Join our New York City group this Pride Month as we dive into a timeless classic that explores the vibrant roots of our shared culture. We are gathering to discuss Andrew Holleran’s Dancer from the Dance, a glittering yet poignant journey into 1970s queer life across New York City and Fire Island. Attending gives queer and ally professionals in the design, construction, and real estate industry a valuable opportunity to prioritize authentic human connections. Come ready for an open, warm, and lively discussion where we can comfortably share experiences and uplift one another.
Register To Join Us!
Book Club is free to attend, but space is limited so be sure to secure your spot quickly.
What To Expect
Glitz, Glamour, and History :: A deep dive into the fabulous, chaotic, and heartbreaking world of pre-AIDS queer nightlife.
No Spoilers, No Stress :: Whether you read every single page or just the back cover, your unique voice and perspective belong at our table.
Bridges, Not Just Blueprints :: An intentional space to skip the standard corporate small talk and focus on building a genuinely supportive network.
Unapologetically Authentic :: A welcoming forum where we celebrate honest critiques, shared laughs, and diverse individual stories.
About The Book
One of the most important works of queer literature, this haunting, brilliant novel is a seriocomic remembrance of things past—and still poignantly present. It depicts the adventures of Malone, a beautiful young man searching for love amid New York's emerging queer scene. From Manhattan's Everard Baths and after-hours discos to Fire Island's deserted parks and lavish orgies, Malone looks high and low for meaningful companionship. The person he finds is Sutherland, a campy quintessential queen—and one of the most memorable literary creations of contemporary fiction. Hilarious, witty, and ultimately heartbreaking, Dancer from the Dance is truthful, provocative, outrageous fiction told in a voice as close to laughter as to tears.
About The Author
Andrew Holleran is the celebrated pseudonym of Eric Garber, an iconic novelist and essayist who emerged as a defining voice in post-Stonewall queer literature. Born in 1943, he became an integral part of "The Violet Quill," a prominent collective of NYC writers dedicated to shaping a distinct queer literary identity. His 1978 debut novel, Dancer from the Dance, remains a seminal masterpiece that brilliantly chronicles the emotional and cultural landscape of an era. Through his lyrical and deeply observant prose, Holleran continues to provide our community with vital insights into our history and the transformative power of shared spaces.
Still have questions?
Reach out to Tommy Guerra at tguerra@buildoutalliance.org with questions or for more information.
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.