SAINTS & SINNERS
by Jim Gladstone
If you’re of a literary bent, head
to New Orleans on the weekend of May 8–11 for a rare
opportunity to commune and carouse with some of "bent"
literature’s biggest stars and rising talents. The
sixth annual Saints & Sinners Festival will bring
together well-known GLBT writers, aspiring scribes, and
passionate readers from across the country for a long
weekend of panel discussions, theatrical events, workshops,
and parties that—for the past five years—have
proven anything but bookish. Among this year’s featured
presenters are Dorothy Allison (Bastard Out of Carolina),
Stephen McCauley (The Object of My Affection), Michelle
Tea (Valencia), and acclaimed performance artist Tim Miller,
who will present his new monologue which humorously explores
the connection between Broadway musicals and that identity.
Saints & Sinners is one of the most relaxed and welcoming
annual literary events in the country, with a spirit of
inclusiveness that encourages fans and unpublished writers
not only to learn from some of their favorite authors,
but also provides the chance to hang out with them over
drinks. Wide-ranging panel discussions (some actually
take place in Bourbon Street bars!) will focus on topics
from queer mystery novels to battling writers’ block
to getting your first erotic story published. Best of
all, Saints & Sinners serves as a fundraiser for NO/AIDS,
the New Orleans AIDS Task Force. www.sasfest.com
[Published:
May, 2008]
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On
the Road, A Mini Gay Film Fest