Join us for an inspiring evening as we explore queer identity, diaspora, and cultural resistance with acclaimed academic and author Hongwei Bao, in conversation with performer, educator, and community organiser Maz Koshika-Morris.
Exploring Bao’s groundbreaking work on queer Asian cultures and the politics of representation, this event will unpack what it means to queer the Asian diaspora—across borders, media, and lived experience. Together, Hongwei and Maz will reflect on storytelling as activism, the intersections of queerness and migration, and how diasporic communities are reshaping global understandings of identity and belonging.
Expect thoughtful dialogue, readings, and a chance to ask questions in a welcoming, inclusive space. Whether you're curious about queer theory, Asian diasporic narratives, or simply want to hear from two brilliant minds.
@Hongwei Bao
Dr Hongwei Bao is a queer East Asian scholar, writer and poet. He works closely with queer and Asian communities in the UK and internationally to raise awareness of issues of identity, community, rights and social justice. He is the author of Queer Comrades: Gay Identity and Tongzhi Activism in Postsocialist China (NIAS Press, 2018), Queer China: Lesbian and Gay Literature and Visual Culture under Postsocialism (Routledge, 2020), Queer Media in China (Routledge, 2021) and Contemporary Chinese Queer Performance (Routledge, 2022). His flash fiction won the Second Prize for the Plaza Prizes for Microfiction in 2023. His poetry collections include The Passion of the Rabbit God (Valley Press 2024) and Dream of the Orchid Pavilion (Big White Shed Press 2024).
@Maz Koshika-Morris
Maz is a queer mixed British-Japanese creative facilitator, educator, and drag king. They are part of the queer Asian cabaret collective Bitten Peach, and explore themes of queerness, mixed Asian identity, and masculinity through their drag.