The Coast Is Queer Festival

🛟Against the Odds🛟

Vital, thought provoking and inspiring conversation about the reality and complexity of growing up queer somewhere it was illegal and wasn't considered an option, and the process of writing a book about it. Tapping into the body and the senses to reconnect with memories. The value of telling marginalised stories. The value of resisting perfectionism.

With Majid Parsa (@majidparsa.author)
Avi Ben-Zeev (@dravibenzeev)
Musih Tedji Xaviere (@musih_tedji_xaviere)
Dr Nat Arias (@dr.lezboy)

"For me writing this book has helped a lot, I think it's the bravest thing I have ever done. Hiding was the only was I knew to survive. I could have been arrested for writing it and I did it anyway. That has changed me. It's the green flag I needed to go out into the world and be who I wanted to be. - Musih

"We do a disservice if we think of people, cultures and places in one dimensional ways. I owe a lot to where I grew up and my past self as well." - Avi

"People have an idea of growing up in Iran that is 'oh my god, are you ok? I'm so glad you made it here!'' but actually there was a lot that was hard, but there was also lots of love and joy. The queer scene in Tehan is amazing. There are fabulous parties. I didn't realise what a different ballgame it is to look at from the outside. It's all private, but things happen." - Majid

"If your straight children are not coming out I don't want to come out. Maybe one day I will just show up with a partner and we will not discuss it. - Musih

#tciq26 #QueerWriters