Story and photo by Gabby Dacosta
From words of growth and love to representation and opportunity, lesbian romance and erotica flourished at the Gulfport ReadOut on Jan. 31.
Gulfport Library hosted the three-day celebration for lesbian literature this weekend with author readings, vendors and special guests for the third year, welcoming anyone interested.
“It’s so nice to see people who are a bit isolated come here and not feel isolated anymore,” said Karen Kelly.
The 65-year-old, visiting the event for the second year in a row, said she attended because it helps build community. She enjoyed seeing the familiar faces she met the year before.
With a panel of six published authors reading from their books, Kelly said future authors and writers can be encouraged by their success.
Alison Solomon, who hosted the celebration, also said that it benefitted the guests as well as the authors.
The library is one of only a few in Florida that offers an LGBTQ+ resource center, which earned it national recognition last year when it received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Solomon said she hopes it helps the entire community learn more about lesbian literature as well as providing LGBTQ+ representation.
“We want everyone to hear this stuff, but primarily it’s for folks who just want to hear stuff written by women like them,” she said.
A seven-hour drive didn’t stop Riley Scott from partaking in ReadOut.
She did a reading from her book, “Backstage Pass,” about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll as well as personal growth, acceptance and love.
“To be here in a room where everyone is celebrating who we are and celebrating literature is really empowering,” said Scott.
Coming from a small, conservative town, she said that she went through conversion therapy and felt very constricted. Being in a room full of people who support and accept her felt “great.”
While some authors read graphic moments from their books, others recited the sweet first moments in which the two main characters of their book met.
“The worst part of writing for me is writing the erotic part,” said author Erin Zak. “But it is my favorite part to read.”
She read from her fourth published book, “Beautiful Accidents,” about an improv actor trying to make it on “Saturday Night Live.”
Attending the event for the third year in a row, Zak recognized the many authors who came before her and made it possible for her to be where she is now, including Harper Lee.
Other authors who attended included Becky Harmon, Lynn Carr, Tina Michele and Ellen Levy.
From the difference between romance and erotica to the development process of characters, audience members were able to ask the authors questions and share their own perspectives.
Solomon closed the Friday event by inviting guests to return the next two days for more author panels and writing workshops.
Great to attend this exciting event for Lesbian Literature,