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Center hosts LGBT book fair this weekend

Published

15 years ago

August 4, 2011

Juliette Ebner

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is hosting its first OutWrite Book Fair Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Center has been doing book readings for several years, but never a day-long event.

“The Rainbow Book Fair in New York City has become quite popular and it was our inspiration to do a book fair in D.C.,” says David Mariner, the Center’s director. “Based on the great response we’ve had so far, I think it is quite likely this will become an annual event.”

The event kicks off tonight with an open mic night at the Center featuring Perry Brass, Jeff Mann and Philip Clark.

The authors scheduled to present readings are Lisa Gitlin at noon, Beverly Ann Kessler at 12:30 p.m., Jonathan Spikes at 2 p.m., Aaron Anson at 2:30 p.m., Robert DiFulgo at 4 p.m., Tom Mendicino 4:30 p.m., David Pratt at 5 p.m., Michael Graves at 5:30 p.m. and Ron Suresha at 6 p.m.

“I am looking forward to … a chance to share a profound message of love and acceptance with others who may be torn between their inherent sexuality and a community or family resistant to accepting them as they are,” says Anson, who will donate $10 from each book he sells to the Center. “I wish to inspire and encourage others to write and contribute to the equality movement by sharing their talent and stories.”

A group of independent publishers, including Steve Berman from Lethe Press, Brass from Belhue Press and Robert Giron from Gival Press, will lead a discussion about their work, the state of the field today and what the future looks like for LGBT publishing at 11 a.m.

Local writers, scholars and activists will discuss the LGBT literary history of D.C. from the 1920s to the 1980s and into today at 1 p.m. moderated by Jim Marks, founder of the Lambda Literary Foundation. Dan Vera will discuss the Harlem Renaissance era, Clark will talk about gay pulp novels and physique magazines.

Also present at this discussion will be Deacon Maccubbin and Jim Bennett who will talk about founding Lambda Rising, Deb Morrie who will speak about Lammas and lesbian women’s writing and Wayson Jones and Michelle Parkerson who will discuss African-American LGBT writing and the ENIKAlly Coffeehouse.

“There is always something compelling about stories about our community that are told by members of our community,” says Mariner of why LGBT-themed literature and works by LGBT authors are important. “Each of us has a different life experience when it comes to our sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, but there are also many commonalities.”

At 3 p.m., BookMen D.C. will host a discussion of the high-spirited erotic adventure, “Caracole” by Edmund White.

There will also be a celebration of the new book, “Milk and Honey: A Celebration of Jewish Lesbian Poetry” at 7 p.m. The book, edited by Julie R. Enszer, features poets like Ellen Bass, Robin Becker, Elana Dykewomon, Marilyn Hacker, Sharron Hass, Eleanor Lerman, Joan Nestle and Ellen Orleans

“It is wonderful to honor literature that affirms and celebrates these shared experiences, and to hear stories that we can relate to,” Mariner says. “Many of the authors draw on their own life-experience, which I think draws us to this literature.”

In addition to the readings and discussions, the Center will have both new and used LGBT-themed books and magazines for sale.

For more information, visit outwritedc.org.

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

24 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 day ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, August 1

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.