👽☄️CJ De Barra 💀👻
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cjdebarra.bsky.social
👽☄️CJ De Barra 💀👻
@cjdebarra.bsky.social
320 followers 150 following 150 posts
Author of Neuroqueer: a neurodivergent guide to love, sex and everything in between & the Notts Queer History Archive 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 Queer non binary journalist with adhd 🇵🇸
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cjdebarra.bsky.social
The Queer Nottingham 1960-1990 book launch happened last night and it was INCREDIBLE.

I cannot get over seeing so many wonderful LGBTQ+ people in one room celebrating our history. It was gorgeous.

Roll on book launch - Queer Nottingham 1990-2020 in Feb!

So overwhelmed in the best possible way
Cj a blue haired non binary person is standing delivering a talk at a microphone A big crowd of people seated facing the windows of the library. There are speakers in front of the window in the distance A row of Queer Nottingham books at the Five Leaves pop up stall A close up of some people seated laughing and smiling. They are watching something in the distance
September 19, 2025 at 8:11 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
I am delighted to announce that the Queer Nottingham Book launch will happen at Central Library on Sep 18th

Therer will be author Q&A, slideshows, quiz, displays, stalls from Sparrows Nest and Notts Queer History Project, DJ and a bookshop!

Ticket- fiveleavesbookshop.co.uk/events/queer...
August 31, 2025 at 6:17 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Took a break this month to finally have my wedding reception back home in Cork….

I cannot wait to get the photos back but it was such an incredible day. To have our friends and family around us was everything. Not to mention, on the 10th anniversary of Marriage Equality in Ireland
Two non binary people in wedding outfit are kissing on a beach. Two non binary people in wedding outfits are raising their hands in a congratulatory gesture after getting married in a garden
August 13, 2025 at 4:34 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Had a blast talking about historical trans life at Deptford Lounge last night 🏳️‍⚧️

It was a brand new talk which I was so excited to do. It also raised £150 for trans charities too which is awesome. 🩷🩵🤍
A tall NB person wearing a black tshirt with white writing that’s says notts queer history archive is standing against a tv in a grey room A tall NB person wearing a black tshirt with white writing that’s says notts queer history archive is standing in a beer garden
June 28, 2025 at 7:31 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Look at this lovely display!

A big thank you to One More Chapter for having me today 🩷 I had a blast speaking with everyone and doing a reading! I’m always nervous reading from a book with a LOT of naughty words but today felt really fun 📚
A blue and white cover of a book. There are six books on the counter along with a sign that announces a local author - Cj DeBarra. The book is Neuroqueer: a neurodivergent guide to love, sex and everything in between
June 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
I had a complete blast at Mayo Pride! 🏳️‍⚧️🌈 It was lovely to celebrate love and resistance - while running a really fun writing workshop!

This is seriously one of the best Prides I have been to in years. My soul needed that 🩷

#PrideMonth
A person with blue hair holding a book. They are wearing a black tshirt that says Bród on it. They are standing outside a bright yellow bookshop in Mayo
June 3, 2025 at 8:25 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Ten entire years since Marriage equality in Ireland

Good lord how times have flown. I never thought I would get married let alone be legally able.

So ten years later I proposed in Ireland and will have my wedding reception at home in West Cork. 🩷🏳️‍⚧️🌈🍸
May 22, 2025 at 5:45 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
🥹 absolutely fuming
A small tortoise shell cat is sitting in the green garden
May 4, 2025 at 12:49 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
No one is enjoying the garden or bank holiday more than this tiny cat right now…..
A small tortoise shell cat is sitting in the grass in the sun A small tortoise shell cat is sitting in the grass in the sun
May 4, 2025 at 12:17 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
I had a blast being on the panel with so many lovely people @vaginamuseum.bsky.social this Sat.

Thank you so much to @lucywebster.bsky.social for having me. It was a joy to talk disabilty, s3x and more! More events like this please!

#QueerJoy
A panel event in a cozy, industrial-style space. Five speakers sit in a row in front of a seated audience. From left to right on the panel: a person in a power wheelchair wearing a white shirt and green pants; a person with purple hair and glasses in a sleeveless black top; a person with curly black hair in a black dress; a person with short blue hair in a green velvet suit, speaking into a microphone; and a person with curly blonde hair wearing a black top and green trousers. In the audience, people sit closely together on chairs and cushions. One person is kneeling, playing with a dog. The room is warmly lit with fairy lights and a small table with a vase of dried flowers. The background features a blue metal shutter and an emergency exit door. A group of six people standing together, smiling at the camera against a dark background with a white panel behind them. From left to right: a person with short hair wearing a patterned shirt and jeans; a person using a power wheelchair, wearing a white shirt, green pants, pink shoes, and a pink crossbody bag; a person with purple hair, glasses, and a sleeveless black top; a person with curly black hair wearing a sheer black dress, holding a black cane and handbag; a person with short blue hair wearing a green velvet suit and a white T-shirt; and a person with curly blonde hair, glasses, a black top, and green trousers. The atmosphere feels joyful and proud.
April 28, 2025 at 12:10 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of Neuroqueer (obviously it’s remaining on sale!) , stocked it and those who come to the events. It’s been lovely to meet everyone who has come to chat about their Neuroqueerness.

#Lgbt #Neurodiversity
A purple haired person holding a copy of Neuroqueer and pulling another silly face. They are wearing a blue suit and a white tshirt that says world peace.
April 13, 2025 at 8:45 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Some personal news 🥹

I’m delighted to announce that a small while ago- Jessica Kingsley publishers approached to me to produce a book on Neuroqueer relationships and dating…..and I’ve said yes! 💍
Cj is a purple haired person hiding behind a copy of their book - Neuroqueer. They are in a bookshop
April 13, 2025 at 8:45 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Love wins.

In spite of it all…..🏳️‍⚧️🌈🥹 Don’t let them ever tell you otherwise

#Neuroqueer
A non binary person wearing a long dark green gown outside an archive in wales. This person is raising their arms in pure joy Two gender fluid people are standing together celebrating their wedding. One had long purple hair and the other short brown hair. Both are wearing dark green clothing. They are outside an archive
April 7, 2025 at 8:26 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
I can’t quite believe I’m getting married tomorrow…..It doesn’t feel real if I’m honest! In a good way.

Dress sorted
Hair…okayish
Make up packed
Shoes not broken in yet 🥴

Incredibly- I’m getting married in an archive!!! #lgbt
April 6, 2025 at 11:16 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Absolutely do not recommend the back of the thigh for a tattoo…..

….however I love this piece from Green Witch tattoo in Worcester at Rings and Needles. Absolutely love it.

#tattoo
A tattoo of a pumpkin sitting on three books
March 3, 2025 at 9:52 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Book tattoos, books and chips.

The best weekend away. Even if the tattoo HUrT. The back of the thigh lives up to its reputation as a horrible spot to get tattooed.

Spending a weekend in Worcester with the wife. It’s been so much fun amid a difficult time.
A tattoo of a pumpkin resting on a stack of books A copy of the book - gateway to heaven by Claire summerskill sitting on a bar table with a purple highlighter and a glass of wine . A cone of fries- Belgium style! There is a small pot of garlic mayo to the side. This is because the bar is Belgium themed
March 2, 2025 at 8:21 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
I had a blast @housmansbookshop.bsky.social this week talking about #Neuroqueer 📚🏳️‍⚧️🌈

I can’t wait to get stuck into more events this year

Support independent bookshops and authors ➡️ housmans.com/product/neur...
A tall person with purple hair in a ponytail is wearing a blue velvet suit and standing in the middle of a bookshop. They are holding a copy of their book Neuroqueer A tall person with purple hair in a ponytail is wearing a blue velvet suit and standing in the middle of a bookshop. They are sitting on a wooden chair next to their book Neuroqueer
February 22, 2025 at 9:52 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
I’m off to @housmansbookshop.bsky.social tomorrow to celebrate all things Neuroqueer!

Still a last chance to grab a ticket and come chat about neurodiversity, ADHD, love and relationships. 🌈🏳️‍⚧️🍸

housmans.com/event/book-t...
February 18, 2025 at 4:38 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Heaven! I’m sitting watching what looks like light snow fall, while wrapped in a fleece blanket reading.

I love that this house offers me the silence and space to do this.
A person’s legs on which a book rests. They are facing a big window which looks out onto the yard. Their hand rests on the book
February 16, 2025 at 9:02 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
My valentines. Both of them. I am a lucky human. Last Valentine’s Day before I marry this wonderful human 🩷#ValentinesDay
A small yet furious cat and their owner sitting on a couch
February 14, 2025 at 6:41 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Broadway cinema killing me with the Carole King tracks today. My mum loved her. I would give anything for her to be here having a coffee listening with me.

Funny how grief ambushes you
A coffee cup with pink lipstick on it
February 6, 2025 at 11:55 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Feb 21st - New Art Exchange ‘the Lovers’ launch

March 4 - Five Leaves Bookshop will have Jake Hall in to talk about their book Shoulder to Shoulder

Please let me know if I’ve missed any!
February 1, 2025 at 3:09 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Took yesterday off panicking about things I can’t fix and illness to go to Manchester before flying home.

I could really do with a break so I actually had one. It was nice (and hard) to leave my worries behind me. I’m determined to keep doing this 🌈🏳️‍⚧️
A person standing in front of a Pong computer game amid flashing lights and neon rave spray paint art. They are about the play pong A neon basketball hoop stuffed with balls Rows of houseplants in a shop
January 26, 2025 at 6:48 PM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
Feeling a bit emotional this morning as we pack up my house. I’ve lived here for 5 yrs, built my career, wrote my books and this is the house my mum loved. I love this place but it’s time.

I’m excited to move into myself and Lyndsey’s first place together
A tall goon standing the doorway of a terraced house. They are surrounded by plants and pulling a silly face
January 20, 2025 at 11:31 AM
cjdebarra.bsky.social
I am so excited to be joining the wonderful Emma from Broadway Cinema in Nottingham on Feb 8th to do a special screening of Beautiful Thing

I’ll be doing a talk on notts queer scene in the 1990s

Join us this Queer History Month to find out more!
www.broadway.org.uk/whats-on/bea...
One man lies on the bed on his stomach resting. Another is sitting behind him rubbing his back. It’s a tender moment between the two
January 17, 2025 at 6:19 PM