.jpg)
Opening Gala
6pm
16th July
Kensington Town Hall
A night of our queer nostalgia
Explore our moments of joy, reflection and desire at the opening celebration to our 2026 festival. From a first kiss and finding community, to the moments that scared us and the people who saved us. These are the beautiful, defining milestones that shape our queerness.
Hosted by Aurelia St Clair, with Alex Creece, Anna Piper Scott, Caroline Elisabeth Cull, Dennis Altman, John Bartlett, Orlando Silver, and Yves Rees.
Meet the presenters
Aurelia St Clair
Host
Aurelia is a Naarm-based writer and comedian. The award-winning host of the POPGAYS podcast creates engaging, tongue-in-cheek content across stage and screen.
Alex Creece
Alex Creece is a writer, collage artist and average kook living on Wadawurrung land. Alex is the Managing Editor of Cordite Poetry Review and the Online Editor of Archer Magazine.
Anna Piper Scott
Anna is a troublemaker with over 15 years experience across Australia. A trans woman of remarkable wit and talent, her work is often noted for its unexpected nuance, complexity and empathy.
Caroline Elisabeth Cull
Caroline Elisabeth Cull is the Australian face of Asexuality. As an activist, filmmaker and model, their sole focus is to spread the good word of "Representation matters!"
Dennis Altman
Dennis is the son of Jewish refugees, who is best known for his book Homosexual: Oppression & Liberation. He is a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at LaTrobe University, was President of the AIDS Society and was listed as one of the 100 most influential Australians ever.
%20-%20Dennis%20Altman_edited.jpg)
John Bartlett
John Bartlett is the author of thirteen books, of fiction, non-fiction and poetry and his memoir, Love and its Penalties, was published in March 2026 by Walleah Press.
Orlando Silver
Director of queer independent small publishing company Incision Press, based on Gadigal lands, australia. Erotica writer, playwright, community organiser.
Yves Rees
Dr Yves Rees is the author of All About Yves and Travelling to Tomorrow, a historian at La Trobe University, co-host of Archive Fever podcast and founding editor of Lantana.
Event details
Event schedule
6:00pm - Come on in! ✏ Doors, drinks, and hellos
6:30pm - Let's get into it ✏ Presentations begin
7:30pm - Mingle & Mix ✏ Bar break!
8:00pm - We're back! ✏ The second act
8:40pm - The mic drops ✏ Formalities end
9:30pm - See you tomorrow! ✏ Venue closes
Food & Drink
This event will have a bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (card only). Light snacks will be available at the bar and the surrounding area has a wonderful range of dinner options.
Tickets
All tickets are equal and we encourage you to pay-as-you-can. Free tickets are available to anyone from the community, no questions asked - email hello@q-lit.com.au to secure a free ticket.
Access
The Auslan ticket is available to anyone who requires Auslan interpretation - selecting this ticket will alert our team to the need for an interpreter and this service will be arranged for the event.
This venue is wheelchair accessible, has gender neutral bathrooms, and a quiet space will be available throughout the event.
There will be friendly Q-Lit volunteers throughout the event who can guide you, be someone to chat to, or introduce you to others in the community.
Travel
Nearest train station - Newmarket
Nearest tram stop - Stop 26 Newmarket Plaza/Racecourse Rd
Nearest parking - Newmarket Plaza
Video & Photography
Photos and video of the event may be used on socials and in advertising, if you do not wish for your image to be used please let someone from our team know.