Join the GLBT Historical Society and Books Not Bans for a celebration of banned books and the works of James Baldwin! A Black and gay writer, activist, and one of the most incisive and eloquent voices at the intersections of racial justice and queer acceptance, James Baldwin would have turned 100 this year in August, and we are highlighting his work, legacy, and impact on literature and queer history, amid a time when his work and other Black and queer creative legacies are being banned and challenged throughout the country. 

 Come to the GLBT Historical Society Museum for an evening of live readings from Baldwin’s works, drag performances inspired by Baldwin and the music and LGBTQ artists he surrounded himself with, and a discussion on the power of literature and performance toward liberation.

 Fabulosa Books will be at the museum with a selection of James Baldwin books for purchase. 

PERFORMERS

Afrika America (she/her/hers) - Social Justice Warrior, Activist, Producer and Performer… These are just a few adjectives that characterize this phenomenal Drag Out the Vote Ambassador. She produces and performs in multiple shows throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago and around the country. Recently she won the title of Miss California Gold for the Ducal Council of San and was the Chairman for the Bay Area Queer Nightlife Coalition that pushed for diversity, equity and inclusion in all queer spaces! Having performed all over the world from Singapore to Cologne to Sydney, Australia and on America’s Got Talent…. She’s our DIVAlicious Dreamgirl .... Afrika America!!! @afrikaamerica

Anthony Rollins-Mullens (he/him/his) - is a native San Franciscan, performing here both on stage and in independent films for many years. His theatrical credits include the Narrator/Mysterious Man in Into the Woods, the Sheriff in the West Coast premiere of Groundhog Day, Willie in The View Upstairs, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Toad in A Year With Frog and Toad, Louis Armstrong in Ella, the Musical, Tom Collins in Rent, Fred in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Willie in Master Harold…and the Boys, and Waymon as Hunter Priestess in Good Goods. Anthony has had the joy of working with many storytelling companies, including American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Playhouse, San Francisco Playhouse, New Conservatory Theatre Center, Oakland Theater Project, and Center REPertory Company. rollinsmullens.com

Coco Buttah (she/they) is a Non-Binary, Oakland based actor, dancer and drag queen, who performs all over the Bay Area and beyond. Coco grew up performing musical theater from a very young age. After being cast in a local production of La Cage Aux Folles they fell in love with drag and almost 10 years later, she is still going strong, she even chose her drag name from a broadway show. Coco likes to incorporate their love of theater, dance, comedy, and camp into her drag performances, and loves to spread joy and happiness when they perform. @cocobuttah85

Admission

Admission is free for members and $20 for non-members, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. This event will likely sell out, so guests are encouraged to reserve their tickets early. Tickets are available here.