Midsumma Festival
Midsumma is a celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer. Intersex, and Asexual/Aromantic (LGBTQIA+) community in Naarm/Melbourne.
Although LGBTQIA+ rights have improved greatly over the years, there’s still a long way to go – especially in terms of intersectionality (the crossover of being LGBTQIA and another marginalized identity).
There are many events happening over the next 22 days, so be sure to check out Midsumma Festival to find information!
Join the visual artist Alun Rhys Jones at Eltham for a Midsumma Drawing lesson. Unleash your creativity through real-life figure drawing.
You can also pop into Ivanhoe Library to explore the free gallery exhibit that is part of the Midsumma Festival: "Manic Pixie Clownboy", a mixed-media installation exploring themes of queerness, archetypes and pop-culture. Open during library hours until the 9th of February!
Want to read more diversely this Midsumma? Here are some recommendations to help you get started!
For Adult Fiction:
If you liked Written in the Stars, then try How to Find a Princess. Both books feature the fake dating trope and enough drama to rival reality television!
If you liked Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, then how about giving My Own Worst Enemy a go? Enemies to lovers to maybe enemies again, these dynamics will leave you on the edge of your seat.
If brooding, passionate main characters are your type, why not chance reading Chain-Gang All Stars or Bury Your Gays? Delve into the realm of celebrities and superstars, see the good and bad of their world, find out what it takes to survive.
Chase your dreams or chase the love of your life? Love Unleashed dives into the lifestyles of the rich and famous in New York City through the eyes of a Bigambul woman. Too Much Lip has the opposite effect, the story and characters make you want to hold onto your homeland with both hands and protect it.
For the Young Adults:
Heartstopper has become a sensation for readers, can The Girl from the Sea capture your heart
too? First love exploration through graphic novels lead to cute moments that will melt your heart.
Supernatural fans can find enjoyment in the pages of Cemetery Boys and Hell Followed With Us. Both of these books highlight trans boy main characters and their plight for acceptance within their communities.
Percy Jackson fans rejoice, The Sunbearer Trials can satisfy the demi-god/demi-goddess craving left behind by never being able to attend Camp Half-Blood.
All About Romance and Ander & Santi Were Here star gender-
nonconforming main characters traversing through love and hardships. Ander & Santi Were Here focuses on how laws greatly impact relationships.
I’m Not Really Here is a First Nations book focusing on young love, sports, and identity.
For children:
Sometimes it can be difficult understanding why someone you care about is sad. Introducing Teddy and Red: A Crayon’s Story display ways to listen to others and to learn how to be true to yourself.
The picture books Forever Star, Pride Puppy!, and The Big Day: A Giant Celebration of Love demonstrate the love and diversity of families. Families aren’t limited to a mum and dad; they can include so many different types of people.
