'The challenge is that most of the things that I write about are things I’m never going to change my mind about. Women are people, and deserve to be free from violence, deserve to have bodily autonomy. There’s no opinion to change there, at all. When you care about social justice and equity and a better world, like no my opinions haven’t changed - quite frankly my opinions only intensify. And you know, the more comfortable I get in my life - the more radical I get' - Roxane Gay.
Unapologetic, sometimes controversial, and always unflinchingly honest, Roxane Gay has built a remarkable career using her powerful voice to articulate the nuances of our most pervasive issues. Body image, civil rights, feminism, popular culture, social etiquette – you name it, Gay has written about it.
The esteemed writer, professor and cultural commentator was joined by host Jan Fran at Melbourne Town Hall for one night only as they discussed her most strongly held views on the culture and politics of the past decade, celebrated in her latest book, Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People’s Business.
In this conversation, Gay reflects on the fundamental importance of holding complicated views in our complicated times.
Roxane Gay was presented in Melbourne by The Wheeler Centre and Now or Never. She was presented in Sydney by the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
The event was recorded on Tuesday 27 August 2024 at Melbourne Town Hall. The official bookseller was Hill of Content.
Featured music is 'Diffuser' by Shiruky.