Dear Neighbour is finally out in the world! It’s taken me the past fortnight to come back down to earth after a brilliant launch event for it, where I had the beautifully affirming experience of being in a room with so many of my family, friends, creative idols and extended community. And mate, it was joyful af.

Projects like books are never solo endeavours — even when there’s only one name on the cover. It takes an entire village to make them happen. And I mean that practically, from an editorial and production perspective, but also in terms of what we need as creatives to see a process like this through to completion.

We need each other. We need to see each other modelling that it’s okay to show up for the things we want, to pour our time and love and attention into the made-up stories and characters that won’t leave us alone; we need to know our pals believe in us, especially on the days when we don’t believe in ourselves; we need partners who make the infinite cups of tea, mates who forgive us when we disappear into the deadline bunker, friends who’ll travel for hours to be there for a milestone moment, and communities who’ll raise the roof when the thing is finally done and out in the world. It takes a village, and mine turned out. And it honestly felt like such a collective celebration: a chance to claim and soak up the joy, power and triumph of stories, community and togetherness.

And well… I don’t think I need to labour a point connecting all that to queerness, do I? Claiming and celebrating my queerness has been a fundamental part of my journey to loving the hell out of my self, and queer community and chosen family has been such a source of joy, solidarity, education, healing, acceptance, compassion and company while I’ve been on that wild, wild ride. I’m proud of Dear Neighbour, and who I am, but I’m prouder still of my community.

The Dear Neighbour launch event featured guest performances from some of my favourite writers, all of whom I’m also grateful to count as beloved pals and creative idols: Avadrian Night, Greg Thorpe and Rosie Garland (I don’t know how I’ve managed to misplace all the images of Rosie but please trust me that she looked and sounded amazing – as she always does!). It was hosted by my incredible queer working-class sibling and former partner-in-crime Paul Forster, who is also a brilliant writer in his own right. Paul and I collaborated for many years as co-directors of For Books’ Sake, so it was really special to have him compering such a milestone moment in my own creative journey.

Thank you again to everyone who made it along in person and those who were with us in spirit. Above everything, this book is a tribute to chosen family and community, and it meant the world to be able to celebrate it like this.