# Bri Lee

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**Brianna "Bri" Lee** (born 13 December 1991)[1][2] is an Australian author, journalist, and activist, known for her 2018 memoir *[Eggshell Skull](/source/Eggshell_Skull_(book))*.

## Early life

Brianna Lee was born in [Queensland](/source/Queensland), Australia.[3]

## Career

### Writing and journalism

Lee's early writing work included a short story published in [Voiceworks](/source/Voiceworks_(magazine)),[4] while serving as the founder and editor of the (now defunct) feminist quarterly periodical *Hot Chicks with Big Brains*.[5] *Hot Chicks with Big Brains* ran from 2015 until 2018, spanning seven issues. It featured articles and interviews with [diverse](/source/Diversity_(politics)) women and [non-binary people](/source/Non-binary_people), including [Darug](/source/Darug) elder Aunty Jacinta Tobin, [Isabella Manfredi](/source/Isabella_Manfredi), [Mehreen Faruqi](/source/Mehreen_Faruqi),[6] [Ruby Tandoh](/source/Ruby_Tandoh),[7] and [Clementine Ford](/source/Clementine_Ford_(writer)).[8]

Lee's first book, the memoir *[Eggshell Skull](/source/Eggshell_Skull)* was published by [Allen & Unwin](/source/Allen_%26_Unwin) in early 2018.[9] It describes Lee's experience as a complainant in the Australian court system for sexual abuse she was subjected to as a child, while simultaneously working as a Judge's Associate working on similar cases. The memoir was well received, winning several awards including the [People's Choice Award](/source/Victorian_Premier's_Literary_Awards#People's_Choice_Award) at the 2019 [Victorian Premier's Literary Awards](/source/Victorian_Premier's_Literary_Awards),[10] as well as the [Davitt Award](/source/Davitt_Award) for debut novel[11] and the [Ned Kelly Award](/source/Ned_Kelly_Awards) for best true crime[12] in the same year. Funding for story development for a film adaptation was granted by [Screen Australia](/source/Screen_Australia) in March 2023.[13] In 2021, passages from *[Eggshell Skull](/source/Eggshell_Skull_(book))* were quoted in a parliamentary debate regarding reform to the criminal justice system in Queensland.[14] In 2023, Lee's work was discussed in the [Parliament of New South Wales](/source/Parliament_of_New_South_Wales) after the second reading speech for the *Criminal Procedure Amendment (Child Sexual Offence Evidence) Bill 2023*.[15]

In October 2019, Lee's essay *Beauty* was published by Allen & Unwin.[16] In the essay, Lee examines her struggles with [disordered eating](/source/Eating_disorder). It was evaluated for its dissection of corporate middle class culture.[17]

In 2020 Lee was appointed the Australian Copyright Agency's writer-in-residence at the [University of Technology Sydney](/source/University_of_Technology_Sydney).[18]

Her book, *Who Gets to Be Smart*, was published in 2021 by Allen & Unwin.[19]

In 2022, Lee's journalism for *[The Saturday Paper](/source/The_Saturday_Paper)* investigated a 'loophole' whereby perpetrators of abuse were able to shield their assets from civil claims brought by their victims, by moving them into their [superannuation](/source/Superannuation_in_Australia).[20] This was followed by further coverage by other outlets such as the [ABC](/source/ABC_News_(Australia)), and calls by [Australian of the Year](/source/Australian_of_the_Year), [Grace Tame](/source/Grace_Tame) for the government to enact reforms.[21] The Australian Government subsequently pledged to close this loophole.[22] Similarly, in 2023, Lee's investigative reporting into the financial affairs of Australian fashion label Ellery in *[The Monthly](/source/The_Monthly)* sparked further investigation and exposure by the ABC and other outlets.[23][24] Lee was nominated for a [Walkley Award](/source/Walkley_Award) for the piece.[25]

Lee's debut novel, *The Work*, dealing with the development of a long-distance relationship between an art gallery owner in [Chelsea, Manhattan](/source/Chelsea,_Manhattan), and a Queensland country boy turned art dealer, was published in 2024.[26]

### Advocacy and media

Together with [Bond University](/source/Bond_University)'s Professor Jonathan Crowe,[27] Lee co-authored legal research and built ConsentLawQLD.com, a platform for the advocacy which led to the Queensland Attorney-General referring consent in rape and sexual assault to the Queensland Law Reform Commission in 2019.[28][29]

Lee has been featured in advertising campaigns for brands including [Sportsgirl](/source/Sportsgirl),[30] Mimco,[31] [Camilla and Marc](/source/Camilla_and_Marc),[32] and *Fashion Journal*.[33] Her advocacy has been recognised with a shortlisting for [Women's Agenda Leadership Awards](/source/Women's_Agenda_Leadership_Awards)[34] and a placement as one of the *[Australian Financial Review](/source/Australian_Financial_Review)'*s "Women of Influence" in 2019.[35]

In 2021, in partnership with the Women's Justice Network and [Gleebooks](/source/Gleebooks), Lee launched the "", an initiative facilitating the provision of books to inmates in women's correctional facilities in New South Wales.[36]

Lee hosts the 'B List Bookclub', a monthly bookclub featuring Australian and international authors, with the [State Library of New South Wales](/source/State_Library_of_New_South_Wales).[37] Lee has made several appearances on the ABC program *[The Drum](/source/The_Drum_(TV_program))*[38] as well as appearing on [Radio National](/source/Radio_National),[39] discussing issues such as law reform, and her written work.

## Awards

### Honours

Year Awards and fellowships 2016 Inaugural Kat Muscat Fellowship[40] 2017 Griffith Review Queensland Writer's Fellowship[41] 2018 Queensland Literary Awards – Premier's Young Publishers and Writers Award[42] 2019 Australian Financial Review – Women of Influence 2019[35] 2021 University of Queensland Alumni Award, for advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and for law reform[43]

### Literary awards

Year Work Award Category Result Ref 2018 Eggshell Skull Nib Literary Award People's Choice [44] 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards Biography of the Year [45] Matt Richell New Writer Award [46] CHASS Book Prize — [47] Davitt Award True Crime [48] Debut Crime Book [49] Indie Book Awards Non-Fiction [50] Ned Kelly Awards True Crime [51] Stella Prize — [52] Victorian Premier's Literary Awards Nonfiction [53] People's Choice Award [54] 2021 Who Gets to Be Smart Nib Literary Award — [55] 2022 Australian Book Industry Awards Non-Fiction [56] Indie Books Awards Non-Fiction [57]

## Works

### Non-fiction

- *[Eggshell Skull](/source/Eggshell_Skull_(book))* (2018)
- *Beauty* (2019)
- *Who Gets to Be Smart* (2021)

### Fiction

- *The Work* (2024)
- *Seed* (2025)

## References

1. [Brie Lee"](https://entities.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJyRvdRbQRQbpCBWB7PPcP.html), [WorldCat](/source/WorldCat)

1. Bri Lee (2 May 2017). ["Young lady, that’s inappropriate"](https://www.griffithreview.com/articles/young-lady-thats-inappropriate-legal-system-works-against-women/). *[Griffith Review](/source/Griffith_Review)*. ISBN 9781925498356. Retrieved 14 June 2024.

1. [""Bri Lee""](https://bookedout.com.au/find-a-speaker/author/bri-lee/). Booked Out Speakers. Retrieved 19 June 2024.

1. Lee, Bri (Winter 2015). "Hunting with Robert". *Voiceworks*. **100**: 57–59.

1. Lee, Bri. ["*Hot Chicks with Big Brains*"](http://www.hotchickswithbigbrains.com). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180806152202/http://hotchickswithbigbrains.com/) 2018-08-06 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 October 2018.

1. ["Issue #4"](http://hotchickswithbigbrains.com/product/hot-chicks-big-brains-issue-4/). *Hot Chicks with Big Brains*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Issue #5"](http://hotchickswithbigbrains.com/product/hot-chicks-big-brains-issue-5/). *Hot Chicks with Big Brains*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Issue #6"](http://hotchickswithbigbrains.com/product/hot-chicks-with-big-brains-issue-6-pre-order/). *Hot Chicks with Big Brains*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. Lee, Bri (2018). *Eggshell Skull*. Allen & Unwin.

1. ["VPLAs 2019: Manus detainee Boochani wins $100k top prize"](https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2019/02/01/122726/vplas-2019-manus-detainee-boochani-wins-100k-top-prize/). *[Books+Publishing](/source/Books%2BPublishing)*. 2019-02-01. Retrieved 2023-03-22.

1. ["'The Ruin' wins best novel at 2019 Davitt Awards"](https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2019/09/02/138489/the-ruin-wins-best-novel-at-2019-davitt-awards/). *[Books+Publishing](/source/Books%2BPublishing)*. 2019-09-02. Retrieved 2023-03-22.

1. ["Winners of the Ned Kelly Awards 2019 announced"](https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2019/09/09/138833/winners-of-the-ned-kelly-awards-2019-announced/). *[Books+Publishing](/source/Books%2BPublishing)*. 2019-09-09. Retrieved 2023-03-22.

1. ["Screen Australia funds *Eggshell Skull* adaptation development"](https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2023/03/22/228528/screen-australia-funds-eggshell-skull-adaptation-development/). *[Books+Publishing](/source/Books%2BPublishing)*. 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-22.

1. *Queensland Parliamentary Hansard*. 2021.

1. ["Hansard & House Papers"](https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardFull.aspx#/DateDisplay/HANSARD-1820781676-93617/HANSARD-1820781676-93666). *www.parliament.nsw.gov.au*. Retrieved 2023-10-24.

1. Lee, Bri (2019). *Beauty*. [S.l.]: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 978-1760876524. [OCLC 1111771887](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1111771887)

1. ["A Review of 'Beauty' by Bri Lee"](https://westerlymag.com.au/beauty-review/). *Westerly Magazine*. 2020-01-16. Retrieved 2021-02-09.

1. ["Bri Lee joins UTS as Copyright Agency's Writer-in-Residence"](https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-arts-and-social-sciences/news/bri-lee-joins-uts-copyright-agencys-writer-residence). *[University of Technology Sydney](/source/University_of_Technology_Sydney)*. 2020-02-24. Retrieved 2020-02-25.

1. Silcox, Beejay (2021-06-10). ["*Who Gets to Be Smart* by Bri Lee review – gutsy but unfocused interrogation of academic privilege"](http://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/11/who-gets-to-be-smart-by-bri-lee-review-gutsy-but-unfocused-interrogation-of-academic-privilege). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210610182234/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/11/who-gets-to-be-smart-by-bri-lee-review-gutsy-but-unfocused-interrogation-of-academic-privilege) 2021-06-10 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2021-06-26.

1. Lee, Bri (2022-03-26). ["Delays are allowing abusers to hide assets from their victims"](https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/03/26/delays-are-allowing-abusers-hide-assets-their-victims). *[The Saturday Paper](/source/The_Saturday_Paper)*. Retrieved 2023-08-03.

1. Shine, Rhiannon (2022-06-22). ["Grace Tame wants Albanese government to close paedophile superannuation loophole"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-22/grace-tame-wants-government-to-close-paedophile-super-loophole/101168998). *[ABC News (Australia)](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Retrieved 2023-08-03.

1. Shine, Rhiannon (2023-01-18). ["Government pledges to close child abuser superannuation loophole"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-19/government-plans-to-end-superannuation-loophole-child-abusers/101869822). *[ABC News (Australia)](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Retrieved 2023-08-03.

1. Lee, Bri (2023-04-01). ["Debt-à-porter"](https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2023/april/bri-lee/debt-porter). *The Monthly*. Retrieved 2023-08-03.

1. Brown, Rachael (2023-07-01). ["Designer Kym Ellery's edgy outfits won over celebrities. Her 2019 fashion business collapse left suppliers owed millions"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-02/kym-ellery-australian-fashion-failure-success-creditors-unpaid/102525140). *[ABC News (Australia)](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Retrieved 2023-08-03.

1. Gorman, James (2023-09-20). ["2023 Walkley Business Journalism Award Finalists Announced"](https://www.walkleys.com/2023-walkley-business-journalism-award-finalists-announced/). *The Walkley Foundation*. Retrieved 2023-10-24.

1. Lee, Bri (2024). *The Work*. Allen & Unwin. ISBN 9781761069390.

1. Wolfe, Natalie (July 10, 2019). ["The few seconds and hair touch that let a rapist go free"](https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/courts-law/the-few-seconds-and-hair-touch-that-let-a-rapist-go-free/news-story/ceecea73968b729569d376b5523ef3df). *[News.com.au](/source/News.com.au)*. Retrieved 3 Sep 2010.

1. [""Submission to the Queensland Law Reform Commission's Consent and Mistake of Fact Review" by Andrew Dyer"](https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/sydney-law-school/research/centres-institutes/sic-/submission-to-the-qlrc-consent-and-mistake-of-fact-review-21-october-2019-natalie.pdf). The University of Sydney. Retrieved 19 June 2024.

1. D'Ath, Yvette (9 July 2019). ["Palaszczuk government to refer consent laws to Queensland Law Reform Commission"](https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/87858). *The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory*. Retrieved 3 September 2020.

1. apatelsus (2019-01-28). ["Meet That Girl: Bri Lee"](https://blog.sportsgirl.com.au/2019/01/29/meet-that-girl-bri-lee/). *Blog | Sportsgirl*. Retrieved 2021-02-09.

1. ["Unite – Meet Bri Lee"](https://www.mimco.com.au/mimzine/unite--meet-bri-lee.html). *www.mimco.com.au*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Bri Lee"](https://www.camillaandmarc.com/blogs/all/bri-lee). *Camilla and Marc*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Queensland's sexual consent law is changing thanks to Bri Lee"](https://fashionjournal.com.au/life/queensland-sexual-consent-law-bri-lee/). *Fashion Journal*. 2019-08-08. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Announcing the finalists of the 2019 Women's Agenda Leadership Awards"](https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/announcing-the-finalists-of-the-2019-womens-agenda-leadership-awards/). *Women's Agenda*. 2019-08-15. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Bri Lee"](http://afrwomenofinfluence.com.au/alumni_search/bri-lee/). *Afrwomen of Influence*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Women's Justice Network"](https://www.gleebooks.com.au/freadom-inside/). *Gleebooks.com.au*. Retrieved 2021-10-27.

1. ["The B List Bookclub"](https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/events-online/b-list-bookclub). *State Library of NSW*. 2020-04-16. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["*The Drum*: Tuesday 23rd of June"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-23/the-drum:-tuesday-23rd-of-june/12386102), *[ABC News (Australia)](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*, 2020-06-23, retrieved 2021-02-21

1. ["Women and the Law"](https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/women-and-the-law/8490162). *ABC [Radio National](/source/Radio_National)*. 2017-05-03. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Announcing The 2016 Kat Muscat Fellow"](https://expressmedia.org.au/news/announcing-the-2016-kat-muscat-fellow/). *Express Media*. 22 February 2016. Retrieved 2021-02-09.

1. ["Fellowship winners announced"](https://www.griffithreview.com/qld-writing-fellowships-announced/). *[Griffith Review](/source/Griffith_Review)*. 2017-01-10. Retrieved 2021-02-09.

1. ["2018 Queensland Literary Award winners show off local talent"](https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/85822?fbclid=IwAR3ap-cKACDtAFFXN4p4jb5sETKNoUwMULYRBsT-2cPd7YQ5mwqfcp0LIHY). *Ministerial Media Statements*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Meet our 2021 UQ Alumni Award winners, Bri Lee and Mikhara Ramsing"](https://law.uq.edu.au/article/2021/09/meet-our-2021-uq-alumni-award-winners-bri-lee-and-mikhara-ramsing). *law.uq.edu.au*. 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2021-10-27.

1. ["Winners announced today for the national 2018 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award - Waverley Council"](https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/top/news_and_media/media_releases/all/2018/winners_announced_today_for_the_national_2018_mark_and_evette_moran_nib_literary_awards). *www.waverley.nsw.gov.au*. Retrieved 2024-10-10.

1. ["Biography Book of the Year"](https://abiawards.com.au/winner/biography-book-of-the-year/). *ABIA*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["2019 ABIA Shortlist Announce"](https://abiawards.com.au/2019-abia-shortlist-announce/). *ABIA*. 2019-04-10. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Media Releases | CHASS"](https://www.chass.org.au/chass-media-releases/). Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["2019-Davitt-Awards-long-list"](https://www.sistersincrime.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019-Davitt-Awards-long-list.pdf)

1. ["The Davitt Award winners 2019"](https://www.readings.com.au/news/the-davitt-award-winners-2019). *www.readings.com.au*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. AusIndieBooks (2019-01-15). ["Shortlist Announced for Indie Book Awards 2019"](https://www.indiebookawards.com.au/post/2019/01/16/shortlist-announced-for-indie-book-awards-2019). *Indie Book Awards*. Retrieved 2024-10-10.

1. ["Ned Kelly Awards 2019 Winner – Allen & Unwin – Australia"](https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/news/1583-ned-kelly-awards-2019-winner#:~:text=We). *www.allenandunwin.com*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Announcing the Winner of the 2019 Stella Prize"](https://thestellaprize.com.au/prize/2019-prize/). *The Stella Prize*. Retrieved 2021-02-21.

1. ["Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 2019 shortlists announced"](https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2018/12/12/121398/victorian-premiers-literary-awards-2019-shortlists-announced/). *Books+Publishing*. Retrieved 2024-10-10.

1. ["Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2019"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171500/https://www.wheelercentre.com/projects/victorian-premier-s-literary-awards-2019). *The Wheeler Centre*. Archived from [the original](https://www.wheelercentre.com/projects/victorian-premier-s-literary-awards-2019) on 29 December 2018. Retrieved 2021-02-09.

1. ["2021 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award longlist announced - Waverley Council"](https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/top/news_and_media/media_releases/all/2021/2021_mark_and_evette_moran_nib_literary_award_longlist_announced). *www.waverley.nsw.gov.au*. Retrieved 2024-10-10.

1. Gosselin, Tessa (2022-03-22). ["2022 Long List Announcement"](https://abiawards.com.au/2022-long-list-announcement/). *ABIA*. Retrieved 2024-10-10.

1. ["Indie Book Awards 2022 shortlists announced"](https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2022/01/19/208744/indie-book-awards-2022-shortlists-announced/). *[Books+Publishing](/source/Books%2BPublishing)*. Retrieved 2022-01-26.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bri Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bri_Lee) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bri_Lee?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.