In their new memoir, One of Them, Shaneel Lal details their childhood in Fiji where they were brutally punished simply for being themselves. “I was abused by the very people who were meant to protect me,” writes the activist, model and 2023 Young New Zealander of the Year. These experiences fuelled their fight against conversion therapy in Aotearoa, leading to it being banned in 2022. In conversation with Miriama Kamo, they speak about their life, their work, and their hopes for the future.

“One of Them is a fierce account of defiance and will be cherished among all those whose lives they’ve fought to protect” — Kete Books.

A discounted ‘Ticket + book’ bundle is available for this event for a copy of Shaneel Lal's One of Them. If purchased, your book can be collected from Unity Books, 57 Willis Street, Wellington in advance of the festival, or at the event from Unity's book table.