We believe there is something liberating and exciting about being able to discuss queer literature in a space where it is both implicitly and contextually understood; where authors don’t have to explain themselves as the audience is alongside them in their journey.

Same Same but Different provides space to uphold queer literature and authors. Our festival celebrates this important artform, captures our histories, and uplifts and encourages the next generation of LGBTQIA+ writers.

Same Same but Different strives to deliver events and initiatives that interest our diverse LGBTQIA+ communities, covering differences in whakapapa, cultural and religious experiences, age, class, gender and sexual orientation. We aim to show the strength of our differences and allow a safe and welcoming space for all voices to be heard.

You can support Aotearoa New Zealand’s only LGBTQIA+ Writers and Readers Festival by donating here. Your support will allow us to do even more to platform talented LGBTQIA+ writers and the issues they care about. Our festival is run by an energetic group of volunteers; all of our events are free and we take pride in paying the writers that participate. We rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters to stage our festival — and welcome any new supporters who want to amplify LGBTQIA+ perspectives.