Embracing My Story: Thomas Hamilton

MGFF19 Volunteer - Thomas Hamilton

Embracing My Story: Thomas Hamilton

My name is Thomas Hamilton and I have been involved with Queer Screen since 2017.

I initially only did the 2017 Fair Day Stall but for the 2018 and 2019 Mardi Gras Film Festivals I have been able to volunteer in a more substantial way by helping the Queer Screen team with not only the Fair Day Stall, but also helping out in the office in the lead up to the festival. More importantly, I am working alongside the team with Queer Screen’s social media accounts.

From adding links to the Facebook event pages to the Queer Screen website, uploading and curating event photography and most importantly uploading, proofing, tagging and scheduling content for Twitter there is always something that needs to be done.

But above all else the people of Queer Screen both professional staff and volunteers are amazing to work with. The work of Queer Screen is so important in being able to create a space where the LGBTIQ+ community can come together to see and share our stories.

Queer Screen also has allowed me to pursue other opportunities such as being the producer for the Young Queer Writer’s Program for the 2018 National Young Writers’ Festival.

This sense of community is why I marched in the 2019 Mardi Gras parade alongside many of my friends from Queer Screen because it’s been a life changer and getting to share in the joy that comes from embracing our selves and our stories is something that I will always appreciate.