From a conversation we left off in Berlin after a year of travelling the world, now @barconventbrooklyn has invited us to Brooklyn to share what we’ve learned.
After the Advocacy Hangover
Main Stage, Industry City, Brooklyn NY
Tuesday June 9, 2026
3:45–4:30PM EDT
Thinking of joining us? DM @realgooddrinks for 25% off tickets.
📷@christophernpearce
Last year shaped me in ways the last 29 have not.
It wasn’t until I stood still that I realised just how intensely I have been running my whole life. And in the last 12 months I have started the process of grieving.
Here’s a brief list of my learnings:
I’ve learned that a mother’s love can heal you when you least expect it to. The slivers (and chunks) of unconditional love I have been fortunate enough to experience in my 20’s at the hands of my friends, and in turn their own mothers, has made me much softer. I have been hard, abrasive and firm in myself because I started with nothing, so losing all of what I built was my worst fear. But it is also exhausting.
I’ve learned I am worthy of love without sacrifice. Love without condition. Love without making myself quiet enough, small enough, pretty enough, polite enough.
I’ve learned that the people who were supposed to know better, were. I’ve learned that no amount of generational trauma is an excuse for repeating harm. I’ve learned that one person’s pain does not cancel out another’s.
I’ve learned that safety does not have to be earned, and that it’s not worth staying anywhere if it means erasing myself to do so.
I like myself more when I can leave it all out there. I think a lot of people have not met themselves deeply enough to know how that feels, and I grieve for them too.
I cannot tell you how excited I am to build on my findings this year. Life is a lot lighter once the walls come down.
What an incredible turnout last night in Perth, which only really affirmed the need for action and accountability in hospitality. We will be back with re-enforcements! Thanks for bringing your puppies, siblings and weird chat.
Big shout out to @shirleyyyeung for continually fighting the good fight and @lauramaymoseley for the support.
Adelaide we are incoming ✈️
MELBOURNE!! CAN WE GET A HELL YEAH BROTHER.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone that came to see us at @thelincolncarlton last night. We were overwhelmed by your generosity and support.
Specific thank-yous to @caretakers.cottage , @thelincolncarlton and @iain.ling for being advocates for change, for standing up when we needed you, and for being the leaders of progressive hospitality.
We’re also forever grateful to @kittymg___ and @tommchugh93 . We simply wouldn’t have survived without you.
What an amazing way to start the Australian tour. So much more to come ♥️ Can’t wait to see you fucking soon. Brisbane we’re looking at you!
