SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Multicultural LGBT Literary Foundation (SD Literary Foundation) is celebrating its first year Saturday, Nov. 9. The foundation—the first of its kind in the country to focus on work by LGBT artists of color—was founded last November by Caleb Rainey. What was initially conceived as a book club has grown immensely during the past year, and the organization is excited to celebrate. Executive Director Caleb Rainey stated, “I am so excited to be able to say that we have been around for a year. Often, the first year can make or break an organization, but we have not only survived, we have thrived.”
The celebration will be occurring at Bamboo Lounge (1475 University Ave. in San Diego), where there will be fabulous food and the company of two incredible writers from New York City. One of the writers, Charles Rice-González, published his first novel, Chulito, in 2011; Chulito was the first book the foundation ever promoted, in November of 2012. Emanuel Xavier, a prolific poet and novelist, will also be joining the foundation for their anniversary. Xavier’s novel, Christ Like, was the foundation’s July/Pride pick. Neither of the authors has ever visited or done readings in San Diego before. Caleb Rainey, had this to say, “I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming visit of Xavier and Rice-González. Their visit to San Diego, and more importantly, their literature, is critical to ensuring that LGBT people of color’s lives are centered and that San Diego becomes a destination for LGBT artists of color.”
This anniversary event promises to be one of the premier literary events in San Diego. Not only will the event celebrate the first anniversary of the foundation, but it will also mark the first collaboration between the SD Literary Foundation and the Lambda Literary Foundation. The two foundations will be co-hosting a reading and panel earlier that day, from 4:30-6 p.m., at the newly opened Central Library (330 Park Blvd.). The foundation’s anniversary will serve as a reception for the earlier event, and cocktail attire is encouraged. The celebration promises to draw local scholars and artists, community leaders, and the best and brightest from our various communities. Tickets for the event are $20 until Oct. 10, when the price will increase to $30. Buy tickets online at http://sdmllf.brownpapertickets.com/ or contact the organization at info@sdliteraryfoundation.org for more information and to get tickets in person.
