Chicago LGBTQ Book Club Meetup

Times Square Red, Times Square Blue by Samuel R. Delany
First half

In Times Square Red, Times Square Blue, Delany tackles the question of why public restrooms, peepshows, and tree-filled parks are necessary to a city's physical and psychological landscape. He argues that starting in 1985, New York City criminalized peep shows and sex movie houses to clear the way for the rebuilding of Times Square. Delany's critique reveals how Times Square is being "renovated" behind the scrim of public safety while the stage is occupied by gentrification.

For this meeting, we'll read the first half: Times Square Blue.

Next CYO: 5/13
Next book: 5/27, 6/10

Location: Scott's place. YES RSVPs will get an email with the address on the week of. (In Lakeview near Belmont and the red line.)

Times Square Red, Times Square Blue by Samuel R. Delany
Second half

In Times Square Red, Times Square Blue, Delany tackles the question of why public restrooms, peepshows, and tree-filled parks are necessary to a city's physical and psychological landscape. He argues that starting in 1985, New York City criminalized peep shows and sex movie houses to clear the way for the rebuilding of Times Square. Delany's critique reveals how Times Square is being "renovated" behind the scrim of public safety while the stage is occupied by gentrification.

For this meeting, we'll read the second half: Times Square Red

Next CYO: 5/13
Next book: 5/27, 6/10

Location: Scott's place. YES RSVPs will get an email with the address on the week of. (In Lakeview near Belmont and the red line.)

We all have books that evade us. That book that we know we should read or really want to read because we know it will enrich us or entertain us or give us something we need, but somehow that book never seems to make it before our eyes.

Maybe it's challenging or difficult to find. Maybe there is an emotional block in the way. Or maybe there's no reason at all. For this meeting, we'll try to break down that barrier.

No reading required for this one. Instead, come prepared with that one brass ring of a book that remains out of reach. We'll share with each other what your book is (and a description), why you are drawn to it, and one thing you can do in the next 6 months to take a step in that goal. Maybe it's acquiring the book so it's nearby, or reading a predecessor book, or making a reading plan, or just opening the thing and literally reading it. Whatever is the right first step for you.

Location TBD. Weather permitting, I may look for a nice outdoor spot for this one. But expect something around Lakeview/Lincoln Park.

"Yes" RSVPs will receive event location details 24 hours before the event. Feel free to bring any food, drinks, or snacks to share.