Supporting the next generation of writers in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Thanks to the Candis Graham Writing Scholarship, an award created by the Lambda Foundation alongside friends and family of the renowned lesbian-feminist writer and teacher, UVic student Zoe Bechtold is able to explore her diverse interests in writing and performance arts.
From stage acting and puppet theatre to writing interactive fiction, Zoe Bechtold has a passion for exploring innovative and creative ways to tell stories—with a particular focus on queer characters and other underrepresented voices.
As a dedicated author with a growing portfolio of short stories, plays, and fan fiction, Zoe is currently pursuing a BFA in Theatre and Writing at the University of Victoria. She was recently awarded the 2024 Candis Graham Writing Scholarship for her exceptional academic performance and compelling application essay.
“It’s motivating to feel that my writing is being recognized,” she says of the scholarship, which was established by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada in collaboration with the family and friends of feminist writer Candis Graham for students in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Leaving Calgary's theatre scene to find community in Victoria
Growing up in Calgary, Zoe came to UVic with years experience writing and acting, honed with support from the city’s theatre community. A major milestone in her acting journey included a serendipitous twist: her debut role at Calgary Young People’s Theatre was as one of the Lost Boys twins in Peter Pan—played alongside her own twin brother.
Encouraged by mentors who recognized her potential, Zoe chose to attend UVic, drawn to its reputation for creativity, supportive community, and stunning natural setting.
“It was partly the location—Victoria is really beautiful—and partly knowing older, accomplished actors I admired who have also studied here,” Zoe shares.
Since arriving in Victoria, Zoe has immersed herself in a rich tapestry of perspectives and opportunities that have nurtured her talents. At UVic’s Phoenix Theatre, she has contributed to productions every year of her studies, including Dead Man’s Cell Phone (2021), Spring Awakening (2022), The Importance of Being Earnest (2023), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2024).
Candis Graham's legacy of creativity and advocacy
Zoe’s journey reflects the creative spirit embodied by Candis Graham. Like Zoe, she also came from outside BC and found a home in Victoria’s artistic community. Born in Ontario in 1949, she was a writer and editor of short fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, essays, and novels, unabashedly open about her lesbian and feminist identity, despite encountering discrimination. After moving to Victoria in 2001, she spent her final years writing, teaching, and running a greeting card company that combined word collages and verse—leaving behind a legacy of creativity and advocacy.
For Zoe, receiving the Candis Graham Writing Scholarship has eased the financial challenges of university life and allowed her to focus on her studies and creative pursuits.
“I’ve enjoyed using my time at UVic to explore and develop my expertise in theatre and writing. I am happy with the growth I have noticed in myself as a writer that has resulted from my classes and coursework,” she says.
Fascinated by unconventional storytelling that meshes the visual with the written word, Zoe is interested in studying puppet theatre and hopes to one day write and illustrate a graphic novel.
Looking ahead, she also envisions cultivating opportunities for both her and others by founding a creation company with her twin brother and a close friend.
“My professors are always telling us, ‘You’ve got to produce your own work,’ and that’s what I hope to do,” she says.
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