8 September, Melbourne

Jonathan Butler‘s The Boy in the Dress is a gripping family memoir that investigates the unsolved 1944 murder of his relative Warwick Meale, a young serviceman in Queensland. Butler shares insight into the archival research he conducted for his remarkable new book, in conversation with writer, historian and co-host of Archive Fever, Yves Rees. In partnership with Public Record Office Victoria.

Writing Family History is presented by Vision Australia Library in partnership with Writers Victoria. This three-week series is free and open to Vision Australia Library members aged 18 and over.

Jonathan was invited to attend Sydney Writers’ Festival’s Debutant Ball to celebrate debut books off 2021/22.

3 pm, 19 June 2022

Jonathan Butler uncovers a forgotten wartime murder and investigates Australia’s queer military history in this engrossing new book. Jonathan Butler in conversation with Robyn Annear

4 September, Port Fairy

Author Jonathan Butler will be in conversation with Rob (RWR) McDonald for a live recording for the Queer Writes Sessions.

15 October, Launceston

With Jane Rawson, Robyn Mundy, Neika Lehman, Jonathan Butler in conversation with Robert Clarke (moderator). Sometimes the most incredible stories are those that really happened, evident in this discussion that proves that the truth really can be stranger than fiction.

Winnie Dunn, Kyle Perry, Jonathan Butler and Polly McGee. In a time of light and shade, this diverse team of creatives discuss how to find a balance between authenticity and challenging audiences, whilst still offering hope for the future.

10 am, 17 June, Townsville

We all have that one fascinating story in our family that needs to be told. But where to begin? Where to look? Join the author of The Boy in the Dress and hear all the tips he discovered while researching and writing about the 1944 murder of his ancestor Warwick Meale. To set you on your way, Jonathan will also share some templates to help with your research.

9 am, 18 June, Townsville

Not everything stays in the past. Join Jonathan Butler and North Queensland authors Debra Gavranich and Averil Kenny as they discuss researching the history and the importance of sharing stories of hope, love, and diversity from the past.

6.30 pm, 16 June, Townsville

The Boy in the Dress has taken us back to Townsville in 1944 to discuss murder, war and sexuality. Come along and learn more about the fabulous author Jonathan Butler and his 10 year long family research project that has re-ignited our interest in local history all over again.

5 November, Shepparton

Jonathan Butler, author of The Boy in the Dress will share his book and experience researching queer history in Australia. This event is part of the OUTintheOPEN Festival.

21 July, Preston Library

This COVID Safe event is being held in person at Preston Library. Places are limited and bookings are essential.

7 pm, 8 June, Mount Waverley Library

Jonathan Butler dusts off the unsolved case of his relative Warwick Meale who was mysteriously killed in Townsville during WWII, examines queer cultures in the military and life on the homefront during this period, and tells a personal story of growing up queer in regional Australia. It is at once a thrilling true crime read, an important historical work and a moving memoir.

11 am, 17 May 2022

Jonathan Butler's book "The boy in the dress" is a deeply personal investigation into a possible gay hate crime on the home front in 1944.

7pm, 5 April 2022

Join Jonathan Butler live via webinar as he talks about his historical non-fiction work that was more than ten years in the making.

8 August 2022

I interviewed Natasha Sholl for a special Dying to Know Day event about her book Found, Wanting.

6:30pm, 10 March 2022

Affirm Press is delighted to invite you to celebrate the launch of THE BOY IN THE DRESS by Jonathan Butler. The book will be launched by Roz Bellamy on Thursday 10 March at Harehole Melbourne in Fitzroy, 6:30PM for a 7.00PM start. Hares & Hyenas will be selling copies on the night.

12 February 2023

Live reading for Q Lit to celebrate Victoria’s Pride on Peel Street Park.

Q Lit Geelong | Workshop

1:30, 1 April, 2023

We all have that one fascinating story in our family that needs to be told. But where to begin? Where to look? Who to speak to? Join the author of The Boy in the Dress and hear all the tricks he discovered while researching and writing about the 1944 murder of his ancestor Warwick Meale.

15 April

Researching and Telling a Historical Family Story

We all have that one fascinating story in our family that needs to be told. But where to begin? Where to look? Who to speak to? Join the author of The Boy in the Dress and hear all the tricks he discovered while researching and writing about the 1944 murder of his ancestor Warwick Meale. The workshop will provide a brief overview of the book before diving into actionable advice on how to pick a story (and how it may not be the most obvious one); helpful Australian archives and resources to check out; a deep dive into true crime research; how to build a portrait of your ancestor and their world; and managing living family relationships.

6 May 2023

Jonathan will present his book and join in conversation with Ro Allen, Human Rights Commissioner exploring issues arising from his work. Sacrededge is our response to a sometimes harsh and fearful world. It is an opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Rather than debate and argue about issues Q&A style, this unique festival listens to people from the edge… their stories, music, poetry.

6 May 2023

So much of our history is limited to what was left behind. So how do we find our past if it was ignored, or worse, erased? Join the author of The Boy in the Dress and hear how he tackled this challenge while researching and writing about the possible gay hate murder of his ancestor Warwick Meale.

17 May 2023

Join us this International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination to hear about Jonathan Butler's debut book and exploration of his ancestor's story, "The Boy in the Dress", which was shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year 2022 (non-fiction). Jonathan's work has also appeared in the Guardian, ArtsHub and Meanjin.

17 May 2023

Butler will share insight into the story and the archival research he conducted for the book, in conversation with local history librarian Kate Davis.