Is the Gay-Written Word Dead?

Ok I admit it, I am not a big reader. Never was and probably never will be. So many times I am in a gaggle of people and they all start talking about the latest novel they read. I usually discretely back out of the conversation and head to the bar or I stand there with glazed eyes—similar to what Paula Abdul looked like on American Idol.

So why the hell am I writing about books? Two reasons actually. First off, I'm weird that I don't read. But besides that, I grew up as a bi-product of TV—although I thoroughly enjoyed Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series that played in its entirity on the boob tube a few years back. Secondly, and way more importantly; the oldest LGBT bookstore Giovanni's Room (named after the classic gay novel by James Baldwin) is in dire need of our help. The building that has houses Giovanni's Room for over 30 years has structural damage. See Philadelphia ripped up Pine Street, which the oldest gay book store resides on, but in the process of fixing the street the building got damaged. Ed Hermance, owner of Giovanni's Room, cannot afford to shut down the business to get the building restored properly (it is a historic building too) and the business cannot have any loss of revenues either. If they do then this landmark establishment might have to close it's doors forever.

Locking the doors forever would be a travesty and one more nail in the coffin for the gay-written word. Earlier this year the previous title-holder for the oldes bookstore Oscar Wilde Bookstore closed up shop. But what is even more upsetting is that earlier this week it was announced that some gay publications such as the Washington Blade, Southern Voice, and David Atlanta are all washed up too. And are you ready for this... The Advocate, yes The Advocate printed it's last issue forever. That's right; you read the previous sentence correctly. The owners of The Advocate decided to fold the most pinnacle publication that has every been printed for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered, queers and intesexed people is now being folded into Out Magazine. Apparently we like our fluff more than our prose, which is utterly ridiculous in my opinion.

So what does this all mean? It means that we are not reading enough folks! And I am so guilty of that, but I will tell you what I am going to do. I am going to support this fantastic fundraiser this Saturday Nov. 21st for Giovanni's Room! Our very own contributing editor Scott Cranin in association with the Lambda Literary Foundation has organized a fabulous read-a-thon where the two floors of this historic store will be filled to the brim with LGBT authors including: Steve Berman, S. Renee Bess, Perry Brass, Tim Brough, Victoria Brownworth, Rob Byrnes, David Carter, Mark Hardy, Ken Harvey, Bill Konigsberg, Livia Lllewellyn, Malinda Lo, Bobbi Marolt, Mark Merlis, Thom Nickles, Radclyffe, Paul Russell, Scott Sherman and Bob Smith. (Instead of me linking to every single author just go here or here to browse their work!)

We asked Scott a couple of questions about the event and here's what he had to say. READ MORE

Describe the event.
SC: We’re going to have nineteen authors read from and discuss their work and sign books. There will be two readings going on continuously from 7:30 to 10pm, one on each floor of Giovanni’s Room – the oldest LGBT bookstore in the US. We’re serving wine, juice and snack food.

Why did you organize a read-a-thon?
SC: Initially it was to raise funds for the Lambda Literary Foundation, on whose board I sit. The organization promotes the writing, sale and reading of LGBT literature. And, like all non-profits, now needs money to run our website and put on the annual Lambda Literary Awards, which recognize brilliance in books written by LGBT writers about LGBT subjects.

How were you able to get so many writers to participate?
SC: I hired some South Philly toughs who got it done. Seriously, all I did was ask. One can’t generalize, but many LGBT writers believe in our cause, and are willing to lend a hand.

Are you expecting anything out of the ordinary during the event?
SC: Paul Russell is reading from a new, unpublished book, and I love his work. That seems most exciting to me – these are all wonderful authors and it’s going to be fun running up and down the stairs to listen.

If people can’t attend, can they send in donations somewhere?
SC: Sure, they can join Lambda Literary Foundation at www.lambdaliterary.org or visit Giovanni’s Room at 12th & Pine Streets in Philadelphia.

Anything else you want to mention?
SC: Everybody is welcome. While we have a suggested donation of $25, if you can only give a penny, that’s fine. We just want people who love words to have fun.

And there you have it.

Oh ther is one last thing: 100% of the proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to the two sponsors - Giovanni's Room and the Lamdba Literary Foundation.