Bastian Fox Phelan
Bastian is a writer of memoir and environmental essays from Mulubinba Newcastle, Australia
Bastian write about bodies, binaries, place, and environment.
Bastian's debut memoir, How to Be Between, was published by Giramondo in 2022. This book explores female facial hair, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and coming-of-age as someone visibly between gender binaries.
How to Be Between received favourable reviews in Sydney Review of Books, Books+Publishing, and the Compulsive Reader. Oliver Reeson described it as ‘a balm, a lovely book, as humble and genuine and hands-off as it is meticulously crafted, deftly probing and explorative.’
Bastian's memoir, environmental essays and articles have appeared in The Guardian, Sydney Review of Books, Island Magazine, Meanjin, Writing NSW, The Suburban Review, and Archer Magazine. They have performed at Queerstories, Emerging Writers’ Festival, and Newcastle Writers Festival. In 2024 their writing was adapted for a chamber choir by renowned contemporary classical composer Connor D’Netto, and performed at Midsumma Festival by Divisi.
Bastian is a PhD candidate in Creative Nonfiction at University of Newcastle, working on an eco-memoir about their growing relationship with local ecologies. Bastian lives in Mulubinba Newcastle, Australia.
About the book
"A balm…as humble and genuine and hands-off as it is meticulously crafted, deftly probing and explorative…This is an accessible work that moves deeper into an understanding of queerness rather than reporting on what is already known."
Oliver Reeson, Sydney Review of Books
"Exceptionally well written, and might fill a gap in trans-youth literature because of Phelan’s very refusal to “transition” between identities. …How To Be Between beautifully articulates a state of metamorphosis where the journey itself is the state of being, rather than a 'destination' to a particular gender identity."
Kelley Swain, The Lancet
"A smart and moving book that I wished wouldn’t end, for readers who enjoy emotional stories from the edges of Australia."
Books+Publishing
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