A writing workshop explores queer coming-of-age in East and Southeast Asian school

Between the Bells explores queer coming-of-age in East and Southeast Asian school contexts through two familiar practices: passing notes and friendship books: These two practices are considered representing two distinct temporalities in school time: one emerges as a hidden, stolen time beneath the regulated time of the classroom, while the other gathers around graduation, farewell and the commemoration of friendship. Taking these practices as a framework for creative writing, participants will first write, hide, discover and respond to anonymous notes tucked inside books, and then contribute to a collective friendship book. Through these exchanges, the workshop explores how friendship, secrecy, desire, and queer possibility take shape within, beneath and beyond the regulated rhythms of school life in ESEA context.

Anyone is welcome to take part. No prior writing experience or knowledge of ESEA school cultures is required. The workshop is open to people of all genders, sexualities and backgrounds, whether or not they identify as queer. The workshop will be facilitated in English, but participants are warmly encouraged to bring their own languages into the creative writing process.

The workshop is hosted by artist Youjia and organised by Bun Bites Screening, a London-based film club dedicated to Asian coming-of-age cinema.

It serves as an extension of Bun Bites Screening’s screening of Amoeba (dir. Siyou Tan, Singapore, 2025) on 24 October. The film follows four rebellious girls at an elite Singapore school who form their own gang in search of freedom from rigid social expectations. Through the workshop, we hope to further explore the fluid, shapeless nature of youth that Amoeba portrays.

Maximum capacity: 20

Material: No specific needs, the facilitator will prepare papers and pens.

Access Info:

● Fully step-free and level space

● Gender neutral and wheelchair accessible toilets

● Nearest step-free station Queen’s Road Peckham

Description supplied by the event organiser.