Ariel Booksellers will be part of the Oxtravaganza fun this year.
Julia Blanks, the bookshop's owner, talks about their involvement.
Ariel new to this event! What does it mean for Ariel to be a part of this?
It means a lot! Ariel has been part of the Oxford Street landscape for over 30 years, it is our home. This year with our new location we will be in the most vibrant part of the street, full of diversity which will be exciting.
As a bookshop, what will you guys be providing at Oxtravaganza and what can crowds look forward to?
Ariel loves a party! At this stage we have organised a launch and exhibition of Richard Hedger’s book ‘Telling Tales’ which shares the stories and images of a wonderful collection of people who have made the world a better place for LGBTIQ communities. Included in the book are contributions from people such as Faustina, Joel Creasey, Alex Greenwich and Michael Kirby just to name a few. There will also be a Henna artist and we are hoping to create a giant heart, where people can take photos and share the love. Champagne will also be flowing and we'll hopefully have an ice cream cart out the front!
There's the launch of 'The House Of Impossible Beauties'… What's this all about?
This will not be an official launch, however we will be one of the first stockists in Australia and promoting this release with a special introductory price. ‘The House of Impossible Beauties' by Joseph Cassara is a gritty and gorgeous debut that follows a cast of gay and transgender club kids navigating the Harlem ball scene of the '80s and '90s, inspired by the real House of Xtravaganza made famous by the seminal documentary 'Paris Is Burning'.
Why did Ariel decide to get involved with Oxtravaganza?
We wanted to share in the event of Oxtravaganza because we share the ethos of being welcoming and fun for everyone., celebrating the colour and fascination of diverse, out-of-the-box characters.
What are you most looking forward to about Mardi Gras this year?
We look forward to the particularly historic, iconic potential of this year’s anniversary Mardi Gras. We’ve shared in decades of Oxford Street celebrations, and anticipate this year’s will be uniquely crazy and emotional.
