The CIRCA team has just read Stories Out West (https://www.acon.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/22156-Stories-out-west-book_v8_EPUB_INTERACTIVE.pdf), an anthology of stories written by First Nations and multicultural LGBTQ+ people living in Western Sydney. The anthology, an initiative of ACON and developed in partnership with Sweatshop: Literacy Movement Incorporated, was launched at World Pride in March 2023. Together we reflected on how these poems and stories helped us understand our work here at CIRCA.
The book is made up of poems and short stories that reflect what it means to identify as a LGBTQ+ and First Nations or culturally, linguistically, or ethnically diverse person with a connection to Western Sydney. The topic is one that we have had exposure to as a team through our research and evaluation work, and we were energised by thinking about these issues through a more creative medium. Across our team we were moved by the beauty and hope evoked by these stories, even when they recounted stressful and traumatic experiences.
We were all struck by how the book’s focus on sexuality shed light on the intersection between personal identity, culture, history, and age. Many of the stories illustrate how LGBTQ+ people in Western Sydney navigate the cultural, familial, and personal barriers that hold them back from fully expressing their sexuality and finding love and connection with freedom and ease. We were reminded of how important it is to parse out and consider intergenerational differences as we work within a single cultural or language group, particularly for work on sensitive and potentially divisive topics like sexuality.
The stories also gave us insight into the richness of Australian and, in particular, Western Sydney culture as a result of migration from across lands within Australia and from other countries. The authors tell their stories on their own terms: without needing to explain, justify or translate their culture and language. In a country where being non-White means being always prepared to explain yourself, these stories remind us how liberating it can be when we are in an environment where our cultural differences are celebrated and fully accepted.
Our team learnt so much from our reading of this anthology, and it sparked deep reflection on what we might do better in the future in our work with First Nations and multicultural communities across the country. Stories Out West is a powerful read for anyone wanting a stronger understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ+ First Nations and culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse Australians, and for those who are looking for a deeper understanding of how migration and the meeting of cultures has shaped Western Sydney and Australia.
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