Author Talk with Kate Rowe at Thirroul Library (AGes 18+)

When:

29 January 2026 06:00 pm - 07:00 pm

Join LGBTQIA+ activist Kate Rowe as she talks about her life, shares her music, and the lessons she's learned about life along the way.

From addiction and trauma to Ironmen races and ukelele jams, LGBTQIA+ activist Kate Rowe's How the F*ck Would I Know? is a memoir of her survival and self-discovery.

Fleeing to Australia as a "Ten Pound Pom" in the 1970s, Kate didn't expect her demons to follow her. It took facing her truth to break free of the drugs and alcohol that had controlled her since her teens in a desperate attempt to escape the shadow of sexual trauma.

Finally in recovery and stepping into her own, a 26-year-old Kate embraces her sexuality against the backdrop of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - and is promptly swept into the political and social tensions of the time.

As she builds a new life on the rocky foundations of her beginnings, Kate learns to find the lighter moments, and starts to write. From a kidney donation, to a love letter to her cats, tackling ten Ironman events, and learning ukulele, this collection of stories illustrates a determined woman finding her way through the mess of life with a smile.

Come and hear how she found light in life's mess. Kate will be joined by her band, Wahine Soundz, for a performance following her talk.

Free, bookings essential via Eventbrite.

If you're interested in reading How the F*ck Would I Know?, you can reserve it via our library catalogue.

For more information, contact Thirroul Library.

This event is one of the many reasons to have a library card. Don't have one? It's free and easy to join online!