Watch the video:

After a brief introduction, Kevin Hague, Green MP and Rainbow spokesperson launched the book. Also speaking were Mani Mitchell, myself and Hazel Edwards, co-author.

A diverse crowd gathered in Unity Books on a wintry evening in July to celebrate the launch of our novel, ‘f2m: the boy within’.

The evening featured an appearance by Hazel Edwards appeared via Skype from Melbourne, which was reminiscent of the collaboration process we used to write the book itself.

Kevin Hague, Green MP launched the book and spoke about his experiences in bookselling and the health sector.  He reminded us of the power of books, speaking of the support he found in the gay book section of his public library as a young gay man, and quoted Eleanor Roosevelt on universal human rights.

Mani Mitchell then brought her perspective as counsellor and intersex advisor.

Co-author Hazel Edwards joined us via Skype, in an amazing feat of technological mastery, possibly involving the wind blowing in the right direction.

Thanks to everyone who was involved and the great crew at Unity Books, Ford Street Publishing for all their support, and to everyone who reads ‘f2m: the boy within’.

A crowd gathers

Marion Castree from Unity Books

Kevin Hague MP speaks

Mani Mitchell speaks

Hazel Edwards on Skype from Melbourne, Australia

Ryan Kennedy speaking

An avid reader dives in!

f2m: the boy within will be launched by Kevin Hague, Green MP and Rainbow spokesperson at 6pm on Wednesday 21st July 2010 at Unity Books, 57 Willis Street, Wellington.

Featuring co-authors Hazel Edwards (via Skype) and Ryan Kennedy, Mani Mitchell and the Tranzform transgender youth group.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Download PDF invitation | Facebook event

No need to RSVP. Queries to (04) 499 4245 or 0800 486 489

Links

• Hazel Edwards, co-author
• Kevin Hague, Green MP and Rainbow spokesperson
• Unity Books, Wellington
• Mani Mitchell
• Tranzform
• Ford Street Publishing

]]> http://ryanscottkennedy.com/2010/06/f2m-wellington-launch/feed/ 1 http://ryanscottkennedy.com/2009/02/david-byrne-in-wellington/ http://ryanscottkennedy.com/2009/02/david-byrne-in-wellington/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:50:18 +0000 Ryan http://ryanscottkennedy.com/?p=415

David Byrne concert - not Wellington but similar (photo by furnstein)

David Byrne is so weird! Still weird. He gives a small amount of himself; a slice in every song, and every song is a slice of him. But there seems so much more, a vast storehouse of David to be drawn out for years to come.

Wearing white, they were a canvas that the lights and sound painted and pasted on throughout the performance. Three then six dancers and singers drew us around the stage with the music in fluid motions. They only added, never subtracted or distracted. He played, they played, he played for two hours and we still wanted more. His smile of appreciation was genuine and we loved him for every minute of it.

I never realised I loved Talking Heads so much; it just grew. I saw the posters and had to see one of my heroes. His movements and words all have purpose – nothing is wasted or for show, yet it’s all for show – entertainment with meaning, without preaching, complaints or anger. Beautiful observations of human life set to vibrant pumping music.