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LGBTQ+ Literature Discussion Series

Hosted by Rev. Norman Allen

Over three summer nights community members will have the opportunity to dive into the works of leading LGBTQ+ authors. Access the readings in advance (via the links below for each session) or simply show-up to enjoy a quick read-aloud before entering the conversation. Poetry, prose, and drama will be included.

A partnership with Davies Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the series will be facilitated by award-winning playwright Rev. Norman Allen. Davies is the home of a PGCMLS pop-up library during the construction of the new Surratts-Clinton Branch Library. Co-presented with the Prince George's County Human Relations Commission. 

Readings
June: The first session, on June 2 at 7 pm, will focus on poetry. Discussions will center on Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson’s “You! Inez!” and “Sonnet,” as well as Jameson Fitzpatrick’s “A Poem for Pulse.”
July: Monologues from "The Normal Heart" and "Angels in America" 
August: "A Letter Undelivered" by Rya Aoki, from "Seasonal Velocities" [View here]

About Rev. Norman Allen
Rev. Norman Allen is in his fourth year serving the Davies Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Camp Springs. A graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, he served as Intern Minister at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church where his work focused on issues of Immigrant Justice, culminating in his article Undocumented and Transgender for Yes! magazine. Other writing credits include work for OnBeing, Tikkun, the Washington Post, and Smithsonian. A former high school English teacher, Rev. Norm received his Master of Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis. He served as a consultant to the Center for Inspired Teaching and founded the Signature in the Schools theatre outreach program. As a playwright, Rev. Norm has seen his work commissioned and produced locally by the Shakespeare Theatre Company, the Kennedy Center, Olney Theatre Center, and Signature Theatre. He received the Helen Hayes Award for his play In The Garden, which – like much of his work – weds comedy and theology. His plays have been produced across Europe and Asia. For more information check out his website. Registrants will be provided access (via email) to the excerpts that will be referred to during the programs.