once upon a time they all lived happily ever after

it's been a while since i read or wrote here, and since i spent a lot of time in online spaces... this request is linked to a major reason why!

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i've been reading some good fiction books recently/this calendar year so far.

some that stand out in my mind/memory right now (there may be others), and that i would recommend, are:

'no sweetness here' by ama ata aidoo
short stories of communities and families, events and experiences, in ghana.

'the apple & the thorn: a timeless tale for the ages' co-authored by emma restell orr and walter william melnyk
two narratives intimately tell a story set in somerset, weaving the lives and perspectives of pagans, christians & romans.

'her stories: 20th century bengali women writers' translated by sanjukta dasgupta
a collection of short stories by 20th century bengali women writers. the stories are chosen for the stories and experiences of women, and womens lives in bengal, they present. each story is introduced with a short piece about the author and her work, and a short interview with the author, which are really interesting too.

'work in progress & other stories: the caine prize for african writing 2009'
the five shortlisted caine prize stories for that year, and the zain caine prize african writers workshop stories from that year. a diverse collection of new writing by african writers from across the continent.

'wish i was here' by jackie kay
a collection of short stories, which are in turns delicate, blunt, subtle, humourous, and lots more besides. i've enjoyed everything i've read to date by jackie kay - she seems to expose the thoughts and feelings of people in beautiful & brilliant ways.

'neighbours: the story of a murder' by lília momplé
a story set on the eve of the festival of eid, in the homes of ordinary people, and in a few short hours, telling some of mozambique's complex history/expereinces.

a friend asked me t'other day whether i am going to bicon this year...
they were also musing on who else would be there...

i realised i wasn't sure of the answers to either of these.
how about yous?

(poll results private & comments screened, incase some of you aren't comfortable talking about these things publicly)




the questions and answers above aren't exhaustive, but i hope you get the gist. feel free to elaborate, write about connected things, and/or write about unconnected things... in the comments.

wrt the question am i going to bicon this year: i've booked to go with the proviso that i'll see if i'm fit to nearer the time.

i havn't logged into lj for so long, that it was a struggle ot find the link to the webpage on the browser toolbar...

read a bit t'other day.. but only read back a few days of my 'friends page', and now it's a few days later.. so i'm not really keeping/caught up in any way.

let me know if there's anything you really want me to know :)

is reading a bit, but not commenting much, if at all...

this info came my way...

There is a new group for BME trans men and women in London which takes place every Saturday. 

The flier says:
Purple Explosion! Open forum hosted by BME trans people challenging the taboo. 'T' House welcomes all BME trans people. Why not check us out? 
Unplugged! Passionate debate. Cauldron of repressed anger. 'We too have a voice' 'T' House. 

The venue is Skinners Arms, Hastings Street, Kings Cross WC1 (off Judd Street, opposite Camden Town Hall). Every Saturday 7.30 - 10.00pm.

a significant of mine is performing next month. some of you might like to catch their show...


ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?

- a one-person show exploring issues of disability, ageing, gender, sexuality and identity. It uses physical theatre, original text, Fooling, music and trapeze to create a multilayered, multigendered experience. Supported by Arts Council funding for disabled artists.

created and performed by
Al Head
with music by 'Tongues From The Molten Core'

at
The Barbican Theatre, Castle St, Plymouth, PL1 2NJ
www.barbicantheatre.co.uk Box office: 01752 267131

Saturday 12th March 2011, 7.30 pm
Sunday 13th March 2011, 2.30 pm

both performances followed by open discussion

Price: £6 (£4 concessions)

venue is wheelchair accessible, for more access info e.g. audio description and signers, contact 01579 370318

contains adult content

the following info came my way...

 

a conference on sexuality and people with learning disabilities, taking place in London on 6^th April.

This event is from £195 to attend and there are a limited number of free bursary places available.

The conference aims to provide practical and realistic ideas for supporting people with learning disabilities to achieve more positive and valued sexual lives.

It is convened by Dr Michelle McCarthy, senior lecturer in learning disability at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent, and Dr David Thompson who has over ten years work on sexual issues with men with learning disabilities.

 The conference programme covers a range of issues, including:

• Capacity to consent to sex
• The provision of contraception, pregnancy and early parenting for women with learning disabilities
• Sex education work with people with learning disabilities, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities
• Forced marriages
• Supporting people with learning disabilities who have been sexually abused

the programme and booking details are available online at: http://www.pavpub.com/p-304-sexual…

 

i realised that prior to this entry i could have posted a poll. i realised that i still could...