Windy City Queer is a celebration and recognition of the expansive literary scene and legacy of Chicago.
"The writings that comprise this collectionpoetry, memoir, fiction, essay, performance textscover terrain as wide and diverse as the city itself," states the introduction to Windy City Queer.
The anthology's editor, Kathie Bergquist, describes the literary voice of Chicago as clear and plain-spoken. "There is an appreciation for the irony that surrounds us every minute here," Bergquist told Windy City Times.
The collection's distinguished authors include Edmund White, Achy Obejas, Sharon Bridgforth, Brian Bouldrey, E. Patrick Johnson, Carol Anshaw, David Trinidad and Mark Zubro. Along with these established voices, Bergquist made a concerted effort to include some emerging literary voices of Chicago.
At the Nov. 16 event, there were three readings that included The Incorrect Tattoo by David Kodeski, I am my Daughter's Dad by Coya Paz and Everything You Always Wanted to Know by Goldie Goldbloom.
Upcoming readings will be held at Big Chicks Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Book Cellar bookstore Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.; and Gerber/Hart Library Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. Photos and text by Tyler Gillespie