Queer Books

LAST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH so **IT'S DRAWING NIGHT AT SQUISHFACE** Join us at Squishface's studio space in South Melbourne: Studio Hall, on the grounds of St Kilda South Port Uniting Church on Dorcas St. There are FOUR TRAMS you can catch from the city. **58, 96, 12** or the **1!** It is even walkable from the city. Bring your sketch books, bring your pens, bring a friend. It's not a class - it's a drawing hang out. All skill levels welcome. Always lots of regulars, always newies. Be socially awkward, be confident as heck. This is informal, it's just a free drawing session. Go ahead and bring snacks. But no nuts please! Our venue is wheelchair accessible, as are the very toilets. Minors are welcome but will need an accompanying adult. Contact us on 0422509144 if any issues or you get lost. Please follow us both on instagram, for comic and zine related news and events. 👉 [Squishface Studio](http://www.instagram.com/Squishfacestudio) Here's an [instagram video](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4J5GiOPLxc/) showing where Studio Hall is. You simply enter from the street, walk up toward the big bluestone church, then go left to the car park and you will find Studio Hall!

Do you enjoy trivia nights? Curious about going to a trivia night? Come along and meet others for friendship, fun and a relaxed night out. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a trivia buff to come along. Only a willingness to enjoy yourself. We’ve had a lot of fun at trivia nights in the past 😀 Over dinner, snacks and/or drinks put your trivia knowledge to the test and get to know each other. Trivia starts at 7:30pm. Meet at 7pm to get settled, order a pub meal/drink and have a chat. This venue is a new one for the regulars who come along to our regular trivia nights. Trivia at THE VIC gets busy so come early to secure a parking spot on Victoria St, Sydney Rd or side streets. Please RSVP early to book table. Cost: $5 (to cover Meetup Organiser fees) Cash on the night or PayID to 0417 387 640 See you there, Andrea

**Meet Me Here - Real Connection Night** ***Step out of the noise and into something real.*** Meet Me Here is a relaxed, guided evening for genuine human connection. No pressure, no performance, just presence. Through simple partner practices, you will gently connect with different people in a grounded and respectful space. Expect a mix of depth, lightness, and a playful yoga laughter. 📍 Wednesday 27 May, 7:00pm to 8:30pm 📍 West Beach Pavilion, St Kilda 📍Ticketed Event - $15pp online or $20 cash on the night [Tix: Meet Me Here, Real Connection Workshop](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988302343834?aff=oddtdtcreator) Open to men and women No experience needed Stay after and socialise If you are craving real connection beyond small talk, you are warmly welcome here. Come as you are. Just bring openness and curiosity. This is intended as a friendship gathering only.

Filmonik is an Open-Screen screening / Bring-Your-Own-Film night that has been running since 2013. May 27 2013 was Filmonik #1 and on May 27 2026 it will be Filmonik #128. We're celebrating by being back to Loop Roof this month only. With its leafy (and heated) rooftop, it's truly a world-unique setting to enjoy short films that we were lucky to call home for many years. This month again you should expect immediate, spontaneous, crafty, fun, inventive, weird and with urgent, current short films. Some old classics and worldwide hits will be thrown in for good measure. Arrive early to network! Door: $10 cash or Card. FILMS UNRATED (18+ by default). Content may offend. WEDNESDAY MAY 27 at Loop Roof. 3/23 Meyers Place, Melbourne CBD. Door on the left of the building to the rooftop. Level 3. Stairs only unfortunately. Loop Roof is open to the public before 7:45pm so come over from 7pm, say hi and network. 7:45pm ticketing starts. 8:15pm screening starts FILMMAKERS: Best practice is submitting in advance at filmonik.com.au/submit-your-film or announce via email you'll bring a film on a USB drive on the night (info@filmonik.com.au) so we can reserve you a spot but this month will be even more limited. Guidelines here: filmonik.com.au/how-to-screen Filmonik is part of the worldwide Kino movement active in 30+ countries around the world.

Join your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe. We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players. Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started. The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot. If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal. The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events. See you on Thursday!

**Tickets (Attendance and Raffle):** [https://events.humanitix.com/spill-the-tea-cosy-queer-social-fundraiser](https://events.humanitix.com/spill-the-tea-cosy-queer-social-fundraiser) Please join us for a cosy indoor social at the Ivanhoe Library & Cultural Hub, in the Clara Southern meeting room. This is part of an official "Biggest Morning Tea" event to raise funds for people living with cancer. You can support our goal by buying an attendance ticket, a raffle ticket, donating here, or donating directly on our Cancer Council page: [https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/lgbtsocialhubmelb](https://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/lgbtsocialhubmelb) We'll be providing some late morning tea (you're welcome to bring something to share too if you'd like), giving out name tags, and inviting a range of activities, including: *\- BYO project \(crafting or otherwise \- no paint please\)* *\- Card and board games* *\- Conversation prompt discussion cards \(Esther Perel\)* *\- Optional wellbeing acvitity \(core values\)* *\- Raffle draw\!* 100% of the funds from attendance tickets, raffle tickets and direct donations go to the Cancer Council. Your host, Ben, is a mental health professional & experienced group facilitator who's passionate about bringing people together to socialise and make new friends. **Please note:** this is an alcohol free event. LGBT+ Social Hub Melbourne aims to provide a safe place for everyone. We ask that you be respectful to all attendees; harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated. The venue capacity is 20 people, so attendance tickets are strictly limited. Can't wait to see you there :) **About the Raffle** First Prize: *A professional family or portrait photoshoot, and signed matted print. This fine art photography experience is valued at $695 and has been generously donated by Tilnak Fine Art Portraits ([https://www.tilnak.com/](https://www.tilnak.com/))* Second Prize: *2x official cancer council mugs, 1x official cancer council tea towel, 2x handcrafted scented candles made by the host, postage to 1 location in Melbourne.* Please ensure your details are correct so that we can contact you if you're the winner! You do not have to attend the event to participate in the raffle.

Outside is cancer

Soft Bodies is a delicious celebration of curves. Showcasing a plethora of upcoming and legendary plus size burlesque, drag and cabaret performers. Get ready to be tantalized, teased and serenaded by these scintillating Rubenesque beauties. [LINK TO TICKETS HERE](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1552207) The May Soft Bodies is Ethereal themed. Prepare to be transported to a mystical plane, graced with the beauty of soft flesh and delicate dimpled skin. A neoclassical dreamland. We will have themed décor and an angelic photobooth available to capture the wonders of your night. We are also introducing our VIP seats for the Ethereal Soft Bodies! These get you a reserved front row seat, treats for your table and other exciting goodies! The Cast: Betsy Mae Melissa Intent April Le Feu Sallie Cinnamon Honey B Mine Polly Esther Pantomime Shallyxia Bitz Mahdiya Moonshine Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm show start. Please note Pride of our Footscray is only accessible via two flights of stairs. We apologise for our reduced accessibility.

Victorian Pride Centre opens its doors to launch its Pride Month program. Friday 29 May at 6:30 PM for the official launch of the Victorian Pride Centre’s 2025 Pride Month season. Discover an exciting lineup of events, performances, and activities celebrating the creativity and diversity of the LGBTIQA+ community. **Registration ticket:** [FREE ticket ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pride-month-launch-party-tickets-1988604876718?aff=oddtdtcreator) Location: Victorian Pride Centre, Forum Program Highlights: * Welcome and speeches by special guests and event organisers. * Program reveal showcasing the dynamic lineup for the Pride Month season. * Drinks and canapés to mark the occasion. * Live entertainment to set the tone for a vibrant festival. Be part of this special occasion as we celebrate the start of an inspiring season of connection, creativity, and community.

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

Big Ohio Book Con "A convention for book lovers all over Ohio (and beyond)! Author panels, signings, bookish vendors, meet & greets, and more!" Featuring more than 100 authors, more than 50 bookish vendors, and plenty of exciting activities throughout the event! Travel with fellow book lovers or meet us at the event. Park for free at the Medina Convention Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio 44256, then hop aboard one of the free shuttles whenever you’re ready for your next bookish adventure! The convention spans three neighboring locations, giving you even more to explore and enjoy.

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

Join us for Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn! Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖