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A gala of queer words, voices, and stories.
One magnificent night of the stories we tell, the songs we sing and our thoughts that are changing the world. Featuring a range of writers, performers and presenters, responding to the festival's theme of
"What fills your cup?"
Hosted by Bebe Oliver.
Featuring Dean Arcuri, Tiger Salmon, Urvi Majumdar, Claire G. Coleman, Wallis Prophet, Noah Riseman, Lili Wilkinson, Rae White and Ed Moon.
Bebe Oliver is a Bardi Jawi award-winning author, poet and illustrator. His highly celebrated and widely published work explores love, loss, identity, the intersection of Aboriginal and gay existence, and the rich tapestry of place and Country, making him a compelling and transformative voice in contemporary literature.
Dean Arcuri is an entertainer, journalist, photographer, community darling and all-round busy homosexual. As a cabaret comedian he has performed for over a decade in festivals around the country; as both himself and his queerer alter ego, the fabulously furry Frock Hudson.
Tiger Salmon (she/they) is a queer culture creator based in Naarm. Her exhibitions, storytelling events, and zine publications foster intergenerational connections. Tiger’s memoir tracks her role as an LGBTQI+ publisher during the 1990s when the pursuit of pleasure was a powerful political protest.
Urvi Majumdar is a Melbourne-based comedian, writer, and actor seen on Fisk, The Cheap Seats, and Metrosexual. She’s a regular guest presenter on Triple R and ABC Radio, and her award-nominated series Urvi Went to an All Girls School is now streaming on ABCiview.
Claire G. Coleman is a Noongar writer from Western Australia’s south coast. Based in Naarm, she writes fiction, essays, and criticism. Her acclaimed works include Terra Nullius, The Old Lie, Lies, Damned Lies, and Enclave, exploring colonisation, identity, and truth through powerful storytelling shaped by travel and lived experience.
Wallis Prophet is a multidisciplinary artist and co-founder of Adelaide’s Draw Your (S) Words poetry slam. With a passion for spoken word, they create powerful, dynamic work that bridges poetry and performance, championing bold self-expression and community connection.
Noah Riseman is an adjunct professor of history at La Trobe, where he specialises in Australian histories of sexuality, gender & race. He grew up in the US and moved to Australia 20 years ago to complete his PhD. In his spare time he plays ice hockey for Australia's first LGBTIQA+ and inclusive club, the Southern Lights.
Lili Wilkinson is the award-winning author of more than twenty books for young people, including A Hunger of Thorns, which won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, and was a CBCA Honour Book. Lili has a PhD from the University of Melbourne, and is a passionate advocate for YA and the young people who read it.
Rae White is author of award-winning poetry collections Milk Teeth (UQP 2018) and Exactly As I Am (UQP 2022). Their debut picture book All the Colours of the Rainbow (Lothian Children's Books) was published in 2025. Rae is Founding Editor of #EnbyLife, a journal for non-binary and gender diverse creatives.
Ed Moon is a genre-defying Naarm-based artist blending soulful vocals, jazz guitar, and theatrical flair. Their upcoming EP The Conversation Starter fuses vulnerability and showmanship. Ed transforms every stage into a shimmering celebration of Queer identity, earning praise from legends like Michael Gudinski and Matt Corby.
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