I will be at LA County Library’s first Writers’ Summit on October 5 at West Hollywood Library! I work for the library and love that the official programming centers the importance of uplifting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in the face of book bans:

Join LA County Library for our inaugural Next Chapter Writers’ Summit, a free daylong celebration of books, storytelling, and belonging. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a devoted reader, or an industry professional, the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit brings together narratives from across Los Angeles County and beyond for an inspiring day of panels, author talks, workshops, and community connection.

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC Voices in 2025

This year’s theme centers on celebrating LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices—writers whose stories, perspectives, and lived experiences are vital to a vibrant and diverse literary landscape, especially at a time when the freedom to read is under threat.

According to the American Library Association, 2,452 unique titles were banned or challenged at public, school, and university libraries in 2024. Many of these titles featured LGBTQIA+ characters or themes or included topics concerning race, racism, equity, and social justice.

The 2025 Next Chapter Writers’ Summit stands as a powerful response: a celebration and affirmation of these creative voices, their right to be heard, and the importance of inclusive storytelling.

I’ll be on a panel about genre fiction from 3:00-4:00 with Edward Underhill (author of THE IN-BETWEEN BOOKSTORE). The event is free but spaces are filling up. You can register and find more information here.