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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260419T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260419T170000
DTSTAMP:20260422T180349
CREATED:20260311T223347Z
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UID:16213-1776610800-1776618000@www.bgsqd.com
SUMMARY:This Queer Arab Family - NYC Book Launch (in person & live-streaming)
DESCRIPTION:On 19 April\, the Bureau will host journalist & writer Elias Jahshan for the NYC launch of his latest book\, THIS QUEER ARAB FAMILY – a celebratory book that explores how queer Arab communities reimagine family beyond traditional expectations. Edited and compiled by Elias Jahshan\, the book features ten queer writers from across the Arab world and diaspora\, with stories that honour chosen kinship\, everyday acts of care and the creativity and resilience that sustain queer Arab communities. In many Arab cultures\, family roles are tightly defined\, often prioritising unity over individual desire. This Queer Arab Family questions what happens when queer Arabs challenge those norms and build a family on their own terms. Fierce\, vibrant and unapologetic\, This Queer Arab Family celebrates community\, survival and joy against all odds. \nElias Jahshan will be in conversation with Afeef Nessouli\, followed by an audience Q&A and author signings. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the event. \n  \nTo reserve a copy of This Queer Arab Family (Saqi Books\, October 14\, 2025\, paperback\, $21.95) or This Arab Is Queer: An Anthology of LGBTQ+ Arab Writers (Saqi Books\, October 18\, 2022\, paperback\, $21.95)\, both edited by Elias Jahshan\, please write to us at contact@bgsqd.com with “please reserve book(s) for April 19 event” in the subject line\, and let us know which of the titles in the body of the email. \nThank you for supporting the Bureau by purchasing books from us! \n  \nThis event will take place in person at the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division\, on the second floor (room 210) of The LGBT Community Center\, 208 W. 13th St.\, NYC\, 10011. \nRegistration is not required. Seating is first come\, first served. \n  \nAlso live-streaming on the Bureau’s YouTube channel: \nyoutube.com/@bgsqd \nThe Bureau will solicit donations at the beginning of the event—we especially encourage donations from those who do not plan to purchase any books. \nAll are welcome to attend\, with or without a donation. \nWe will pass a bag for donations at the start of the event\, but we can also take credit card donations at the register or on Venmo @BGSQD \n  \nElias Jahshan is a Lebanese-Palestinian journalist and writer\, and the editor of groundbreaking anthologies THIS ARAB IS QUEER (2022) and THIS QUEER ARAB FAMILY (2025)\, both published by Saqi Books. This Arab Is Queer was a 2023 Lambda Literary Awards finalist in the USA and shortlisted for the 2023 Bread & Roses Award in the UK\, and has been translated into Italian and soon in French. He has had short memoirs published in several anthologies and has been published in The Guardian\, The New Arab\, Gay Times\, Attitude\, My Kali\, and more. A former editor-in-chief of Star Observer\, Australia’s longest-running LGBTQ+ media outlet\, Elias was born and raised in Sydney\, Australia and now lives in London\, UK. \n  \nAfeef Nessouli is a journalist and host of “With Afeef Nessouli” a weekly livestream about suppressed news\, and monthly interview show featuring journalists and sources. He recently spent nine weeks in Gaza as a humanitarian aid worker with Glia International and as a reporter with The Intercept. He is a recipient of the 2025 FIJ and Pulitzer Center grant awards. Afeef previously worked for Spotify and The Wall Street Journal’s daily news podcast\, “The Journal\,” The Daily Show with Trevor Noah\, CNN\, and as a legal adviser to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture. His current reporting focuses on US politics\, the Middle East\, and queer stories around the world.
URL:https://www.bgsqd.com/event/this-queer-arab-family-launch/
LOCATION:Bureau of General Services–Queer Division\, 208 West 13th Street\, Room 210\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
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ORGANIZER;CN="Bureau of General Services%E2%80%94Queer Division":MAILTO:contact@bgsqd.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T203000
DTSTAMP:20260422T180349
CREATED:20260410T150531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T190527Z
UID:16316-1777057200-1777062600@www.bgsqd.com
SUMMARY:First Epistle to the Amphibians: Brazilian Poetry Book Launch (in person only)
DESCRIPTION:Join World Poetry at the Bureau for a reading featuring acclaimed Brazilian poet Ricardo Domeneck and his translator Chris Daniels\, joined by James Loop\, to celebrate the publication of First Epistle to the Amphibians. In this first selected volume of Domeneck’s work to appear in English\, the poet constructs a hyperbolic spiral of artifice\, rage\, and tenderness\, introducing a dense corporeal lyricism salted with camp at its high and low limits into contemporary Brazilian experimental poetry. Brian Teare writes\, “Domeneck appears in English as a masterful performer whose use of form\, style\, tone\, and allusion transforms literature into costume.” \nThe reading will be hosted by World Poetry’s publisher Peter Constantine. \n  \nTo reserve a copy of First Epistle to the Amphibians (World Poetry Books\, April 29\, 2026\, paperback\, $24)\, please write to us at contact@bgsqd.com with “please reserve First Epistle to the Amphibians for April 24 event” in the subject line\, and let us know which of the titles in the body of the email. \nThank you for supporting the Bureau by purchasing books from us! \n  \nThis event will take place in person at the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division\, on the second floor (room 210) of The LGBT Community Center\, 208 W. 13th St.\, NYC\, 10011. \nRegistration is not required. Seating is first come\, first served. \n  \nBrazilian poet and writer Ricardo Domeneck has published ten collections of poems and two of short prose in Brazil and Portugal. Selected volumes of his poems have appeared in German\, Dutch and Spanish\, and his most recent poetry collection\, Cabeça de galinha no chão de cimento (Chicken Head on a Concrete Floor) won two of Brazil’s most prestigious literary awards\, the Prêmio Jabuti and the Prêmio Alphonsus de Guimaraens. Domeneck has lived and worked in Berlin for the past two decades. Working with sound and performance\, he has presented work in several museums and galleries such as Museu de Arte Moderna (Rio de Janeiro)\, Museo Experimental El Eco (Mexico City)\, Emalin The Clerk (London) and Studio Hanniball (Berlin). First Epistle to the Amphibians is the first book of his poetry to appear in English translation. \n  \nChris Daniels is a feral translator of global Lusophone poetry. He has published seven books of translations: On the Shining Screen of the Eyelids by Josely Vianna Baptista\, with artwork by Francisco Faria (Manifest Press); Collected Poems of Alberto Caeiro and Collected Later Poems of Álvaro de Campos by Fernando Pessoa (Shearsman); The Hammer by Adelaide Ivánova (Commune Editions); un cuerpo negro / a black body by Lubi Prates (Nueva York Poetry Press)\, co-translated with Grace Holleran; One Impossible Step: Selected Poems of Orides Fontela (Nightboat); and Sometimes I Wonder If Fred Was Happy Here by Adelaide Ivánova (Tripwire). \n  \nJames Loop is a writer from Central New York\, the author of several chapbooks\, and Metronome\, his debut poetry collection published by Winter Editions. His work has appeared in the Brooklyn Rail\, Harp & Altar\, Hot Pink\, Hyperallergic\, Lambda Literary\, Prelude\, and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn and works as the Publicity Director for World Poetry. \n 
URL:https://www.bgsqd.com/event/first-epistle-to-the-amphibians/
LOCATION:Bureau of General Services—Queer Division\, 208 West 13th Street\, Room 210\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.bgsqd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/April-24-First-Epistle-landscape-REV-1-scaled.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T210000
DTSTAMP:20260422T180349
CREATED:20260420T211344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T211418Z
UID:16333-1777748400-1777755600@www.bgsqd.com
SUMMARY:The Past Is a Very Trans Place: a reading and conversation with Aurora Mattia and Cat Fitzpatrick
DESCRIPTION:RSVP TO THIS EVENT \nThis event brings together Cat Fitzpatrick and Aurora Mattia\, contemporary trans writers whose work often draws upon medieval and early modern motifs\, forms\, genres and styles\, to read from their work and discuss transhistorical literary lineages with scholars participating in the Early Modern Trans Studies conference at Queens College (April 30-May 2nd). \nTickets: $0-10 at the door\, NOTAFLOF
URL:https://www.bgsqd.com/event/the-past-is-a-very-trans-place-a-reading-and-conversation-with-aurora-mattia-and-cat-fitzpatrick/
LOCATION:Bureau of General Services–Queer Division\, 208 West 13th Street\, Room 210\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.bgsqd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aurora-Cat-May-2.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Bureau of General Services%E2%80%94Queer Division":MAILTO:contact@bgsqd.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T180349
CREATED:20260407T170353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T171212Z
UID:16266-1778698800-1778702400@www.bgsqd.com
SUMMARY:Radical Queer Reading Group: Let This Radicalize You (in person only)
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we read radical leftist texts with a focus on queer liberation\, anti-capitalism\, and anti-colonialism. For May 13th\, we’re reading Let This Radicalize You\, by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba (Haymarket Books\, May 16\, 2023\, paperback\, $17.95).\n  \nWe’ll meet on Wednesday\, May 13th\, at the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division in room 210 of The LGBT Community Center in the West Village\, 7-8 PM.\n  \nCopies of Let This Radicalize You\, by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba (Haymarket Books\, May 16\, 2023\, paperback\, $17.95) are available to purchase at the Bureau. Purchase the book before May 13th and receive 15% off ($15.25 instead of $17.95). Just mention the Radical Queer Reading Group when you check out.\n  \nThank you for supporting the Bureau by purchasing books from us!\n  \nThis event will take place in person at the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division\, on the second floor (room 210) of The LGBT Community Center\, 208 W. 13th St.\, NYC\, 10011.
URL:https://www.bgsqd.com/event/radical-queer-reading-group-may/
LOCATION:Bureau of General Services–Queer Division\, 208 West 13th Street\, Room 210\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.bgsqd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/May-13-Rad-Queer-Reading-Let-this-radicalize-you-may.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Bureau of General Services%E2%80%94Queer Division":MAILTO:contact@bgsqd.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T180000
DTSTAMP:20260422T180349
CREATED:20260422T153952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T164229Z
UID:16341-1778947200-1778954400@www.bgsqd.com
SUMMARY:BOOK LAUNCH – Queer and Muslim: On Faith\, Family\, and Healing
DESCRIPTION:RSVP TO THIS EVENT \nCelebrating the launch of Queer and Muslim\, a powerful collection of works by and for LGBTQ+ Muslims. \nPlease join us for a special New York City launch of Queer and Muslim\, featuring co-editor Rahim Thawer in conversation with moderator Anthony Abd-al Shafi Rosado. \nRahim will be joined by contributor Robbie Ahmed for an evening of readings\, reflection\, and dialogue. Together\, they will celebrate the essays\, poems\, letters to past and future selves\, and more that make up Queer and Muslim. The collection explores the emotional and spiritual dimensions of queer Muslim life and challenges the perception that faith and queerness are inherently incompatible. \n**************** \nModerator \nAnthony Abd-al Shafi Rosado is an Amefricano Boricua Muslim cultural curator and art historian native to Bushwick\, Brooklyn. He curates interactive exhibitions and literary anthologies\, calling people to invest in preserving local stories and conserving cultural traditions. Rosado has earned a B.A. in Theater & Dance and an M.A. in American Studies from Trinity College. More here: https://linktr.ee/abdalshafirosado \nCo-Editor & Contributor\nRahim Thawer is a queer social worker\, psychotherapist\, speaker\, and writer. His work centers LGBTQ+ experiences and clinical education for therapists and service providers. He teaches full time at The University of Alabama where he is also enrolled in a doctoral program. He is a co-editor and contributor for Queer and Muslim: On Faith\, Family\, & Healing (University of Regina Press\, 2026). More here: https://allmylinks.com/thepoliticizedpractitioner \n Contributor\nRobbie Ahmed is a New York/Toronto-based songwriter/producer\, media writer\, educator\, and researcher whose work explores cultural studies\, music tech\, mental health\, spirituality\, and trans representation in media. Drawing on life across Russia\, Saudi Arabia\, and Bangladesh\, he brings a rich diasporic perspective to art\, advocacy\, and community conversation. He is currently a Master’s candidate in Music Technology at NYU finishing his research in Global pop and technology. More: https://www.robbieahmed.com \n****************\nBooks will be available for purchase and signing. \nThis event is free and open to the public.
URL:https://www.bgsqd.com/event/book-launch-queer-and-muslim-on-faith-family-and-healing/
LOCATION:Bureau of General Services–Queer Division\, 208 West 13th Street\, Room 210\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.bgsqd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Queer-Muslim-May-16-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Bureau of General Services%E2%80%94Queer Division":MAILTO:contact@bgsqd.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260517T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260517T170000
DTSTAMP:20260422T180349
CREATED:20260422T164129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T164129Z
UID:16351-1779030000-1779037200@www.bgsqd.com
SUMMARY:Soulmate As A Verb: Poems by Kelsey L. Smoot
DESCRIPTION:RSVP TO THIS EVENT \nPoet Kelsey L. Smoot\, author of the debut DOPAMINE collection SOULMATE AS A VERB performs his powerful lyrical work and talks with visual artist/performer/print maker and curator Lo Smith about the evolution and lived experience of artistry for Black queer artists across mediums.
URL:https://www.bgsqd.com/event/soulmate-as-a-verb-poems-by-kelsey-l-smoot/
LOCATION:Bureau of General Services–Queer Division\, 208 West 13th Street\, Room 210\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.bgsqd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Soulmate-as-a-Verb-May-17.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Bureau of General Services%E2%80%94Queer Division":MAILTO:contact@bgsqd.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T210000
DTSTAMP:20260422T180349
CREATED:20260422T175313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T175313Z
UID:16354-1779303600-1779310800@www.bgsqd.com
SUMMARY:Entangled States: A Life According to Quantum Physics
DESCRIPTION:RSVP TO THIS EVENT \nJoin us for a discussion with debut author Karmela Padavic-Callaghan and Sevan Rasmussen about Entangled States: A Life According to Quantum Physics. \nPadavic-Callaghan is a science writer currently on staff writer at New Scientist where they report on physics\, materials science\, and quantum technology.  Each chapter examines a moment in Karmela’s life through the lens of a physics concept. Knot theory becomes a lens for the story of Karmela visiting a Croatian healer. Ultracold atom labs lead to a meditation on societal expectations that women be unfailingly warm and nurturing. And the workings of an electron microscope become a framework for Karmela’s evolving relationship with cosmetics as they realized they are nonbinary. \nPadavic-Callaghan writes conversationally about seeing themselves in Freddie Mercury’s queer masculinity and power\, what it means to be a queer teacher to young people\, and overall how  “Queerness\, as I have come to understand it\, is always future-oriented\, always a state of becoming.”
URL:https://www.bgsqd.com/event/entangled-states-a-life-according-to-quantum-physics/
LOCATION:Bureau of General Services–Queer Division\, 208 West 13th Street\, Room 210\, New York\, NY\, 10011\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.bgsqd.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Entangled-States.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Bureau of General Services%E2%80%94Queer Division":MAILTO:contact@bgsqd.com
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