"The more of the stories you listen to, the more you realise how similar we all are."
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Taking to the Mudgee Readers' Festival (MRF) for the first time, Maeve Marsden, creator of Queerstories, is ready to give the Mid-Western Region a taste of something new and unique.
Queerstories was brought to life by Maeve three years ago in Sydney at a small library, and since then, has grown to become one of the most popular LGBT+-centric podcasts in Australia.
When asked what sparked the creation of the story telling phenomenon, Marsden said she felt the need to have a platform for stories less commonly told or heard by the LGTB+ community.
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"I wanted an event that would celebrate the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community that aren't always the ones you get to hear," she said.
"Often in the media, everything becomes quite divisive.
"This community, my community, has so many more complicated, interesting and diverse stories than what we're hearing."
Listen to a recent episode of Queerstories
Each act takes to the stage to share a 10 minute story from something in their life, whether it be about a hobby, relationship, adventure, or childhood memory.
"It's really mixed in terms of topic and style," Marsden said.
Maeve, who is also hosting Generation Me or Generation We? at the MRF, said there is importance in making the lengthy trips outside of the cities to further spread support and stories.
"It's really important for me that when there are opportunities outside of the city that I take those up and ensure the event is represented in all parts of Australia, not just in the big cities," she said.
There's a stereotype that regional areas in Australia are less accepting of LGBT people and I don't think it's true.
- Maeve Marsden
"There's a stereotype that regional areas in Australia are less accepting of LGBT people and I don't think it's true. A lot of these communities outside of the capital cities are very supportive of their own.
"The more of the stories you listen to, the more you realise how similar we all are."
The Queerstories live event held at the Mudgee Brewing Company on August 17 from 7pm will feature a total of six 15 minute stories with Maeve working her magic in between sets where she will take the opportunity to share some of her own tales.
"If you feel like an evening that's entertaining one minute, funny the next, heartwarming, sad and moving, Queerstories is something for you," Marsden said.
"I hope the straight community or people who don't identify as LGBT see it as a chance to hear some stories that are perhaps different to what they've heard in the past."
To purchase your tickets for the Mudgee Readers' Festival, head to mudgeereaders.com/mrf-2019.