Queerstories

Leona Beasley tells us the story of Onnie Armstrong who kisses her first girl inside a shabby doghouse in the backyard, but the sheer joy of lips locking doesn’t last when her hotheaded Southern father discovers his daughter isn’t like the other girls. Writer Leona Beasley was born and raised in in Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut novel Something Better than Home is a 2018 Lambda Literary Award finalist in Lesbian Fiction.  She studied Interior Design at the University of Georgia, Education at Mills College, and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School University in New York City. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter

Heather Grace Jones tell us three short pieces. They are a small reminder that 'love is love' has many meanings, and while this moment in history feels unbearable in many ways, together we continue to celebrate our communities, our unconditional affections and our lives. Heather is a journalist, community worker and writer. For the past decade Heather Grace has worked in Australia, Afghanistan and Pakistan on social justice issues with a focus on media development, technology and women’s rights. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and I

Maxine Kauter tells us the story of her amazing adventure right into the heart of Evangelical Christianity and advice that you should be careful how well you make your bed because you may be asleep in it for longer than you think.  Maxine is a singer, songwriter and storyteller. She is best known for her role as the titular character in the long-running soap opera, 'The Maxine Kauter Band'. In that role she has self-released three records of critically acclaimed music for sad sacks. She is also the founder of Museophilliac, producing bespoke content and performances for cultural institutions. In that capacity she has written content and produced shows for The City of Sydney, The Australian Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum and various art and design galleries including the independent curatorial space The Cross Art Projects. Maxine will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular ev

Tina Dixson tells us a story about queer search for safety. When home and exile become one, how does one belong?  Tina is a queer woman and an advocate for human rights both here and overseas, specialising on the issues faced by LGBTIQ communities, people from refugee backgrounds and women who’ve experienced violence. In Australia she has worked for the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), Australia's preeminent legal service of people seeking asylum. She is currently collaborating with her partner Renee Dixson in her creative practice which has given rise to the social art project, "Stories about Hope". She currently holds the position of Policy Officer at the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance.  Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hac

Kaya shares a tale of transitioning after a near fatal accident and discovering the joys of google incognito.   Kaya is a scientist researching the tsunami threat to NSW, working closely with the SES to develop emergency management policies. In their career as an ocean mapping scientist they spent several years at sea working for the government and private industry. Kaya also writes and publishes creative non fiction for the queerest publications they can find.    Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.co

A heartfelt account of how artist Guy James Whitworth's troubled childhood in the North East of England fuels and fires him on to negotiating the straight art scene in Sydney. Guy is one of those intense and creative types. Originally hailing from Northumberland in the North East of England he has for the past decade called Australia home and resides in Surry Hills wandering the streets shouting about form, colour and the importance of studying anatomy to anyone who will listen. Whist juggling his day jobs in costume design, working for companies such as Opera Australia, he has exhibited his art work in galleries in both Europe and Australia, with sponsors including Mardi Gras, Art Month and City of Sydney. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia,

Simon Copland's polyamorous relationships seem to concern many gay people. But accepting diversity means accepting all of it, even when it comes to sex.  Simon is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the Australian National University. He is a freelance writer who has been published in the Guardian, SBS Online Australia, BBC Online, and co-produces and presents the podcast Queers. Simon is the co-editor of the online publishing site Green Agenda. In his free time he likes to powerlift, he loves rugby union, and he's a David Bowie fanatic. Simon Copland will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maev

Mama Alto is a cabaret artiste, jazz singer and trans non-binary femme who tells two interwoven stories about gender and generations. Mama Alto is a gender transcendent diva, cabaret artiste, jazz singer and community activist based in Melbourne. She is a non-binary trans femme person of colour who works with the radical potential of storytelling, strength in softness and power in vulnerability.  Mama Alto was the delighted recipient of the 2014 Weekly Award for Best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe, the 2016 Arts Access Victoria Outstanding Access & Inclusion Award at Melbourne Fringe, and the 2017 Artist of the Year Award at the GLOBE LGBTI Awards.   Mama Alto will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. To support Queerstories, become a

Eloise Brook tells us the safest space growing up Trans in the 80s in Australia was music - a place to listen, a place to imagine and a place to dream. Eloise is a researcher at the Sexualities and Gender Research network, Western Sydney University as well as the secretary of the board of Directors at the Gender Centre. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helen Razer impales herself on the white picket fence of diminished queer ambition. Helen is an opinion and arts writer perhaps best known for her years spent hosting breakfast on triple j, quite possibly the first female breakfast announcer on Australian FM radio and certainly the crankiest. Helen has published a bunch of books and writes a bunch o’ publications about politics, the arts and pop culture. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See acast.com/privacy for

Rhys Nicholson tells tales from his youth in Newcastle. Rhys has performed all over the world, garnering audience and critical praise for being both funny and a snappy dresser. In 2016, he was nominated for best show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Zoe Coombs Marr won and in the meantime Zoe and Rhys wed at the Festival Club with their very gay partners acting as Best Man and Maid of Honour. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See acast.com/privacy for pr

Allan Clarke tells us a coming of age story with a twist. An eye opening tale of what it's really like to grow up gay and Koori in the outback. Allan is the presenter of The Point on NITV. He is also their investigative reporter and was formerly the Indigenous Affairs reporter for BuzzFeed News and ABC News' Western Sydney reporter and a senior reporter for SBS television's Living Black. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See acast.com/privacy f

Jen Cloher tells us about Adelaide in the 1980’s. This was not a place where you discovered gender as "a journey rather than a destination". It was a place you survived. Jen is an ARIA nominated artist and spent almost a decade as one of the country’s best folk leaning singer-songwriters. In 2013, the release of In Blood Memory marked a new era; backed by an all time trio of Courtney Barnett, Bones Sloane and Jen Sholakis, post 2013 Cloher is grittier, groovier and more devastatingly honest than ever before. Jen is an outspoken advocate for artist rights, a label boss and band-leader. In 2011 Jen launched a series of workshops called I Manage My Music, specifically tailored to assist the self-managed musician. She now manages Milk! Records the label started by Courtney Barnett in 2012, which won Best Label at the 2015 AIR Awards. Jen will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden,

Stand up Comedian Geraldine Hickey shares a tale from one of her less welcoming gigs.  Geraldine has been described as a ‘deceptively cheery dame who'll quietly take out your innards.’ I can’t decide if that is terrifying or hot. Geraldine is a regular on the club and pub circuit around the country and she can be heard each morning on Melbourne Community radio station RRR. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See acast.com/privacy f

Brendan Maclean reflects on earlier career choices in where he "camped it up" for a pink dollar or two, and the repercussions of an ego based on a false identity. Brendan is a singer/song writer and actor whose credits include Velvet, Tracks & The Great Gatsby.  Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bish Marzook shares stories about her father, his love of language, and what happens when she has to come up with her own definitions. Bish is a writer, comedian, and scientist for good measure. She writes for SBS Comedy, regularly appears on Triple J and FBi radio, and co-runs Wolf Comedy, a Sydney comedy room committed to promoting diversity in comedy. You should definitely check it out. She also recently completed a PhD in cell biology because of course she did what an over-achiever. She has performed at writers', music, science, and comedy festivals around Australia, and hopes to book her first food festival soon. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysing

Annaliese Constable invites you into the dysfunctional hotbed of mental illness that is her relationship with her partner Emily. Annaliese is a writer, performer and queer rights activist working across standup, queer performance and theatre. Renowned for self deprecating and tragic comedic works Annaliese has been a regular contributor to Erotic Fan Fiction, Confession Booth, Story Club and FBi’s Versus with Eddie Sharp. Annaliese is funny for a girl, pretty for a lesbian and when she can afford it very well medicated. Despite not being raised by wolves Annaliese manages to get herself into numerous pickles that usually delight and terrify her friends and require compulsory notifications to relevant authorities. Annaliese has a penchant for growing one exceedingly long nipple hair and is the funniest blogger without a blog. However, if you want to find her on twitter search for Fisty Scent. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular even

Bastian Fox Phelan explores being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, the medicalisation of female facial hair, and how a disorder can be turned into a distinction. This story was published in The Lifted Brow (TLB #34) in June 2017. Bastian is a writer, musician and zinemaker living in Newcastle, Australia. Bastian is an MA (Research) candidate at The University of Sydney and is currently writing a memoir about female facial hair. They are part of dream pop duo Moonsign. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia. To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetter And for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/

Jessie Lloyd speaks about her Mission Songs Project, and her research into her history as an Indigenous musician. Originally from the tropics of North Queensland, Jessie Lloyd is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musician who performs a broad collection of Australian Indigenous songs. As an independent solo artist, Jessie released her debut EP ‘Other Side of the Room’ in 2014.  Dedicated to the continuation of cultural practice through the production of both traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, Jessie has a broad experience in Indigenous music business and sector development. Jessie was previously CEO of Songlines Aboriginal Music in Melbourne and South West Aboriginal Entertainment in Perth.  Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette

Dr Alice E Williamson looks back at the months she spent back in her home town in the North West of England just before moving to Sydney.   Alice is a Lecturer in Chemical Education and Outreach at The University of Sydney. Originally from the North West of England, Alice completed her PhD at The University of Cambridge, where she worked with colleagues to develop two new chemical reactions.  In addition to her research, Alice specialises in science communication and outreach. In February 2015, she was named as one of ABC RN and UNSW’s ‘Top 5 Under 40’ in recognition of her passion for sharing science stories. Alice presents a weekly science slot on FBi Radio’s breakfast show and is the co-host of the ABC Science Podcast Dear Science. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook. The new