Creating Queer Third Spaces: Envisioning Places to Connect & Belong

What makes a queer space feel welcoming? Where do you find belonging outside of home and work? What kinds of queer community spaces are missing from the Bay Area—and what would it take to create them?

Inspired by reporting from KALW journalists Jordan Karnes and Anna Casalme, this interactive event uses stories of queer bars, outdoor gatherings, and community-building as a starting point for a larger conversation. Through audio excerpts, guided discussion, and audience participation, we'll explore how queer people create spaces for connection, joy, safety, creativity, and resilience.

Join us to share experiences, reflect with others, and collectively imagine the future of queer gathering spaces—from nightlife venues and cultural hubs to parks, beaches, and spaces that don't yet exist.

Whether you have a queer space you cherish, one you've lost, or one you've always wished for, we invite you to join the conversation.

Jordan Karnes (they/them) is a reporter and producer who works in the intersection of sports, identity, and culture. They are an alum of KALW's 2025 Audio Academy as well as the Chair of the Literary Arts Department at Oakland School for the Arts.

Anna Gabriella Casalme (she/her) is a 2025-2026 Audio Academy Fellow. Anna is a writer and educator committed to lifting up diverse stories and storytelling in all sorts of formats, now including public radio. She is the founder and managing director of Novelly Publishing & Youth Authors Week, which publishes and advocates for teen authors. She received her BA in Human Biology and Education from Stanford University and her MSc in Childhood Studies from the University of Edinburgh. She lives in San Francisco, where her favorite thing to do is take classes for fun at City College.

Hanisha Harjani is the Community Journalism Director at KALW. They are an award-winning audio reporter and have also produced work for outlets like NPR, The Guardian, The Markup, and more. They are interested in telling stories about gender, spirituality, technology, and policy. In their free time, they love trying out new recipes, taking long walks to nowhere, and staring at the ocean.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI

🚪 Reception doors open at 6:30

🗣️ Program begins at 7:00

🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

220 Montgomery St, 220 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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