Welcome to the Creatively Insane Community (CIC) This is a community initially created in Brisbane Australia, but we are an Queer inclusive community. Feel free to join, even if you live beyond Brisbane’s geographical borders.

The purpose of this community is to provide a space for those ‘labelled’ (by western traditional medical or health professional means) as mentally ill. On the subject of labels (and after toying with the concept of labels both with others and myself) whilst here, I use the term mentally ill, all are interchangeable. For example, perhaps having a mental health issue, or considering oneself insane or mad fits with you best or perhaps all of the above suit for now! Ultimately, none of these labels really matter. It is far more important how you choose to identify yourself. And remember labels can stick. But you have the power to remove that sticky label or simply keep it tucked away (or display it proudly) whilst and for however long it still means something to you. This site is also for those who are yet undaignosed, but identify themselves as having some form of mental health issue but are yet to be (or perhaps do not wish or need to be ‘officially’ diagnosed by the western traditional medical fraternity) as a mental health survivor. Also if you are a partner, friend, family member etc of a person, who is part of the queer community, that has a mental health issue, feel free to join to show your support.

This community is for you! The seed is lovingly planted with intended kindness to encourage, foster and create a caring, sharing, networking community for the Creatively Insane of the world. We may be labelled or even define ourselves as mentally ill. But, we have rare and special gifts to offer the world. After all, how many geniuses throughout history have been labelled as simply mad! We know the truth. We are brilliant and have giftedness to share. Yet, society chooses to label us as ‘mentally ill’ rather than brilliant. Stand tall and proudly share your brilliantly mad talents. Celebrate madness, for it inspires the genius deep within each of us.
I think it’s safe to say, that there isn’t a single soul who hasn’t created something in either a moment of creative madness, or for those of us labelled (or self defined) as ‘mentally ill’, work created in one of our our many moments of Creative Insanity.

The creativity you share here, in whatever form: perhaps you write, paint, take photographs, create music or make pottery; this is your place to proudly share your Creatively Insane work. The list is only as endles as your imagination. This is your safe space to share, post, and discuss with like-minded folk. Get to know one and other. Because, perhaps even unbeknown to you; already you are among friends!

As the community grows we will actively find opportunities to meet in person. We’ll seek to organise gatherings, events, debates, workshops and invite guest speakers to listen to us while we do the same in return! Also as the community grows in numbers, so will its collective strength. We will be able to become radically active and have a ‘community voice’. Our community will aim to openly, objectively and respectfully: discuss, debate and challenge the traditional views, politics and treatment regimes surrounding mental health in Australia and Western society in general.

To best achieve this, we must join together, in mad solidarity, and become a real community. As a community, we will encourage collaboration within and beyond our community. We will actively invite the ‘radical’ medical/health professionals to contribute to the community. For, I truly believe for change to be effective and sustainable, it requires a partnership, an alliance if you like, where all parties agree that there are alternatives and many paths forward.

Mad Love & Peace,
Martina