A NEW Queer Victorian Festival of Words spotlighting the writing of the state\u2019s LGBTQIA+ community was launched last weekend in Ballarat.<\/p>\n
Q-Lit opened at the Sebastopol Library with free workshops and masterclasses covering topics like zines, young adult fiction, crime and publishing, and poetry, before moving to the Piano Bar in the evening for an artists\u2019 showcase.<\/p>\n
Local writer Sarah Hart was a contributor to the Words to Alter Worlds session on Sunday afternoon, alongside Hayley Singer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe each bring different perspectives,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHayley\u2019s about writing from your body and lived experience, and I\u2019ve got a background in communications and professional writing for not-for-profits, where authenticity is important in creating change.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage people to be honest, to be themselves, and to know that what they have to say is important. No one can say things like you can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hart said being a part of Q-Lit\u2019s launch was a cool experience, and something new for the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere hasn\u2019t been anything like it in Ballarat. Although we\u2019ve had writers\u2019 festivals, we haven\u2019t had one specific to the queer community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can take a bit to get writers out of their cage. Q-Lit is a chance to get a community, which can be quieter, out and about to share a love of words in a safe space,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about sharing a book with a same sex relationship in it, and not having to defend your identity. It\u2019s also important for rainbow families to know that their stories are shared.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the local launch, Q-Lit producer Timothy Ryan said the fest will head to Shepparton and Traralgon later in the month, Collingwood in February, and Geelong and Warrnambool in April.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur biggest aim is to make sure it\u2019s a Victorian festival and not just a Melbourne festival, and include people in regional areas,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to make it as inclusive as possible for all ages… and inclusive of allies and people outside the LGBT community, so that they can also be made aware of the works LGBT people are creating.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW Queer Victorian Festival of Words spotlighting the writing of the state\u2019s LGBTQIA+ community was launched last weekend in Ballarat. Q-Lit opened at the Sebastopol Library with free workshops and masterclasses covering topics like zines, young adult fiction, crime and publishing, and poetry, before moving to the Piano Bar in the evening for an […]<\/p>\n