Queering the Vancouver Writers’ Festival
This year’s Vancouver Writers Festival is once again bringing together some of the world’s most exciting voices, and we’ve highlighted the events that speak directly to queer readers and allies. Across genres and generations, these sessions showcase stories of self-discovery, resilience, and joy, while also taking on urgent conversations about representation, censorship, and queer life in its many forms.
Paranormal Activity: Ghost Stories for YA
Tuesday, October 21 | 1:00pm | $12 | Granville Island Stage
Ghosts become metaphors for memory, family, and love in this YA panel featuring Clara Kumagai, Rachel Hartman, and Corey Liu, whose campy and chilling He’s So Possessed with Me brings queer themes into the supernatural mix. Moderated by Hudson Lin.
Masterclass with Tanya Boteju
Tuesday, October 21 | 1:00pm | $12 | The NEST
Beloved Vancouver author Tanya Boteju leads teens in an interactive workshop on queer identity, self-expression, and perfectionism, drawing from her acclaimed novels including Messy Perfect.
Queer Stories on the Map
Thursday, October 23 | 8:00pm | $27 | Revue Stage
Ziyad Saadi, Iryn Tushabe, and Mike Curato explore queer BIPOC narratives across cultures and borders, offering perspectives beyond white-centric storytelling while celebrating queer joy. Moderated by Hudson Lin.
On Book Banning and Censorship
Friday, October 24 | 10:00am | $27 | Revue Stage
Ira Wells, Mike Curato, and Jeremy Tiang tackle the ongoing battle over who gets to tell their stories, confronting the rise of book bans and censorship of 2SLGBTQiA+ voices worldwide.
Soundtrack of Life
Saturday, October 25 | 8:00pm | $27 | Revue Stage
With Jill Yonit Goldberg, Holly Brickley, and Michael V. Smith, this event blends literature and music into a celebration of memory, love, and queer history, hosted by Margaret Gallagher.