Samesame but Different is the only festival of its kind in Aotearoa that provides a space to uphold queer literature and authors, celebrating this important artform, capturing our histories, and uplifting and encouraging the next generation of queer writers. As a respondent from our recent mid-winter online festival noted, “Queer representation is still very much lacking” in the literary world. In our small way, we hope to contribute towards changing that.

Samesame but Different is unique in delivering a place for connecting, for peer support and delivering quality local talent to audiences. It is a magical space unlike any that is held within mainstream festivals. There is something liberating and exciting about being able to discuss queer literature in a space where it is both implicitly and contextually understood; where authors don’t have to explain themselves as the audience is alongside them in their journey.

Samesame but Different strives to deliver a festival that will be of interest to our diverse LGBTQI+ communities, covering differences in whakapapa, cultural and religious experiences, age, class, gender and sexual orientation. We aim to show the strength of our differences and allow a safe and welcoming space for all voices to be heard.

You can support Aotearoa New Zealand’s only LGBTQI+ Writers and Readers Festival by donating here. Your support will allow us to do even more to platform talented LGBTQI+ writers and the issues they care about. Our festival is run by an energetic group of volunteers; all of our events are free and we take pride in paying the writers that participate. We rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters to stage our festival — and welcome any new supporters who want to amplify LGBTQI+ perspectives.