Photo courtesy of Steven Reigns

My Life is Poetry: Autobiographical Poetry Reading by LGBTQ Seniors

October 12, 2024, 1:00-2:30 PM
Reading, All Ages
MCC United Church Of Christ In The Valley

5730 Cahuenga Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601

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Join poet, artist, and educator Steven Reigns for the culmination reading of Reigns’ autobiographical poetry writing workshop series for LGBTQ+ seniors, which ran August-October 2024 and was made possible by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. 

Poems featured in this reading will explore themes of love, identity, struggle, and triumph. Each poet brings a distinct perspective, drawing from a lifetime of experiences that span generations and cultures. Their words will not only entertain and inspire but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of LGBTQ+ seniors’ rich history and ongoing contributions.

The reading will take place at MCC United Church of Christ in the Valley on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 1-2:30 p.m.

This program is suitable for all ages.

Participants

Steven Reigns is a Los Angeles poet and educator and was appointed the first Poet Laureate of West Hollywood. Alongside over a dozen chapbooks, he has published the collections Inheritance and Your Dead Body is My Welcome Mat. Reigns holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of South Florida, a Master of Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, and is a sixteen-time recipient of The Los Angeles County’s Department of Cultural Affairs’ Artist in Residency Grant. He edited My Life is Poetry, showcasing his students’ work from the first-ever autobiographical poetry workshop for LGBT seniors. Reigns has lectured and taught writing workshops around the country to LGBT youth and people living with HIV. Currently he is touring The Gay Rub, an exhibition of rubbings from LGBT landmarks, facilitates the monthly Lambda Lit Book Club. His newest collection A Quilt for David was published by City Lights and is the product of over ten years of research regarding dentist David Acer’s life.

This reading is organized by Steven Reigns as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2024, presented by One Institute.

  • At Metropolitan Community Church / United Church of Christ in the Valley, a Christian Church originally founded to serve the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered community, but welcoming of heterosexual folks, we recognize EVERY human as a beloved child of God. Through the example of Jesus the Christ, and creatively led by the Holy Spirit, we know God’s table is without boundaries — an inclusive spiritual and prayer-centered community of love, peace-making, and compassionate care.