Happy Pride month
Ponsonby has history with the LGBYQ community. Back in 1996, Census information found men in single-sex couples made up 5.2 per cent of all men living in couples between Westmere and Newmarket. For many years, Ponsonby was home to the Hero Parade. And in 2021 Shaughan Woodcock, in The Herald, described Ponsonby as, "one of the most gay-friendly suburbs in Auckland."
So, for February’s Pride, we have highlighted the work of two exceptional people.
First up is Derek Jarman, primarily known as an English filmmaker whose many talents included poetry, stage design and gardening. He was also an AIDS and queer rights activist, who died at the age of 52 of an AIDS related illness. Tony Peake’s updated biography, Derek Jarman has been described as an honest tribute to Jarman’s life and art. Auckland Libraries also has Jarman’s collected film scripts and related works. Jarman’s home, Prospect Cottage and its magical garden planted in shingle, has spurred books and much media interest. A lovely new book Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House by Gilbert McCarragher includes photos of the interior of Jarman’s home, hitherto unseen by the public. You can also read Jarman’s nature writing inspired by his garden Pharmacopeia: A Dungeness Notebook. Check out our catalogue for more Jarman-related books.
Peter Wells was initially a film maker, his credits include Desperate Remedies and Jewel is My Darl, featuring transgender MP and Mayor Georgina Beyer. (Her autobiography Change for the Better: The Story of Georgina Beyer, is part of our collection.) Succeeding his film career, Wells became a celebrated and decorated writer. His work is expansive. He has written about New Zealand history including The Hungry Heart Journeys with William Colenso, produced memoirs: Long Loop Home, and Dear Oliver: Uncovering a Pākehā History. And written short stories and novels, including Iridescence. Our lovely librarian Claire remembers Well’s Author Talks at Napier Library and described Hello Darkness as an ‘emotionally moving’ read. This is only a few of Wells' books. We have many more for you to discover.
For Pride, Leys is supporting a poetry speakeasy, which marks the start of The Samesame but Different Queer Writer’s Festival, (now in its 10th year). Nathan Joe is the host and Michael Giaconis, the guest poet. Come along and read your work in a supportive environment. The event takes place on 12 February, at Studio One Toi Tū, from 5pm-7pm.
You are also welcome to come to Little Leys to make your own Pride badge. This is a drop in event that runs all day and every day throughout February.
Hours Monday - Friday 9am-6pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Sunday closed.
Leys Institute Little Library, 14 Jervois Road, T: 09 377 0209, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz
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