Abstract
'I was always a very timid boy. This was after I was bullied at Mt Albert Grammar. But I have to thank the bullies because I became a writer, which enabled me to say on paper what I couldn't say out loud'. The late Peter Wells, instigator of New Zealand's samesame but different literary festival, wrote about the existential benefits of being a writer in the festival's inaugural programme in 2016. The festival has run every year since then. This article draws from festival programmes and interviews with key organisers in order to explore the emancipatory potentials of samesame but different in particular and literary festivals in general. Their value lies in showcasing cultural and literary diversity, affording space for discussion and debate, and fostering new talent alongside more established writers. As such, literary festivals have an important role to play in queer community building and LGBTIQ+ politics.