At a time when LGBTQ+ stories are under threat, we’re amplifying them. Celebrate diverse queer voices and stories, and create unforgettable connections.
ReadOUT 2026 Featured Guests
OUT Arts & Culture is proud to welcome this year’s lineup of panelists, moderators and keynote speakers to ReadOUT: Queering the Narrative
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When she isn't taking shooting lessons, cave-swimming with bats flying overhead, or ziplining down a mountain, Goldie winner Elle Ire writes science fiction and paranormal romance featuring kickass women who fall in love with each other. Elle currently has ten Sapphic novels in print, including her most recent December 2024 release, Speak EZ, from Bywater Books.
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Macon Leigh is a romance evangelist, writer, and person who is usually reading.She lives in Arkansas (in the good part - yes, there is a good part), where she runs a summer camp when she isn't reading, writing, or playing outside. Macon writes queer love stories with hopes of wrangling one into a romance novel one day. You can find her on Twitter, Substack, and Instagram - probably (okay, definitely) talking about books she thinks you'll like.
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CATHY PEGAU grew up in New York State reading horror, science fiction, and fantasy novels, and playing RPGs. Her science fiction romances have won RWA Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal (FF&P) Chapter Best Futuristic Romance and Best of the Best Prism Awards and a Golden Crown Literary Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy. She lives in Alaska with her spouse, two dogs, and numerous roaming moose.
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José Pablo Iriarte is a Cuban-American writer and teacher who lives in Central Florida. Their short fiction has been selected for inclusion in numerous Year's Best anthologies, including Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2022, The Best Science Fiction of the Year (Volume 7), and Transcendent 4: The Year's Best Transgender Speculative Fiction. Their novelette, "The Substance of My Lives, the Accidents of Our Births," was a Nebula Award Finalist for 2018 and longlisted for the Otherwise (Tiptree) Award, while their short story "Proof by Induction" was a finalist for the Nebula, Hugo, Locus, and Sturgeon awards for 2021. Their debut novel, Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed, was published in 2024 by Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The follow up, AJ Torres and the Treasure of Captain Grayshark, will be published on June 24, 2025. José served on the board of directors of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and their longer work is represented by Cameron McClure of the Donald Maass Literary Agency.
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Stephanie Shea is a best-selling contemporary romance author and recovering perfectionist. Her favorite things include bingeing TV shows, and creating worlds where diversity is standard, competency is sexy, and no character is too queer, broken, or sensitive. Then, there’s the wanderlust.
She lives in Mexico City, where she's probably fixating on her next book, stumbling through Spanish phrases, and grabbing a michelada every chance she gets.
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Luc Dreamer is a trans dad, part-time van lifer, and full-time wanderer. If he isn't out mountain biking, kayaking or hiking, he's in his writing shed working on his next queer romance.
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Maria Ingrande Mora (they/she) is a content designer and a brunch enthusiast. Their love languages are snacks, queer joy, and live music. A graduate of the University of Florida, Maria lives near a wetlands preserve with three cats, two teenagers, and two billion mosquitoes. They can often be found writing at their stand-up desk, surrounded by house plants. Unless the cats have destroyed them.
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J.E. Leak is a Golden Crown Literary Society award-winning author of the sapphic noir-inspired Shadow series. An antiques conservator by trade, she has always been fascinated by history and the stories objects could tell if they could speak. When she isn’t bingeing 1940s noir films, she’s writing or photographing nature on the spring-fed azure rivers of Central Florida. She has an Associate of Science degree in graphic design and is a devoted night owl.
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K. Aten is an award-winning author living in Michigan with her wife, two kids, two cats, and her photogenic dog, Jill. She’s published sixteen mostly speculative fiction novels since 2018 and is currently penning for Flashpoint Publications. Kelly loves fanfic, gravitates toward speculative fiction in both reading and writing, and will talk your ear off about the entire book writing process.
Kelly writes heroines into existence one story at a time.
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Bryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either.
She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.
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Naomi Rivers writes lesbian romance and women’s fiction. Naomi Rivers is a wife writing team that believes in romance, fairy tales, and happily ever after. Their first novel, THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story, was written over twenty years to maintain their connection during multiple deployments. They are retired U.S. military veterans and reside with their two rescue dogs on the east coast. Naomi's work has appeared in I Heart SapphFic's anthology Favorite Scenes from Favorite Authors. Their second novel is in progress with a pending release in 2024.
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Silk Jazmyne is a student of life who loves the artistically strange and narrative in all its forms. She’s a book reviewer and essayist. She’s also a Speculative fiction writer and teaching artist for Kitchen Table Literary Arts, Grubstreet Writers and The Porch. Her work has appeared both online and in print at Black Girl Nerds, Straylight Magazine, The Gateway Review, Serendipity Literary Magazine, Midnight & Indigo, African Writer Magazine, Ekphrastic Exhibition in Tandem: Back | Forth. She was born in New York and grew up all over as a Navy brat. She holds a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Florida International University.
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From old west gunslingers to modern day romance, S.W. Andersen offers a variety of romantic adventures, including the Amazon best selling lesbian romances, Love By Design, and Switchback. Having been raised by her mother, a strong female character in her own right, she has always been attracted to stories that depicted independent, determined, capable women. A romantic at heart, her characters are rooted in hope and perseverance. She has spent a large part of her life around horses and rodeos and has always had an affinity for the cowgirl lifestyle. Her love of the mountains, westerns and stories involving strong female characters were the driving forces behind the Sarah Sawyer series. When she isn't working or writing, she enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with her wife, Dianna. They share their ten acres in rural Florida with a rambunctious crew of two dogs, four cats and two horses.
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Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Georgia still lives there. While she could do without temperatures below 30 degrees or above 80, she loves her little section of Upstate. Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, wine country…it’s lush and beautiful and home. The change of seasons makes her happy and fall is her very favorite.
Georgia has written all her life. Short stories. Journals. Newspaper articles. Words have always been an important part of her world. Numbers hate her and high school math made her cry, but words have always come easy. Her mother still has a second grade report card that states, “Georgia likes to tell stories,” as well as, “Georgia spells above her grade level.” While she never considered writing fiction as a career, looking back, it kind of makes sense.
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Sander completed his master of science from Purdue University in 2017 and has been published in scientific journals and a speaker for Ignite Talks and is a published poet. Wanting to see more of himself in fiction, his works feature LGBT characters and characters of color. He lives in South Florida with his partner, his best friend, and their many pets. As a Colorado native, he spends too much time telling Floridians how great the mountains are.
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Melissa Brayden is a multi-award-winning romance author, embracing the full-time writer's life in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoying every minute of it. Melissa is married and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she spends time with her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene as often as possible. She considers herself a reluctant patron of spin class, but would much rather be sipping merlot and staring off into space. Bring her coffee, wine, or doughnuts and you'll have a friend for life. www.melissabrayden.com
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
