Queer Writer and Educator, putting the ‘A’ in LGBTQIA
Who Am I? (Not Jean Valjean)
I am a Queer writer, presenter, DEI consultant, and LGBTQIA+ educator. As the author of seven non-fiction books, I utilise my research, expertise, and lived experience to share learning about LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent experiences. As an Asexual, non-binary, neurodivergent person, I combine lived expertise with research and knowledge to educate— and occasionally entertain. We can examine the history of Section 28 and discuss Queer Doctor Who to ‘know our history.’
‘Know Your History’ is at the heart of what I do- most Queer folks are missing elements of personal and community history. Be that from a loss of elders to AIDS to the suffocation of Section 28, or being closed and afraid. Our society still censors our history, and I use my work to educate, share and inform the LGBTQ+ community and our allies of our shared and often hidden histories.
Beginning with a PhD on theatrical responses to the AIDS crisis and the evolution of LGBTQ theatre, I have since expanded my work into Queer cultural history, including writing on TV, Film and Welsh Queer History. Since leaving academia, I have worked with organisations like Bishopsgate Institute and London Playwrights to share Queer history and culture.
As a teller of Queer stories and an all-round professional nerd, I bring my passion for sharing the
culture, history and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community to life. I am also a neurodivergent
creative specialising in engaging, accessible inclusion training.
As a writer, along with my books, I have worked as a journalist for various publications,
including Slate, The Stage, BBC, Wales Arts Review, and DIVA, and I am a regular contributor
to The Queer Review. I love to share my passion for arts writing and helping others to discover
their creative non-fiction voice.
What I offer:
● Talks and workshops across a range of LGBTQIA+ history and culture.
● Diversity and inclusion across LGBTQIA+ identities, neurodiversity, and disability.
● Creative writing workshops with a specialism in writing for performance and arts
criticism.
Books and Writing
As the author of 7 non-fiction books, I am an expert on LGBTQIA+ Cultural history.
More on my books here.
Talks and Workshops
From workplace EDI workshops to LGBTQIA+ history talks and Creative Writing sessions, I’m available for a variety of teaching opportunities.
EDI and Inclusion workshops here.
LGBTQIA+ workshops here.
Neurodiversity workshops and training here.
Creative writing workshops here.
Editorial and Research
I offer a range of editorial services for non-fiction projects as well as dramaturgy for playwrights.
I am available for research and consultancy on EDI and inclusion projects, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ inclusion and neurodiversity.
Emily Garside 