About this Event
Too often, queer relationships are relegated to “close friendships,” “roommates,” even “gal pals.” This Valentine’s Day, in support of the Close Friend Collective's archival initiative, we’re reclaiming queer connection and love, bringing our close friends, partners, spouses, loved ones, roommates, besties, and fellow community members together to revel in a history left untold.
Join us to hear historical queer love letters from the Close Friends archive, read by some of your favorite Maine authors. Then, take a moment to add to the rich history of queer writing by crafting your own letter to someone you love.
$7 for Mechanics' Hall Members, $10 for General Admission. Saturday, February 14, at 6:00 PM (doors 5:30 PM), approximately 60 minutes.
The Rhinestone Cowboy Corral (Line Dancing Party) will immediately follow the readings, starting at 7:00 PM in the Ballroom, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided by Cocktail Mary!
ABOUT THE CLOSE FRIENDS COLLECTIVE
Close Friends Collective is a group of educators, historians, and artists with a passion for teaching queer history. Based out of New York City, the team leads walking tours, hosts readings and events, and makes zines. Every Valentine’s Day, Close Friends facilitates a nationwide annual reading event featuring an array of archival queer love letters.
ABOUT THE LUCKY FOX
The Lucky Fox is a Portland-based pop-up bookshop that offers a cultivated collection of books that highlight queer, trans, and other underrepresented voices. They travel all around New England, bringing great reads to great people. Catch them at their online shop or around town slinging books at community events, markets, festivals, book fairs, and more.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.
Parking is available at the Arts District Garage, which has entrances on Casco and Brown Street, with a rate of $5 per hour. Metered street parking is available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and other nearby streets. Free hourly street parking is available between Parris and Alder Street.
ACCESSIBILITY
To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step. There is a wheelchair-accessible elevator and a modular ramp.
If you need accessibility accommodations/questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 207-773-8396.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Mechanics' Hall, 519 Congress Street, Portland, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 19.98
