This year’s Queer Minds festival brings together a range of voices to discuss politics, healthcare, history, and literature.
In an alarming year for our trans community, which has seen the recent Cass Review and moves by the new Government to ban puberty blockers, they’ll be spotlighting access to trans healthcare and speaking to the real experts, including Dr Aidan Kelly, Director of Gender Plus and Edward Whelan, author of Gender Confirmation Surgery.
There´s an in-depth interview with researcher, historian and public speaker Sacha Coward about his debut book Queer as Folklore, “a celebration of queer history like you’ve never seen it before”.
The organisers of Queer Minds are supported by Gay’s The Word bookshop and venue, 21 Soho.
“Great minds do not think alike. That’s what makes Queer Minds so enjoyable and inspiring. A variety of panellists explore pertinent discussions from a range of queer experiences and perspectives. Amplify your insight with this enriching festival of ideas.”
Uli Lenart of Gay’s The Word Bookshop
Four afternoon sessions at Queer Minds Festival:
In Conversation
Researcher, historian and public speaker Sacha Coward, author of Queer as Folklore, reveals the unsung heroes and villains of storytelling, magic and fantasy, with Dr Kate M. Graham, Senior Lecturer in English Literature and co-director of the Queer London Research Forum.
Let’s Talk About Trans Healthcare
This is a discussion with Edward Whelan, author of Gender Confirmation Surgery: A Guide for trans and non-binary People, Rebecca Jones, a 21-year-old trans activist and Liberal Democrat campaigner, and Dr Aidan Kelly, Clinical Psychologist and Director at Gender Plus, a UK and Ireland specialist gender identity service, facilitated by Ben Pechey, LGBTQ+ advocate and author.
“We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Queer Minds back for its second year. Last year’s festival exceeded our expectations, and we can’t wait to continue the momentum. Our goal is to provide a space for meaningful dialogue and connection within the LGBTQ+ community, and we hope the 2024 festival will inspire, educate, and unite those who join us.”
George Westwood and Nick Raikes, creators of Queer Minds
Black, Queer and British
A discussion with Dean Atta, award-winning author and performance poet debuting his non-fiction book Person Unlimited. Also, with Nay Francis, a non-binary educator, spoken word artist and socio-economic commentator.
Finding Home: Queers and Migration
Gaar Adams, the author of Guest Privileges: Queer Lives and Finding Home in the Middle East, shares a collection of stories from the Middle East. The book aims to answer why many people, including the author himself, choose to make a home in a place that poses personal and political risks.
Where and when is Queer Minds Festival?
Queer Minds Festival is on Saturday 31 August, 1 pm – 7:30 pm, at 21 Soho, 3-5 Sutton Row, London W1D 4NR, United Kingdom.
