Inaugural NZ LGBTIQ literary festival to be held in February

New Zealand author and Auckland Writers Festival co-founder Peter Wells has announced the inaugural LGBTIQ writers festival samesame but different will run from 12-14 February 2016 as part of the Auckland Pride Festival.

Festival guests so far include broadcaster Alison Mau, actor and playwright Victor Rodger, Whaitiri Mikaere, novelist Witi Ihimaera, politician Grant Robertson, Metro magazine editor Susannah Walker, Home magazine editor Jeremy Hansen, YA novelist Paula Boock, novelist Stevan Eldred Grigg, biographer Joanne Drayton, memoirist Douglas Wright and playwright Aroha Awarau.

Wells, whose 1991 short-story collection Dangerous Desires was the first gay-themed book published under the author’s actual name in New Zealand, said in a statement the festival will be broad in scope, featuring top writers as well as focus on new and emerging LGBTIQ voices.

‘samesame but different seeks to broaden the audience beyond core LGBTIQ to include friends, family and those interested in celebrating difference,’ said Wells.

For the full program, click here.

Tags: festivals

Category: Festivals Local news