Fiona McGregor

This abstract summarizes an audio interview recorded at Out in the Park in Wellington on February 24, 2018, featuring Fiona McGregor from Wellington City Libraries, interviewed by Gareth Watkins. In the 3-minute podcast, McGregor discusses the library’s participation at the event with a particular focus on digital services and fostering community engagement.

The crux of the conversation highlights Wellington City Libraries’ involvement at Out in the Park, where the organization showcases its variety of services, including the availability of eBooks and other online services accessible with a library card. McGregor expresses excitement about educating the public on these offerings, especially the breadth of LGBTQIA+ literature available. The library's presence at the event for three years straight led to the observation that many individuals are unaware of the libraries’ digital resources and the specific LGBTQIA+ content they offer.

One of the unique features at their stall is a collection of free badges depicting literary icons that resonate with the LGBTQIA+ community. They have proved popular, with badges of Sappho and Gertrude Stein being particularly in-demand. The library also operates a book bike, fostering a connection with attendees by sharing resources with the community.

The conversation further explores the curated selection of queer literary figures featured on the badges, which includes notable names such as Virginia Woolf, James Baldwin, Patricia Highsmith, Audre Lorde, Christopher Isherwood, Michel Foucault, Oscar Wilde, and Vita Sackville-West. The library ensures the representation is responsibly done, with research backing the selection of these figures and utilizing copyright-free imagery. McGregor underscores that care is taken not to posthumously out anyone, only featuring individuals who have significant ties to the LGBTQIA+ community and have been known for such connections historically.

A nuanced discussion also ensues about historical figures whose sexuality or personal relationships may not neatly fit into modern categories or labels. McGregor reveals the delicacy with which the library approaches the language used to describe the relationships and identities of these icons, aiming to be respectful and accurate without imposing contemporary constructs onto historical figures.

On a personal note, McGregor reveals a deep fondness for participating in Out in the Park, citing the diversity and vibrancy of the community as well as the joy of seeing younger generations engage. The event is portrayed as an opportunity to appreciate the many 'flavours' of the broader LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate in a fun and inclusive environment.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Fiona McGregor

2010s, aotearoa new zealand, audre lorde, badges, book bike (wellington city libraries), christopher isherwood, ebook, fiona mcgregor, gertrude stein, james baldwin, language, library, lover, michel foucault, oscar wilde, out in the park (wellington), outing, patricia highsmith, rainbow, research, sappho, virginia woolf, vita sackville-west, waitangi park, wellington, wellington city council, wellington city library, william s. burroughs

attack, books, career, community, copyright, council, french, friends, fun, gay, history, icons, joe, lesbian, lgbt, love, opportunity, other, otter, people, relationships, special friends, validation, wellington city libraries