CJ DeBarra
journalist, author & historian
About CJ
CJ DeBarra (they/them) is queer, non-binary journalist, author and historian from Cork, Ireland residing in Nottingham, UK.They are the author of Neuroqueer (Global Words Press, 2023) and Queer Nottingham volumes one and two (Five Leaves, 2025).CJ is also the founder of the NQHA, an oral history campaign recording queer stories from Nottingham spanning from 1790 to 2025.
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Neuroqueer
A neurodivergent guide to sex, love, and everything in between
Neuroqueer is a "meticulously researched, brutally honest and incredibly helpful" book on navigating relationships, sex and love as a queer and neurodiverse individual.CJ fearlessly explores the raw realities of heartbreak, love, and sexuality in this book which beautifully blends academic research and lived experience, while shedding light on the alarmingly low diagnosis rates for women, transgender and non-binary individuals.Join CJ on a voyage of self-discovery, where vulnerability, courage, and unwavering determination unravel the mysteries of relationships, sex, and love for ADHD individuals and their loved ones.
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about
CJ wrote Neuroqueer after becoming frustrated with the lack of information on ADHD for women, non-binary and transgender people.They wrote Neuroqueer after a long-term relationship came to an end during lockdown, wanting to understand how their brain worked and how it might affect their relationships.They are currently working on a sequel about dating and relationships."I want anyone reading Neuroqueer to know they are not alone. One of the best parts of the book tour has been people coming up to speak to me and saying that they saw themselves in the pages -- that was all I wanted when I was writing it! This is information that should be available to all neurodivergent people - but sadly, very often isn't!"
praise for neuroqueer
"A meticulously researched, brutally honest, and incredibly helpful memoir/self-help book. A must-read for anyone with ADHD, anyone who thinks they may have it, and anyone who wants to understand their ADHD partner."
Robyn Nyx, author of Dead Pretty
"Recommended reading for anyone struggling with ADHD, especially if they are queer, and especially if they are in a relationship, whether they or their partner (or both) has ADHD."
Margaret Burris
"It's refreshing to see such open honesty when it comes to certain aspects of sex... I hope this book sparks someone out there to do more research into neurodivergent rates in women, non-binary, and transgender people."
Lis Reads
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events
WHAT: Love Lounge on Tour, Green Man FestivalWHEN: 14th - 17th August 2025WHERE: Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Wales
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shop
notts queer history archive
preserving nottingham's lgbtq+ community memories from 1850 - 2022
What is the NQHA?
The Notts Queer History Archive is a grassroots, community-led project dedicated to documenting and preserving Nottingham's LGBTQ+ oral history.The archive has captured the voices of over 170 LGBTQ+ people across the city, including personal stories, cultural milestones, queer joy, nightlife and political activism from 1960 to 2022.It also comprises hundreds of newspaper magazine articles and DIY zines, going all the way back to 1790.The archive continues to welcome contributions through interview, event collaboration and donation from any member of the LGBT+ community or allies.
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events
WHAT: Notts QUeer History Archive talkWHEN: 7pm, Friday 7th JuneWHERE: Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, Deptford SE8 4RJ
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collections
The Notts Queer History Archive is a grassroots, community-led project dedicated to documenting and preserving Nottingham's LGBTQ+ oral history.The archive has captured the voices of over 170 LGBTQ+ people across the city, including personal stories, cultural milestones, queer joy, nightlife and political activism from 1960 to 2022.It also comprises hundreds of newspaper magazine articles and DIY zines, going all the way back to 1790.The archive continues to welcome contributions through interview, event collaboration and donation from any member of the LGBT+ community or allies.If you'd like to find out more about giving an interview or donating items, check out the 'Get Involved' page or get in touch.
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get involved
The archive is made up of three parts: oral history transcripts, donated items and media. It aims to collect queer histories, commemorate Nottinghams' contribution to queer rights and educate by holding events that share and bring our history to life.Anyone can donate an interview to the collection, both memebers of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. All that is asked is that you've experienced the Nottingham LGBTQ+ scene over the decades.Interviews can be conducted over the phone, Zoom or in person, depending on what works for you. It can also be completely anonymous if you'd prefer, and you don't have to give any personal details.We are also still accepting physical items, including (but not limited to) flyers, badges, leaflets, T shirts, zines, posters, nightclub or pub ephemera and more.Get in touch to discuss getting involved and let us know what you'd like to contribute.
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books
Queer Nottingham
1960-1990 (vol 1)
Both a historical record and a celebration of unique stories, people and places, Queer Nottingham 1960-1990 gives us a powerful glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in and around Nottingham over three pivotal decades of the last century.For the two volumes, journalist and author CJ DeBarra conducted over 170 interviews with people who remember the times. Combined with archive materials and research, the story in the first book takes us from the underground queer spaces of the Swinging Sixties, through the fight for LGBT+ liberation in the Seventies, to the heartbreaking years of AIDS fear and activism.The stories told reveal the struggles, queer joys and activism that defined the community, and shed light on the fight for recognition and equality during a time when being queer often meant living in the shadowsVolume 1 is out now, to be followed by Queer Nottingham 1991-2020 in February 2026 to coincide with LGBT History Month.