A Visit from A Fairer World

At our last online meeting, TTMHN members were fortunate to hear from Gabe Gartrell (she/her) from A Fairer World about how the Hobart Human Library is using the art of storytelling to help break down barriers and build empathy.

Inspired by an international social justice initiative that originated in Denmark in 2000, and underpinned by the motto “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” the Hobart Human Library houses “human books”—Tasmanians who have experienced stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination because of an aspect of their identity (for example, their sexual orientation, religion or disability) and who wish to raise awareness of injustice and exclusion by sharing their lived experience with others.

Before they join the Hobart Human Library, the books are trained by a skilled storyteller to write and present their lived experience story confidently and safely to different audiences, in the hope that listeners will be motivated to create positive social change. The books co-design and co-deliver workshops in schools and in workplaces, and they receive an honorarium each time they tell their story.