Word lovers are in for a treat at Auckland Pride, with a review night, poetry meet and writing seminar making up a collection of events which will be presented as ‘Alternative Bindings’. Here are some details, thanks to organiser Andrew Rumbles - Alternative Bindings Poetry Meet: Monday 10 February, 6.30PM, Leys Institute, 20 St Marys Rd Share your poetry, a fave poem or simply listen and enjoy. Spoken presentation of a range of poetry by rainbow authors, and discussion about the state of rainbow poetry within Aotearoa NZ. Share your favourite rainbow poems with your friends. Discussion led by Christopher Dempsey and Michael Giacon. Hosted in the historic Leys Institute Library in St Mary’s Bay. This promises to be an intimate and uplifting event. Ponsonby librarian, Niki Wright, says she is really excited to be hosting this Pride event in the heart of what has always been the gayest part of Auckland. There will be refreshments and we promise a really supportive friendly environment in which you can share your own poetry. Writing Seminar: 11 February, Central City Library, level 2, Whare Wananga Writers and would-be writers alike will find value and inspiration in this free two hour writing seminar hosted by Alternative Bindings and the New Zealand Society of Authors. The seminar features presentations on practical writing topics by writers Lisa Williams and Brendan Weir, followed by a writing exercise and feedback. In conclusion, a Q • Michael Giacon is an Auckland songwriter, performer, poet and educator whose writing was selected by Peter Wells and Rex Pilgrim for inclusion in Best Mates: Gay Writing in Aotearoa New Zealand; • Julie Helean, winner of the 2012 BNZ Katherine Mansfield Award and author of The Open Accounts of an Honesty Box (2011), which GayNZ.com found to be the “New Zealand lesbian must-read of the year”; • Craig Ranapia, freelance critic and cultural commentator who contributes reviews to the New Zealand Listener and blogs at Public Address (www.publicaddress.net/muse); • Peter Wichman, literary historian and artist, a three-time finalist in the Wallace Art Awards. Each has seven minutes to take a favourite piece of GLBTI writing and make it legendary. Besides the time spent in good company, we aim to have everyone leave at the end of the evening with at least one must-read title in mind! You can keep up with Alternative Bindings on its Facebook page here GayNZ.com staff - 10th January 2014