LGBTQ+ Writers' Weekend 2023

Between book bans, discriminatory laws, and countless other attacks on LGBTQ+ people, community and connection are needed more than ever. Be Queer, Write Books: GrubStreet’s 2023 LGBTQ+ Writers’ Weekend is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ readers and writers to celebrate themselves and find community with one another in a joyful atmosphere.

This inaugural LGBTQ+ Writers’ Weekend will revolve around the theme of resilience and includes a variety of stage events, craft and publishing seminars, a community expo, book prom party, and a multitude of community-building activities. Acclaimed authors and book industry professionals will share their perspectives on the queer literary landscape.

We're thrilled to host a weekend of programming that amplifies and celebrates queer voices, including:

• Murder Your Monsters, Birth a New World: Opening Keynote Address with Nicole Shawan Junior
• Trivia Night with Missy Steak
• Craft Seminar with Sara Farizan
• Panel: The Art of Resilience and Expression with Sabrina Sarro, Jeff Brody, Corey Fitzgerald, and Milo Todd
• Book Prom Party with DJ Xandra Xero
• Publishing Seminar with Haley Heidemann
• Community Expo featuring LGBTQ+ organizations, journals, presses, and nonprofits
• Closing Reading Ceremony with Gabe Cole Novoa, Kay Ulanday Barrett, Kelly J. Ford, and Mary Dibinga

Learn more about the weekend’s schedule and register via Eventbrite!

In the midst of many challenges, let’s celebrate and center queer community, queer joy, and the power of LGBTQ+ people sharing their stories. We can't wait to welcome you to the Writers' Stage this October for (one or all of!) these exciting events.

About Writers' Weekends

Twice this year, GrubStreet will host Writers' Weekends to celebrate and highlight the work of diverse communities within the writing world. Each Writers' Weekend will feature special events — readings, craft sessions, keynotes, parties, and more — to explore how writing intersects with identity, culture, and society. Our inaugural LGBTQ+ Writers' Weekend is taking place October 27-29, and we're thrilled to have a weekend of programming open to the whole community that amplifies and celebrates the voices of LGBTQ+ writers.  

Event Format

The LGBTQ+ Writers' Weekend 2023 will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. 

Covid-19 Policy:

For the LGBTQ+ Writers' Weekend 2023, masks are required for the opening keynote, discussion panel, and closing reading ceremony in solidarity with the disabled and/or chronically ill members of the community. Masking is otherwise highly encouraged throughout the weekend's events.