Daylesford’s beloved literary festival, Words in Winter, is bringing queer creativity, community and plenty of warm fuzzies this August.
Held on Djaara Country in Victoria’s Central Highlands, the annual literary festival returns from 26 to 30 August with this year’s theme, Curiouser and Curiouser.
Daylesford has long been one of Australia’s most LGBTQIA+ welcoming communities, so the festival feels right at home in a town where queer community is part of the fabric.
And what could be more queer than gathering in a cosy room to talk about books, creativity and making your own little corner of the world?
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Queer creators refusing to wait for permission
One of the festival’s standout conversations brings together Jasper Peach, Liz Duck-Chong and Erin Riley.
The trio will explore what it means to create, publish, and share trans and gender-diverse stories outside traditional gatekeepers.
Jasper is a trans, non-binary and disabled writer and the author of You’ll Be a Wonderful Parent and My Body Is My Home.
Liz Duck-Chong is a writer, filmmaker, musician and woodworker whose work explores queer lives, relationships, non-monogamy and the natural world.
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Erin Riley, a writer and social worker, will curate and moderate the conversation.
Together, they’ll talk creativity, community care, disability justice and making things happen when the mainstream says no thanks.
Expect fierce honesty, plenty of laughs and some very good reminders that you don’t need permission to make something wonderful.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit Humanitix.
Storytime, but make it queer and adorable
The littlest bookworms are getting some love too.
Jasper Peach will host a special storytime at Daylesford Library celebrating My Body Is My Home.
Illustrated by beloved Naarm artist Beci Orpin, the picture book celebrates body autonomy, confidence and belonging.
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It’s warm, colourful and affirming, with a simple message: every body deserves to feel at home.
After the reading, families can sing together in English and Auslan and enjoy some cute, engaging activities.
The session is designed for children aged 0–5, making it a gorgeous introduction to queer-inclusive storytelling.
This is a free event; however, registration is encouraged. RSVP via Humanitix here.
Come for the books, stay for the community
Across the five-day festival, Words in Winter will explore curiosity, creativity, history and community.
And these queer events offer something especially lovely.
They create space for trans and gender diverse people to tell their own stories, build community and imagine different possibilities.
In a world that can sometimes feel exhausting, a winter literary festival in queer-friendly Daylesford sounds pretty perfect.
Bring your curiosity, grab a cuppa and come get Curiouser and Curiouser.
The festival runs across Daylesford and Hepburn from Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 August.
For more information and to check out the full list of events, visit wordsinwinter.com
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
