Art has held a rich, raw, and political place in LGBTQ+ history, and continues to raise awareness and public consciousness around complex issues affecting the multifaceted people within our community.

Spoken word has been a major platform through which artists have explored their truths and shared their experiences in powerful, public, and engaging ways.

The event will feature local artists Anastacia Renee and Nic Masangkay, who will take the stage by storm before the event’s headliner, Andrea Gibson.

Anastacia Renee, is Writer-in-Residence at Hugo House, a home for writers in Seattle, and is a queer writer, performance artist, and creative writing workshop facilitator. She has received numerous poetry fellowships and has written, produced, and performed theatrical mixed-media projects and several books.

Nic Masangkay is a Filipinx, queer, and trans poet and music-maker. Nic describes their work as “the art that they need to survive.” Some places that have featured them as a poet, keynote speaker, or musician include: Pride ASIA; the University of Washington Q Center; Gay City, Seattle’s LGBTQ Center; Olympia People’s Mic; Bumbershoot; and Buzzfeed.

Andrea Gibson is not gentle with their truths. It is this raw fearlessness that has led them to the forefront of the spoken word movement — the first winner of the Women’s World Poetry Slam — Gibson has headlined prestigious performance venues coast to coast with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white privilege, sexuality, love, and spirituality.

Now on their fifth full-length album, FLOWER BOY, and their second book, THE MADNESS VASE, to their third book, PANSY, Gibson’s poems continue to be a rally cry for action and a welcome mat at the door of the heart’s most compassionate room.

This poetry performance is sponsored by the Tacoma Rainbow Center, Urban Grace Church, and the Gender Alliance of the South Sound. Check back for ticket purchase information!