Join our New York City group for an engaging discussion on Justin Torres's "Blackouts," a powerful exploration of queer history, memory, and storytelling. This June, we'll delve into the narratives of Juan Gay and the narrator as they navigate love, loss, and the complexities of the past. We'll examine how Torres masterfully weaves together fiction, historical documents, and personal experiences to illuminate the silences and erasures within queer history. This book club offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow queer and ally professionals in the design, construction, and real estate industry while exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the power of reclaiming our stories.
Let Us Know You're Joining
Our Book Club events are free to attend, but space is limited. Register today to secure your spot!
What To Expect
Engaging Discussion :: Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about "Blackouts" and its themes.
Community Connection :: Connect with queer and ally professionals in the design, construction, and real estate industry.
Deep Dive into Queer History :: Explore the rich and often-overlooked narratives of the past.
Literary Exploration :: Analyze Torres's unique writing style and narrative techniques.
About The Book
Out in the desert at a place called the Palace, a young man cares for a dying soul, Juan Gay, a figure who has haunted the edges of his life. Juan, a playful storyteller and guardian of the institutionalized, carries a project: a true artifact of a book—Sex Variants: A Study of Homosexual Patterns—and its devastating history. This book, containing early twentieth-century accounts from queer subjects collected by a queer researcher, Jan Gay, was co-opted, her name buried. Juan and the narrator recount moments of joy and oblivion, resurrecting loves, lives, mothers, fathers, and minor heroes, resisting the ravages of memory and time. Blackouts is a book about storytelling—its legacies, dangers, delights, and potential for change—and a bold exploration of form, art, and love.
About The Author
Justin Torres is the author of We the Animals, which was a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a critically acclaimed film. Torres's work often explores themes of queer identity, family, and belonging, earning him accolades for his raw and honest portrayal of marginalized communities. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, Granta, and other publications. He is the recipient of a Whiting Award, a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, and the VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. Torres's contributions to queer literature make him a vital voice in contemporary storytelling, offering unique insights and perspectives that resonate deeply with our community.
About Book Club
The Build Out Alliance book club brings members of our community together, from avid readers to short-story dabblers, around many queer voices captured by the written word. Our meetings include open and honest conversations about each book, where we welcome all critiques and opinions. Many of these books are an opportunity to educate ourselves about queer history and identity, often linked to some of the most pressing issues we face today. Book Club’s range of selections intentionally promotes insight into a wide spectrum of topics, identities, and stories within the queer community.
Still have questions?
Reach out to Tommy Guerra at tguerra@buildoutalliance.org with questions or for more information.