Kirstie is out and proud about her childlessness and is on a mission to raise awareness in the hope to help more people. She is childless not by choice, lives with a chronic illness and leads the chester group of the childless collective which meet monthly at Storyhouse
What does Storyhouse Childless mean to you?
It’s the opportunity to meet other non-parents & potential allies in a friendly environment. It’s a place I feel seen & heard & share my thoughts & feelings knowing others will get it without judgement. It’s about feeling that I fit in.
How have you seen the festival evolve over the last few years
Including childfree stories and speakers has been a positive development as we face similar issues & dilemmas. The content has grown immensely especially this year now that we are in the main theatre & Garret theatre. We now have multiple high profile speakers from the childless and childfree communities & the event is recognised nationally & internationally as something that is really needed but very rare. I just had an email from a woman in South California who is considering coming over for the event!
What would you say to people who feel really nervous about attending?
Reach out & ask us anything that will help you feel comfortable about attending as it really is an amazing opportunity. The event kicks off with speed friending on the Friday night so that we can start off by making connections & there literally is something for everyone within the programme & you can build in time to reflect & decompress, there is no expectation to attend everything. Sometimes just chatting to people is the best bit.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Reconnecting with friends I have made in previous years & welcoming new people & seeing them connect with their community. I love that the programme includes speakers, interactive panels & activity events – I get excited about all of it as it is so rare to have the opportunity to engage like this.
What is Storyhouse like?
Storyhouse is a lovely venue. It’s bright & comfortable. It feels to me like it is an open space literally & metaphorically. Yes it is family friendly but as someone who wanted a family I really understand the need for that (especially as it is also a library & literacy is really important) but they have made the effort to engage with the Childless like nowhere else I know.