THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
INTRODUCES THE CENTERPIECE, A QUEER ARTS & CULTURE SERIES
With its newly expanded presence and dedication to evolved programs and services, The Center is kicking off a brand new – and free to the public – experience: The Centerpiece, a queer arts & culture series.
The inaugural summer/fall season, beginning June 29 with a documentary screening and ending Oct. 12 with a concert, was thoughtfully assembled for Nevada’s LGBTQ and allied communities. Boasting a broad array of subject matter and artistic medium, each Centerpiece will offer a diverse yet accessible glimpse into the compelling and often complex world in which we exist.
Full lineup below:
- STILL BLACK: a portrait of black transmen
Saturday, June 29 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Documentary screening and Q&A with the film’s director, Kortney Ryan Ziegler
Brought to life by the stories of six diverse transmen, director Kortney Ryan Ziegler has created a documentary weaving together themes of love, family, passing and sex. The viewer is welcomed with vivid discussions and each man brings a colorful and intricate richness as they describe their relationships with themselves as well as others in their lives.
- TRANS
Saturday, July 13 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Documentary screening and Q&A with the film’s director, Chris Arnold
TRANS is a journey into the transgender world through the memorable stories of a remarkable cast of characters. It begins with the story of Lt. Commander Christopher McGinn. Upon her discharge from the armed forces, McGinn set out upon a new mission – one from which she would never return. In TRANS, director Chris Arnold beautifully depicts Americans who were born with bodies that do not match their internal perception of themselves.
- (A)sexual
Saturday, July 27 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Documentary screening and Q&A with a special guest from Asexual Awareness Week
Facing a sex obsessed culture, a mountain of stereotypes, and a lack of social or scientific research, asexuals – people who experience no sexual attraction – struggle to claim their identity. (A)sexual combines intimate interviews with fearless humor as five main characters grapy with the universal question: how do you deal with life as an outsider?
- Gay Latino L.A.
Saturday, August 10 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Documentary screening and Q&A with one of the film’s main characters, Alex Aldana
This docu-drama is a voyage into the adulthood of three young men dealing with issues of family, machismo, religion and life in Los Angeles. The cast – an immigrant hipster from Mexico, a Berkley graduate and Salvadoran activist, and a Mexican American trying to escape gang life – intimately open up about the obstacles and triumphs in their lives.
- Until Someone Gets Hurt
Saturday, August 24 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Book signing and excerpt reading by author Tyson Wrensch with an interactive seminar focusing on identity theft
This is the true story of a multi-layered crime spree by a master criminal enterprise. Tyson Wrensch, a former friend and now victim of the con men at hand, untangled the threads of this decade-long tale filled with jaw-dropping revelations. Dealing with issues of identity theft, robbery, murder and how the LGBTQ community can be a target for these kinds of heinous crimes, Until Someone Gets Hurt is a breathtaking novel rivaling any Hollywood movie.
- ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 4
Saturday, September 7 from 8 – 10 p.m.
A solo musical comedy followed by a discussion with the performer
Touted by Out magazine as “a brilliant show that will have audiences giving countless standing ovations,” Jade Esteban Estrada’s one-man musical is not to be missed. Portraying Plato, Virginia Woolf, Alan Turing, Dr. Evelyn Hooker, Freddy Mercury and Dustin Lance Black, this is a tour de force that is both relevant and enthralling.
- Andrea Gibson: Slam Poet
Saturday, September 21 from 8 – 10 p.m.
65-minute spoken word performance opened by readings from local poets
Andrea Gibson is not gentle with her truths. It is this raw fearlessness that has led her to the forefront of the spoken word movement with powerful readings on war, class, gender, bullying, white privilege, sexuality, love and spirituality. FLOWER BOY, Gibson’s fifth full-length album, is a welcome mat at the door of the heart’s most compassionate room.
- Two Spirits, One Heart
Saturday, September 28 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Interactive seminar, book signing and Q&A with the authors
In Two Spirits, One Heart, Marsha Aizumi shares her compelling story of parenting a young woman who came out as a lesbian, then transitioned to male. This inspiring memoir chronicles Marsha’s personal journey to unconditional love, acceptance and support of her child who struggled to reconcile his gender identity. Told with honesty and warmth, parents and loved ones of LGBTQ individuals must experience this story.
- Chris Pureka: Singer/Songwriter
Saturday, October 12 from 8 – 10 p.m.
Musical performance opened by L.A.-based Emy Reynolds
Chris Pureka, who has shared stages with the likes of The Lumineers and Ani DiFranco, is a genderqueer musician whose latest release – Chimera II – is an expression of transition. The name refers to a three-headed creature of Greek mythology. It’s also a scientific term describing an organism derived from two genetically distinct types of cells. Pureka’s life, built on independence and intimacy, translates stunningly to her music.
Each Centerpiece will be held in The Center’s new event hall, located at 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Some Centerpieces may include adult language and themes. All events are free of charge, but donations are accepted.
ABOUT THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada is a community-based organization which supports and promotes activities directed at furthering the well-being, positive image and human rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, its allies, and low to moderate income residents in Southern Nevada.
For more information, visit www.thecenterlv.com
Follow The Center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
