At a time when LGBTQ+ stories are under threat, we’re amplifying them. Celebrate diverse queer voices and stories, and create unforgettable connections.
2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, February 14th
Catherine Hickman Theater
Gulfport, Florida
11:00am: Check In Begins
12:00pm: Community Panel: LGBTQ+ Journalism
featuring: Tamara Leigh, Valerie Smith, David Warner, Ryan Williams-Jent
What is the future of LGBTQ+ Journalism and how might LGBTQ+ centered publications be a beacon of truth and a place of community for LGBTQ+ people in the next four years when we are under attack more than ever. This panel will explore the past, present and future of LGBTQ+ publications and journalists.
1:00pm: Community Panel: Florida Educators and Indie Bookstore Owners Talk Banned Books
featuring: Susan Wannemacher, Tricia Smith, Jen Cousins, Erin Decker and Brad Rice with Moderator, Rob Sanders
Join local educators, librarians and Indie Bookstore owners as they talk banned books and what is within their sphere of influence to continue education around the importance of reading banned literature and how best to uplift literature that educates, celebrates and inspires the LGBTQ+ community despite challenges.
2:00pm: Community Panel: The Power of Peer to Peer Accountability
featuring: Sheree L. Greer, Maroon Stranger, Slam Anderson, Nyasha Mutunhu, Silk Jazmyne
Writing groups, whether formal or informal, have the power to spark and sustain your creative practice as a writer. This panel explores how writers, both published and unpublished, can form partnerships and create accountability to nurture each others' artmaking and writing careers.
3:00pm: A Showcase of Author Readings
Enjoy a video of selected readings from LGBTQ+ Authors around the world who could not join us in person at ReadOUT as they share excerpts of their newest and most popular works.
6:30pm: Be My Spicy Valentine:
featuring: Quinn Riley, J.J. Arias, K. Aten, Virginia Black, Cathy Pegau and Nan Campbell with Moderator, Elle Ire
Get ready for a sizzling night of passion and laughter! Join a panel of bold and brilliant Sapphic authors as they discuss writing love scenes, and blush through live readings of their work by award winning narrator, Quinn Riley. Figure out which author wrote which sexy moment and have a chance to win great swag, and books. Celebrate love, desire, and unapologetic storytelling in this unforgettable and spicy Valentine’s event!
SATURDAY, February 15th
Catherine Hickman Theater
Gulfport, Florida
READOUT 2026 Schedule
Coming Soon
9:00am: Connecting Queer Stories with Spirituality and Healing
featuring: Trent Clifford, Sam Houser, Paige Rawson, Raja Gopal Bhattar with Moderator, Dr. Angela Yarber
Discover the powerful intersection of queerness, spirituality, and healing in this transformative panel. Join authors as they share how their stories explore identity, resilience, and the search for meaning. Celebrate the ways queer narratives can inspire growth, connection, and empowerment.
10:00am: Highlighting Trans and Non-Binary Authors
featuring: Luc Dreamer, Jose Iriarte, Maria Ingrande Mora and Sander Santiago
Join us for an inspiring conversation with trailblazing trans and non-binary authors. Discover their stories, creative journeys, and unique perspectives as they celebrate the power of diverse voices in storytelling.
11:00am: Why is the Queer Community Drawn to Fantasy and Sci-Fi
featuring: Alexis Westmore, David Berger, Ellen Kushner, JR Dawson, K. Aten, and Virginia Black and Moderator, José Iriarte
Step into realms of endless possibility with a panel of queer authors as they explore the deep connection between the LGBTQ+ community and fantasy and sci-fi. Discover how these genres offer space for self-discovery, empowerment, and reimagining worlds where everyone belongs.
1:00pm: Keynote Speaker: Ellen Kushner
2:00pm: Tropes and Meet Cutes
featuring: J.J. Arias, Georgia Beers, Melissa Brayden, Bryce Oakley, and Stephanie Shea
Fall in love with the charm of LGBTQ+ romance! Join these authors as they delve into beloved tropes, unforgettable meet-cutes, and how they reimagine classic romantic moments to reflect diverse love stories.
3:00pm: Queer Art as Resistance
featuring: Sandra Lambert, Sarah Greenman, JR Dawson, Dee Holloway, Mercedes Lewis, Slam Anderson
Celebrate the power of queer storytelling as a force for change! Join a panel of authors and creators as they explore how queer literary art challenges norms, amplifies marginalized voices, and inspires resilience.
4:00pm: Series vs. Standalone
featuring: S.W. Andersen, J.J. Arias, Melissa Brayden, Elle Ire, and Stephanie Shea
Do you love getting lost in an epic series or do you savor the satisfaction of a story wrapped up in one novel? In this panel authors discuss the magic behind crafting unforgettable stories, whether they span multiple books or wrap up in one.
5:00pm Open Signing and Cocktail Hour
SATURDAY EVENING ENTERTAINMENT EVENT
Comedian Poppy Champlin w| special guest Rachel Covello
Doors Open: 7pm
Showtime: 7:30pm
Hickman Theater — Gulfport, FL
SUNDAY, February 16th
Catherine Hickman Theater
Gulfport, Florida
10:00am: YA/Middle Grade LGBTQ+ Literature
featuring: David Berger, José Iriarte, Ginny Myers Sain, and Maria Ingrande Mora
Celebrate the vibrant and empowering world of LGBTQ+ stories for young readers! Join this panel as they discuss how their books inspire, uplift, and reflect the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. Discover the importance of representation and the joy of creating stories that resonate with readers of all ages.
11:00am: Queering History
featuring: Luc Dreamer, J.E. Leak, and Cathy Pegau
Step back in time with a panel of authors who bring queer characters to the forefront of historical fiction. Discover how they uncover hidden stories, challenge conventional narratives, and reimagine the past with vibrant, authentic LGBTQ+ perspectives.
1:00pm: The Use of Place and Time in Romance
featuring: Nan Campbell, Barbara Murphy, Macon Leigh, Sander Santiago, and Naomi Rivers
From cozy small towns to major cities, restaurant kitchens to tabloid magazines, discover how the right backdrop or time period intensifies emotion, deepens connections, and draws readers into unforgettable tales of passion and connection
2:00pm: The Art of Dialogue in Literature
featuring: Georgia Beers, Elle Ire, J.E. Leak, Gale Massey, and Quinn Riley
Dialogue can transform a story. This dynamic panel brings together a group of authors and an audiobook narrator as they explore how well-crafted conversations bring characters to life, reveal essential details, and set the perfect tone
3:00pm: Highlighting BIPOC Queer Authors
featuring: Virginia Black, Sheree L. Greer, Naomi Rivers, and Sander Santiago
4:00pm Plot Twists and Red Herrings: The Art of Misleading the Reader
featuring: SW Andersen, K. Aten, Elle Ire, Gale Massey, and Macon Leigh
Step into the world of literary mischief with a panel of master storytellers! Explore the secrets behind crafting jaw-dropping plot twists and clever red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very last page.
5:00pm Open Signing and Cocktail Hour
Important Information
Partners in Pride
supporters and funders of ReadOUT 2025
Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Pictured: Angela Davis, James Baldwin, & Virginia Woolf
