Arts & Culture :: Culture

Justin Torres' brilliant new novel, 'Blackouts'

Justin Torres' brilliant new novel, 'Blackouts'

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Oct 8, 2023

Justin Torres deploys fluid, engaging writing throughout his new novel, "Blackouts," that's far from frivolous but not shy of hilarity when warranted. In a way all its own, it's a consistent pleasure to read.

Mimi Tempestt: queer poet's 'The Delicacy of Embracing Spirals'

Mimi Tempestt: queer poet's 'The Delicacy of Embracing Spirals'

  • by Laura Moreno
  • Oct 3, 2023

The new groundbreaking poetry collection "The Delicacy of Embracing Spirals," Mimi Tempestt's second book, is being released October 3 by City Lights Books. Since 2017, she has been an integral part of the Bay Area poetry scene.

Reunion: celebrating queer history with the GLBT Historical Society

Reunion: celebrating queer history with the GLBT Historical Society

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Oct 3, 2023

On October 14 the GLBT Historical Society will pull out all stops when it presents "Reunion," the organization's annual gala. The event, which takes place at the Marines Memorial Club and Hotel, promises to celebrate the community's vast queer past.

Going Out, Sept. 28-Oct. 6, 2023

Going Out, Sept. 28-Oct. 6, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Sep 28, 2023

You can find plenty of arts and nightlife entertainment options whether you're in San Francisco, Oakland or anywhere in the Bay Area, this week and every week.

Marga Gomez is 'Swimming With Lesbians'

Marga Gomez is 'Swimming With Lesbians'

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Sep 26, 2023

Ahoy, mateys! Lesbian comic Marga Gomez brings her 14th one-person show, "Swimming With Lesbians," to Brava Cabaret October 6-22. Yearning for her first lesbian affair, the main character Isabelle boards a notorious cruise ship "the Celesbian."

Julie Marie Wade - 'Otherwise' author on writing, life and love

Julie Marie Wade - 'Otherwise' author on writing, life and love

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Sep 26, 2023

Award-winning lesbian writer and educator Julie Marie Wade lights up every room she enters. Her joyful spirit qualifies her as the Mary Tyler Moore of literature.

Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band's 'Passions and Pastimes'

Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band's 'Passions and Pastimes'

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Sep 26, 2023

On September 30 the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band will premiere a new concert at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Titled "Passions and Pastimes," the concert will celebrate the various activities enjoyed by band members.

Fabulosa to host banned books reading marathon

Fabulosa to host banned books reading marathon

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Sep 26, 2023

Books with LGBTQ themes are under attack while anti-gay harassment is spiking nationwide. To counter the book bans, Castro district Fabulosa Books has organized Read For Filth, a 24-hour celebration of queer literature, on October 7-8.

B.A.R.'s Bestie balloting begins

B.A.R.'s Bestie balloting begins

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Sep 25, 2023

It's time for Bay Area Reporter readers to cast their ballots for the LGBTQ newspaper's annual Best of the Bay contest.

'Samuel Barber: His Life & Legacy' - Howard Pollack's biography of the gay composer

'Samuel Barber: His Life & Legacy' - Howard Pollack's biography of the gay composer

  • by Laura Moreno
  • Sep 25, 2023

Howard Pollack has written a comprehensive biography rich with information about composer Samuel Barber's private and professional life, his music, and his place in the canon.

Steven Rowley's 'The Celebrants'

Steven Rowley's 'The Celebrants'

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Sep 19, 2023

Billed as a "Big Chill" for our times, the lackluster "The Celebrants" is the latest fiction from the gay bestselling author Steven Rowley following his "The Editor" and "Guncle" feelgood books.

Shabbat at the Jewseum

Shabbat at the Jewseum

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Sep 18, 2023

On September 23 the Contemporary Jewish Museum will launch "Shabbat at the Jewseum," a new quarterly program that lets attendees immerse themselves in Jewish ideas of rest and rejuvenation while engaging in the ritual of Shabbat.

Edward Cahill's 'Disorderly Men'

Edward Cahill's 'Disorderly Men'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Sep 17, 2023

Edward Cahill's moving, memorable debut novel does indeed deliver the "disorderly men" promised in the title. The novel is set in the 1960s and mostly takes place at a pre-Stonewall-era Greenwich Village gay bar.

Autumn reads, part 3

Autumn reads, part 3

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Sep 12, 2023

With the third and final installment of our fall 2023 books roundup, while we couldn't capture all the amazing queer books publishing this season, here are even more of the novels, memoirs, and picture book titles you will certainly want to seek out.