UNLOCK Book Club | Road to Chimera
- UNLOCK
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Author and illustrator Jua O'Kane shares how to harness storytelling as a tool for Queer liberation.
Have you ever considered writing a book to share your voice, expertise & passion with the world? Our network of experienced queer authors are here to share their journeys, bring tough topics into every-day conversations and provide you with tips & guidance to help make your publishing dream a reality. In ‘UNLOCK Book Club’, authors demonstrate how they drive awareness & create positive change for LGBTQ+ communities through through harnessing their leadership, lived experience & creative talent.
'Road to Chimera' with Jua O'Kane
'Road to Chimera' is the debut graphic novella of illustrator and creative researcher Jua O’Kane. Inspired by the author’s lived experience, ‘Road to Chimera’ is an allegorical account of medical transition as a pilgrimage to meet an unknown beast living atop a mountain. The book explores otherness, the psychological toll of modern transphobia and transness as a spiritual pathway.
Whilst in-conversation with Jon-Paul Vicari, Managing Director at We Create Space, Jua shares details about the creative process behind the book, their own experiences that led to its conception as well as sharing captivating visuals. The session will also explore:
The importance of storytelling as a tool of resistance in the fight for trans rights
How to harness creative and spiritual practices for self-care during periods of political turmoil
Challenging cis framing of trans experiences
Jua's takeaways:
If the story you need doesn’t exist, then seize the opportunity to write it. Others probably need it too.
It can take time before the creative methodologies you need to complete a project will fall into place. Examine your sticking points, keep working and have faith.
The gaps in Queer history and archive will not be filled in on their own. Our present is someone else’s past, and it is our duty to preserve it.
Speakers:
Jua O'Kane is a transmasc illustrator, graphic designer, creative researcher and speaker from Northern Ireland. Their latest body of research conceptualises new narrative frameworks to understand transgender experiences and gender-affirming surgery. Their artistic practice explores the intersections of queer identity, spirituality, intimacy and technology. Jua is the Marketing Manager at We Create Space, guiding the organisation's brand identity and content strategy, and the Communications Director of Trans Pride Plymouth. As an illustrator, they have worked with clients like Meta, Trans History Week, Leeds Playhouse and game studio Level 91 Entertainment.
Jon-Paul Vicari is a queer Lebanese man living with depression who understands the complexities of holding multiple identities. With a focus on authenticity and personal growth, Jon-Paul approaches life with a positive attitude. Since coming out in 2004, Jon-Paul has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He has volunteered with HIV/AIDS NGOs, organized community events for LGBTQ+ youths, created DEI programming, advised on inclusive products and services, supported LGBTQ+ political candidates, and worked on recruiting diverse talent. Additionally, Jon-Paul is a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, neurodiversity, self-empowerment, and culture change. He is passionate about community building and activism, and has spoken about these topics at various events.
If you would like to discuss booking one of these speakers for your own session, please get in touch with us via email at hello@wecreatespace.co
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