The Fabulous Judge of WSRC:

The second half of this year has definitely thrusted me back into the social spotlight. With lockdown happening here in Sydney since June, the idea of Zoom meetings were welcomed. I didn’t even imagine it would lead me to hosting meetings, guesting on radio spots and preparing to meet in person to the same people I’ve been getting to know more personally over zoom.

Being a judge for Western Sydney Rainbow Connections has been quite the experience. Not only have I been able to see how things work behind the scenes but I’ve also gotten to know the kind of supports LGBT+ community have in Western Sydney. I’ve also been able to network with others being my authentic self.

I’ve known in the Zoom meetings not only for my humour but also the wisdom that hides behind it. I’m also known for the spot of colour I decorate around my eyes with my slowly growing colour palette. It’s been a great boost to a self esteem that is hidden behind years of abuse that has told me otherwise.

The competition is coming to an end soon, as the 20th of November ebbs closer. Being a judge of course, I haven’t seen the entries so I look forward to spending the night of the 20th and the 21st reading the stories from other LGBT+ members discussing what it’s like to live in Western Sydney. I know what it’s been like for me.

Radio Programs:

I’ve had two radio programs so far. Both of them were well received and one of them can even be listened to in a podcast! It was fantastic to be able to tell a bit of my story as I talked to the listeners and advertised the Writing Competition for the LGBT+ community. The radio hosts were so warm and accepting and were eager to hear what we had to say. In December, I am returning to one to promote World Aids Day and I’m hoping to return to both to discuss Silver!!

Public Speaking:

The best part of all this has been the boost to my confidence. Being able to listen to the compliments and encouragement and accepting them, has been a huge learning curve for me. I can easily say thank you and change the subject but to hear different people say the same thing in different instances from each other, it must be true, aye?

It’s overwhelming, especially coming from isolation where sometimes the only conversation you have is with yourself, to suddenly speak in front of a bunch of people and now that lockdown has lifted here and Australia pushes us to return to normal (whatever that looks like) it looks like I’ll be speaking in front of a crowd at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in December. I’ll be peopling in real life!

Book Release:

Now if only I could use this newfound confidence to promote Silver. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a beautiful book and the family you meet inside, you’ll fall in love with. November 12th came quickly and the build up to it was a different kind of stress. I moved beyond just working exclusively with Amazon and have trialled Silver on Ingram Spark. It’s amazing how publishing can be different for different programs. It’s also amazing the different kinds of stress comes with it, too! This family written in Silver will become your found family and by the end of it, you’ll want more and you’ll feel as if you belong to them as well.

Listen to Silver’s Blurb here.

Or better yet, buy Silver here.

After that, come celebrate with me and special guests as I answer some burning questions and read from Silver (with voices!) It’s a free event!! Book your tickets here:

Silver Book Party