Bernie Hobbs is an award-winning science writer and broadcaster. She performed this story at the World Science Festival in Brisbane.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alison is plagued by indecision when choosing between two seemingly perfect job opportunities in Germany.Dr Alison Wright is a Scientist at Griffith University working in the Office for Research. Her research specialised in Spinal Cord Injury stem cell treatments, and chemical tissue clearing microscopy techniques. As a prominent transgender scientist, she has been involved in outreach and advocacy to highlight LGBT individuals in STEM.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joni attempts to launch a rocket while discreetly transitioning; or she attempts to discreetly transition while launching a rocket.Dr Joni Sytsma is an aerospace engineer who began her career at the United States Air Force Research Laboratory before moving to Australia to join the Hypersonic International Flight Research Experiment program with Defence Science and Technology group. Today, Dr Sytsma is the Chief Technology Officer of the Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics program, a collaboration between Universities and Industry to develop Australia’s sovereign space capability.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron

Jesse reflects on transgender activism over the years.Dr Jesse Hooley is a 78er and was part of the Transgender Liberation Coalition in the 90s – a story she’ll be sharing with you tonight. Jesse went on to an academic career, teaching sociology, and having retired recently, she has devoted her energies once more to trans activism, as well as watercolour painting.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malaika rides the rollercoaster of grief and new beginnings.Malaika Mfalme {Angel King} is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and event producer creating on Gadigal Land. Malaika is here to create a safe space focused on healing with a powerful message of kindness, acceptance and reflection vibrating through every one of their sonic outputs. They’re a producer for community event Queers of Joy, and they produce the podcast Womb For Improvement with their twin sister.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

C.Moore shares snapshots of her life.Along with an outstanding career as a queer social documentary photographer & exhibiting artist and curator, C.Moore Hardy was also a Director of PRIDE, (lesbian & gay community centre) in the 1980s. She was born in Darlinghurst and trained at National Art School, College of Fine Arts, and Sydney College of the Arts, and she has successfully left the corporate and community commercial photography world with her life intact. She performed this story at the State Library of NSW.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa visits the Australian Queer Archives and is transported back to a different time in her life, shifting the way she thinks about her present.Lisa Salmon is a queer artist and writer from Naarm/Melbourne who debuted as a writer and publisher in 1989 when she and her then partner launched Australia’s first lesbian erotic zine Wicked Women. Lisa is currently writing a memoir and I cannot wait to read it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natali recalls a long-awaited visit to Chile that unknowingly set the scene for a life-changing moment.Natali Caro is a queer Colombian/ Chilean comedian, actor, drag king, writer and producer. They’re the founder of queer comedy cabaret GAG and PoC comedy lineup show Thanks For Having Me, they’re also the resident host of King’s & Queens, fBi Radio’s queer culture segment. You might have seen Natali on SBS The Feed, The Chaser War on 2021, Me&Her(pes), I'm Dying Inside, or your very own dreams!Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damien shares stories of his ancestors.Damien Webb is a proud member of the Palawa Diaspora, originally from Lutruwita (Tasmania). He has worked in state libraries for over 13 years, and he is currently Manager of the Indigenous Engagement Branch at the State Library of New South Wales. He performed this story at a special Queerstories event at the State Library in June 2023.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian recalls a treasured moment with his former coach, and reflects on how much things have changed.Ian Roberts started his career as a professional rugby league player in the mid 1980’s, playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys. He went on to play for NSW in 5 State of Origin series and over a dozen test matches for Australia. In 1994 at the high of his playing career Ian came out publicly and told the world he was a gay man, the first openly gay man in rugby league. Ian retired in 1998 due to injury, then in 2001 he studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. He has over 40 credited acting roles to his name. He performed this story at Riverside Theatres for Sydney World Pride.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published

Ellia was sure they were always destined to be someone and something, they just had to find their way to the truth of it all.Ellia Green is a retired professional rugby sevens player who was a part of the Olympic gold winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ellia is a national champion for change ambassador for the United Nations Australia, a Raise Ambassador and an Adopt Change ambassador. They performed this story at Riverside Theatres for Sydney World Pride.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a wild night of partying among fellow closeted friends, Patrick nearly loses the safety he has carefully created for himself.Patrick Abboud is an award winning journalist, documentary director and TV host. He is ambassador for Twenty10 and Wear it Purple advocating for LGBTQIA+ young people. Pat speaks Arabic and German and is Daddy to a two-year-old. He performed this story at Riverside Theatres for Sydney World Pride.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HANDSOME takes us through a series of moments, of community, connection and belonging.HANDSOME is a self-described tomboy pop artist who’s music celebrates the power of expression, creativity and fluidity and creates a space for anyone who longs to feel free. She performed this story at Riverside Theatres for Sydney World Pride.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bev shares her Mardi Gras journeyBev Lange volunteered on the Fair Day Committee for Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and then went on to chair Fair Day and the Parade before 5 years on the Board with 3 years as President. Bev also volunteered as a Director on the boards of the Centenary of Federation, ncoss, Sydney Gay Games and more recently the Stepping Out Program and Human Society International (Australia). Bev lead the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, was Director of Communications and Major Events for Transport NSW, and the Chief Operating Officer for Macleay College. During her 15-year career as a consultant, Bev has assisted organisations with workplace productivity coaching; communication planning; governance; strategic development and general management. In July 2018 she joined Elder Abuse Action Australia as its Executive Officer.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com

Kerry discovers a fictional version of himself.Kerry Bashford started his queer career as a baby activist, organising rallies at the age of 18 in 1982, before escaping south to the big smoke. After several years of apprenticeship in gay, street and independent presses and countless queer arts endeavours, he scored a job at NineMSN where he worked as Producer of Online Portal and Entertainment and ended up as movie critic for the network. He ended his corporate career and became a copywriter, buying an apartment near the beach back in Newcastle where he lives as a semi-retired journalist, which is a polite way of describing an unemployed writer of a certain age.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For more information, visit www.queerstories.com.au and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Bookt

Shauna shares her path to 'The Town of Make Believe'.Shauna Jensen has lived, loved and worked in the music biz for over 50 years. An icon in the LGBTQI+ community, Shauna is also lauded as one of the best singers in Australia. Working for the majority of her career as a backing vocalist, studio singer, and vocal coach, she has worked with Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Noiseworks, Doug Parkinson, Richard Clapton, Hugh Jackman and Powderfinger to name just a few. Shauna has performed 4 main solo shows at the SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS After party, performed at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Gay Games in 2002 to over 20K people and the closing show of same games to 10K people. Her recordings with Internationally famous DJ WAYNEG, have taken Shauna to sell out shows at clubs in London, L.A. New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Mexico, Rome, New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.Queerstories an award-winning LGBTQI+ storytelling project directed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. F