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CJ DeBarra | Author, Journalist and Queer Historian

Author and journalist CJ DeBarra is a leading authority in queer history, culture, and rights, as well as an advocate for neurodiversity and disability rights. They are the author of NeuroQueer, a personal exploration of sexuality and relationships as a non-binary, neurodivergent individual, and a forthcoming three-part series on queer history in Nottinghamshire.

 

Enquiries

Category:

* Media Comment, Expert Opinion & Interviews

With an extensive background as an author, campaigning journalist, and queer historian, CJ DeBarra is an exceptional resource for media outlets seeking expert commentary, quotes, and interviews on topics related to LGBT+ history and culture, fertility rights, neurodiversity, and disability inclusivity. Their in-depth knowledge of LGBT+ and queer history spans the evolution of queer communities regionally and nationally, the socio-political struggles within Britain for equality, and the cultural contributions of LGBT+ individuals to society, provide an invaluable perspective for journalists writing about LGBT+ history and cultural development. And as an advocate for LGBT+ rights, CJ can deliver valuable commentary on the current state of queer rights, legal reforms, and ongoing equality and systemic discrimination issues. They are available to discuss fertility rights and access to reproductive healthcare for queer individuals—including surrogacy, adoption, and reproductive justice—in a clear and simple way that highlights the challenges faced by those in non-traditional family structures. More broadly, CJ offers expert insight into sex, love, and relationships within the LGBT+ community, especially relating to non-binary relationships, as well as gender identity and sexual orientation. As a neurodivergent individual and author, CJ brings a first-hand perspective on neurodiversity, and ADHD in particular, that will be invaluable for news stories or features related to neurodiversity discrimination, inclusivity, and relationships, as well as the intersection between neurodiversity and queer identity. Thanks to their advocacy work and writing on disability, they are also an expert in the complexities of sex and relationships within the disabled community, being available for critical commentary on the challenges faced by disabled people in navigating sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. CJ is also a respected queer historian and as a passionate advocate for radical archiving, they can promote the preservation and recognition of queer history, particularly stories and experiences that are marginalised or underrepresented. They are, in addition. an expert in community-based archiving practices and the importance of preserving diverse narratives within queer history. CJ can also contribute to articles about ARFID, a less-discussed but important aspect of neurodivergence and mental health, offering expertise on how ARFID manifests, particularly within queer and neurodivergent communities, and how the condition intersects with issues of identity, self-esteem, and mental health.

* Charity Collaborations & Support

CJ is available through The Double Agents to support charities and causes aligned with her expertise in, and advocacy for, the LGBT+, neurodiversity, and disabled communities. She offers her services on both a professional and pro bono basis, helping organisations improve their outreach and instigate meaningful change. To collaborate with CJ, please contact The Double Agents.

* Public Speaking Engagements

CJ is available for a variety of in-person and virtual speaking engagements. Contact The Double Agents for talent enquiries and rate cards.

About

CJ DeBarra (they/them) is a LGBT+, non-binary, neurodivergent author, journalist and queer historian.
Involved in activism from a young age (primarily around LGBT+, anti-war, and workers’ rights), they have a background in advocacy journalism, with national bylines including such publications as The Independent, Daily Mirror, Stylist, Insider, Euro News, The Dubliner, EQuality Magazine, Undressing Disability and many more. In addition, CJ is currently the history editor of Nottingham-based cultural magazine LeftLion. For the past four years, CJ has worked with national charity Enhance the UK, providing talks, workshops and training on disability inclusion. Within the media, they use their platform to raise awareness about the often-overlooked challenges faced by the ADHD community, of which CJ is a member, and especially by those who are often underdiagnosed: women, transgender, or non-binary individuals. Their debut book, NeuroQueer: A Neurodivergent Guide to Love, Sex, and Everything in Between (Global Words Press, 2023), explores the raw realities of relationships, love, and sexuality as a non-binary, neurodivergent individual by combining candid personal reflection with research to advocate for better healthcare, inclusion, and understanding. In 2022, CJ—originally from West Cork, Ireland but now based in Nottinghamshire, England—launched the Notts Queer History Archive: an oral history project that aims to record the lives of LGBT+ people throughout Nottinghamshire. The project will produce three books with the first set to be released in February 2025 through Five Leaves Publishing. They also advocate for radical archiving to make sure more LGBT+ people get involved in preserving their history. CJ is currently writing a book on avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), drawing upon their partner’s experiences of living with the condition.

 

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