Dan Stroede
About
I‘m the author of Spencer Sparkles, a LGBTQIA magical coming-of-age story based on my own experiences. It’s about the challenges of growing up, first love, friendships, bullying and anxiety as well as the courage of being yourself. While the story follows what I have gone through, it also blends with magical realism. It’s been a life-long dream to publish a novel but I also want to inspire and help other people, esp the ones in our community. I want them to feel seen and heard and represented, knowing that they’re enough and they’re not alone. The response has been amazing from media outlets, politicians and readers themselves, stating the impact the book has had on their lives, incl an 84-yr old man on his deathbed who had to suppress who he was for so long, but found a way to see himself in this teenager called Spencer. It also helped young adults, who reached out to me, in seeing that their "different" is beautiful and valid and important. I’m so humbled to know this. If this book can help just one person, it was already worth writing. And now that I know it has helped many people, and continues to do so, I will continue writing and celebrating our LGBTQIA community.
Dan Stroede is recognised for his joyful presence, community leadership and powerful storytelling through his young adult fiction novel, Spencer Sparkles. Known for his warmth, positivity and ability to make people feel welcome, Dan brings that same spirit of hope and belonging to his writing. Drawing on his own experiences of being bullied, growing up gay in Frankston and coming from a migrant family, he has created a story that speaks to people who have felt different, anxious or unsure of where they belong. Spencer Sparkles invites readers to embrace curiosity and discover magic in a world that can sometimes feel dark, offering a message of courage, acceptance and hope.
What makes Dan’s storytelling special is its ability to connect people across generations and experiences. His novel has created meaningful moments of connection for readers, including one nominator’s 84-year-old uncle, a gay man who had spent much of his life unable to live openly. As dementia progressed, reading Spencer Sparkles together sparked laughter, memories and conversations about his experiences of fear, loneliness and growing up gay in post-war Germany. The nominator described their gratitude for “the beauty of this book and the magic of Dan’s storytelling,” sharing how it created precious moments of connection with their uncle in his final year. This moving example reflects the emotional reach of Dan’s work and its ability to help people feel seen, understood and connected through shared stories.
Beyond his writing, Dan is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community who engages with local MPs, speaks at libraries and on community radio, and leads by example in his workplace at a Frankston café that supports young people experiencing homelessness through employment and training opportunities. Whether through his novel, community advocacy or everyday interactions, Dan creates spaces where people feel respected, encouraged and welcome. His contribution lies in both the stories he tells and the hope he inspires in others, reminding us that storytelling can build understanding, bring people together and leave lasting memories.