2024 PROGRAM SUMMARY
Tell all the truth, but tell it slant
WRITE HARD
LGBTQIA+ creative writing workshop
Friday 4 October 2024
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Qtopia Sydney
Get fearless with your words and unleash your unique voice and craft powerful narratives with this workshop designed for emerging LGBTQIA+ writers. Explore the art of storytelling, character development, and learn how to infuse your writing with authenticity and queer perspectives, while honing your craft and gaining confidence. This workshop will include a short book of in-depth readings from contemporary Australian LGBTIQA+ writers. The workshop will be facilitated by Orlando Silver.
TELL IT SLANT
An opening night of bent poetry
Friday 4 October 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Loading Dock Theatre, Qtopia Sydney
It’s our opening night - and what better way to commence a celebration of queer excellence than an entree of poetry and performance by some of Australia's most exciting queer poets who push the boundaries of convention. They're telling their stories and they're telling them slant. Come bend your minds with Dan Hogan, Ellen van Neerven, Lucy Norton and Paris Rosemont. The evening will be emceed by Sarah Carroll.
PAGE TO PRINT
LGBTQIA+ publishing workshop
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Saturday 5 October 2024
9:o0 am - 11:30 am - Loading Dock Theatre, Qtopia Sydney
Are you an LGBTQIA+ writer with a story burning to be told? Join our workshop and learn the essential steps to transform your ideas into published works - discover insider tips on navigating the submission process and building a strong author platform.The workshop will give you knowledge and understanding of how to get your work published, and increase your confidence in submitting your work to publishers.
The workshop will be facilitated by Emily Riches, founding editor of Aniko Press, with guest Q&A appearances.
SPOIL SPORT
Sport’s tense relationship with race, gender & sexuality
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Saturday 5 October 2024
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Loading Dock Theatre, Qtopia Sydney
It’s our favourite pastime, universally adored and perhaps a matter of national pride. Yet sport’s relationship with intersectional communities tells a tense and bitter tale. Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring leading queer First Nations writers, as they share their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the sporting world. From personal narratives to critical analyses, the conversation will offer a nuanced understanding of the issues at play.
Featuring Ellen Van Neerven, writer of “Personal Score: Sport, Culture, Identity” (UQP) and Gary Lonesborough, with his upcoming novel, “I'm Not Really Here” (Allen & Unwin). Moderated by news broadcasting legend, Anton Enus.
BODIES IN CAGES
Trans experiences of the prison system
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Saturday 5 October 2024
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm - Loading Dock Theatre, Qtopia Sydney
Sex segregation in prison has long posed a problem for people whose bodies and identities do not fit easily within the gender binary. In this session, we'll showcase the strength and creativity of the trans community in the face of criminalisation and transmisogynistic violence.
Featuring Stacey Stokes, formerly incarcerated trans woman and contributor to Nothing to Hide: Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia (Allen & Unwin) and Necho Brocchi, proud trans woman, queer and trans youth worker and contributor to When Cops are Criminals (Scribe). The session will be chaired by Sam Elkin, author of “Detachable Penis: A Queer Legal Saga” (Upswell).
TWO PEAS
In-conversation with David Owen Kelly and J.M. Tolcher
Saturday 5 October 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Loading Dock Theatre, Qtopia Sydney
Two books are released in the same year in Australia. Two gay protagonists hailing from Queensland start their journeys of sexual exploration. Yet they are set apart by 40 years.
Join us for a captivating discussion with authors J.M. Tolcher and David Owen Kelly. Discover the inspirations behind their critically acclaimed works, “Poof” and “Host City”. From exploring the complexities of identity and belonging to delving into the social and political landscapes of urban life, these authors offer unique perspectives that will leave you aroused, devastated and pondering. The session will be moderated by Jordan Turner.
SORRY, MY BRAIN IS BETTER THAN YOURS
Centering neurodivergent writers
Saturday 5 October 2024
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm - Loading Dock Theatre, Qtopia Sydney
As neurodivergent writers we often refuse to perform ‘neurotypicality’. Instead, we step outside of expected social constraints to create expansive and revolutionary work, seeing vast possibilities where others may not. Our unmasking is an act of reclamation, and we are better writers for it.
This panel explores radical love, justice and resistance through the lens of neurodivergent creativity. It features five contemporary LGBTQIA+ neurodivergent writers, including Erin Riley, Isabelle Quilty, and Rosie Bogumil.
YOU'RE A WINNER BABY
Outstanding Short Story Competition Awards
Saturday 5 October 2024
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Loading Dock Theatre, Qtopia Sydney
We’re closing out our festival with yet another celebration of queer excellence. We’re proud to collaborate with the 2024 OutStanding Short Story Competition to award this year’s winners face-to-face at EnQueer. The theme of this year’s competition is “Mysterious”, and there will be prizes aplenty. First Prize will be worth $1,000 and presented by Alex Greenwich MP. This will be followed by the Youth Prize worth $250, along with six other fabulous prizes!
Hear all the winning stories read aloud at the OutStanding Short Story Competition 2024 Awards. OutStanding is run for and by the queer community, with an emphasis on participation and excellence in writing.
