Would you read your teenage diary aloud to a room full of people?
A brave group of LGBTQIA+ folx are doing just that at Queer Diary - the night where queers share our teen angst (and joy, dreams, follies, and fabulousness). We can't promise to reunite you with your first crush, but we do aim to reignite that rush of adrenaline you got when they first noticed you.
In here the goths, the punks, the emos, the nerds, the glee-clubbers (and maybe a few populars?) come together as grown-ups, to escape cis-het-normativity by sharing our younger selves' innermost thoughts via old diary entries, fanfiction stories, tumblr posts, and possibly the odd bit of cringey poetry!
💋
Tickets to this event are PWYC, with profits split between funding this project, and a supporting community organisation that works for LGBTQIA+ youth, community & education.
To find out more, or take part in Queer Diary by reading your teenage diaries (or poetry, or fanfic etc) check our FAQs & get in touch via the Sign Up form.
For updates on more upcoming Queer Diary events & activities, follow us on social media:
Instagram @hasbianshow
Twitter @hasbianshow
Facebook @bethwhatcanido
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Beth (host) & Josie (producer) at: Hasbianshow@gmail.com
🌈📖
How the event runs:
Anyone wanting to read can sign up via this link.
We often have slots available last minute. Feel free to let us know if you decide on the day that you have something to share!
Queer Diary is hosted by Beth Watson, who will warm up the crowd by sharing some teenage diary entries and chatting to the audience about some of your fave nostalgia moments.
We also take song requests of teen throwback tracks to play between readings.
We usually have 2-5 readers per evening, with a couple of breaks where we'll put on our co-curated throwback playlist & for you to enjoy while you top up your drinks, etc.
Doors open for the audience at 7pm, and readings happen between 7:30-9:30pm, with time to stick around after and enjoy the vibes.
Who's it for?:
Any LGBTQIA+ adults can volunteer to read something from their youth on the mic (please read the FAQs & sign-up form for more info).
Please note this event is themed around memories of teenage years gone by, and is aimed at adult audiences.
All LGBTQIA+ people and allies are welcome in the audience. This is a LGBTQIA+ centred space, where all identities are welcome, and discrimination of any form will not be tolerated.
Location & Access:
Queer Diary is taking place in the Studio on the 2nd floor of Gala Durham. The venue is accessible via a lift with wide doors, with an accessible toilet on the same level as the Studio.
We ask all readers on stage to self-describe for any blind or visually impaired audience members. Service dogs are welcome.
Seating is unreserved as standard. Please let us know via email if you would like us to reserve a seat, and if you have any specific access requirements we can accommodate in doing so (ie, near the front, near the bathroom, etc).
Access to Gala Durham is immediately off Millennium Square. Walkergate car park is 30 seconds away, with lifts connecting to car parks. Parking is not managed by the theatre but has cheap evening parking rates after 6pm and accessible parking bays on each level. There are bus stops on either side of Claypath. Durham train station is within 10 mins.
Please get in touch via hasbianshow@gmail.com if there's something you'd like us to consider to ensure Queer Diary is accessible for you.
COVID Safety:
Audience are encouraged to take a lateral flow test before attending. We also welcome the wearing of masks.
Event organisers are fully vaccinated and use lateral flow testing regularly.
Please do not attend this event if you have either COVID symptoms or a positive test result.