30 Queer Lives: Conversations with LGBTQIA+ New Zealanders

by Matt McEvoy

Identity, understanding, and celebration through the stories of thirty remarkable New Zealanders. Soldiers, politicians, Olympians, doctors, musicians, academics, businesspeople, farmers, writers, and fa‘afafine . . . the thirty LGBTQIA+ New Zealanders in this book are remarkable individuals. They each speak with candour and honesty about their challenges and successes, and together they show how LGBTQIA+ people strengthen the rich culture of Aotearoa. From the famous—Grant Robertson, Gareth Farr, Chlöe Swarbrick—to the less well known, these stories encourage empathy and understanding, challenge stereotypes, and offer courage and hope.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, LGBT, Queer

320 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2022

Reviews

[Fionn Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so nice to hear from a range of queer new zealanders, especially learning about how different cultures perceived queerness in pre-colonial times

[Lil O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading these short snippets of the lives of queer people from Aotearoa – from how they got into the field they're in, to what it was like growing up, how they came out or how their sexuality evolved. There was a lot about people's families in here, which was quite thought-provoking and made me think of my own parents and the influence of their South Island 1950/60s upbringings.

I know a few people in the book personally so that was super fun to learn more about them – but this is a book anyone can enjoy. You could read it cover to cover or just pick it up and choose a person's story at random. This would also make a great gift.

I really hope they do a part two!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, heart-rending, and all around wonderful.

[teddybearbrown · Rating 4 out of 5]

a diverse collection of experiences

[Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

30 Queer Lives by Matt McEvoy is an eye-opening collection of interviews with queer New Zealanders. Showcasing individuals from all corners of the country, McEvoy tells their personal stories in a way that celebrates their identity, their expression, and their contributions to Aotearoa. It is informative, entertaining, and uplifting; there is so much in this book that LGBTQ readers will resonate with.