The City of West Hollywood’s Lesbian Speakers Series, in conjunction with WeHo Reads and the June Mazer Lesbian Archives, will present a panel discussion about the book “Baby, You Are My Religion — Women, Gay Bars, and Theology Before Stonewall,” by Dr. Marie Cartier on Sunday.
In the book, the author argues that the American butch-femme bar culture of the mid-20th century should be interpreted as a sacred space in a time when homosexuality was still considered a mental illness and when bars were the only place where many lesbians could find community.
The discussion, led by Dr. Cartier — in conversation with Marna Deitch, Tanya Gilbert and Nancy Valverde — will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., south of Santa Monica. The event will feature clips from “The HomoFiles,” a documentary based on the book. A book sale and signing will follow the program. This event is free and there will be validated parking available at the five-story structure, adjacent to the West Hollywood Library. RSVPs are recommended.
Dr. Cartier is a scholar, artist, queer activist, writer and theologian. She holds three Master of Fine Arts degrees and received a Ph.D. in Women’s Studies in Religion, with an emphasis on theology, ethics and culture from Claremont Graduate University. She teaches at the University of California, Irvine, and at California State University, Northridge. In addition to “Baby, You Are My Religion” she has published several articles and she co-produced the documentary “The HomoFiles.”
For more information about the Lesbian Speakers Series or to RSVP, contact Corey Roskin at (323) 848-6403 or croskin@weho.org. People who are deaf or hearing impaired should call TTY (323) 848-6496.
