Jeanne Thornton's A/S/L and Trans Open Mic

One of my favorite ways to stay up-to-date on Baltimore's ever-growing literary scene is to join in on any special events around the city. I do my best to monitor my favorite indies'—They Ivy Bookshop, Greedy Reads, and Red Emma's Bookstore & Coffeehouse—monthly web calendars for their latest event postings. From genre-based book clubs to writer panels, there is almost always something unique and exciting to check out. 

The evening of April 26th, Red Emma's hosted award winning trans author and publisher Jeanne Thornton to talk about her new release, A/S/L. A reference to early internet chatroom slang "age/sex/location," the book follows three online friends in their attempt to create a video game called Saga of the Sorceress. Almost 20 years later, an estranged Lilith, Sash, and Abraxa find themselves in Brooklyn, their journey unfinished. Or as Thornton describes it, "a transformational, transformative story about videogames, three queer friends, and the code(s) they learn to survive." 

The evening began with Thornton reading an expert from the book, reintroducing readers to a thirty-year-old Abraxa as she reunites with an old friend. Audiences were captivated by her beautifully descriptive writing and witty delivery. 

But Thornton had more in mind than her latest work. The current political climate, she explained, has made it more crucial than ever to promote queer-identifying stories in media and literature. Thornton's own voice is displayed in her writing and characters—"enough about me!" she joked—and so she wanted to open the floor to those in the audience with a trans open mic. 

One by one, individuals made their way to the front of the room to read excerpts from their own poetry and prose. My favorite reading was the story of a trans woman having finally come out to her parents; the scene was as hilarious as it was emotional. After it was all said and done, Thornton noted that Baltimore was the first and only city on her tour to fill every open mic slot. 

Inside of Red Emma's

Named after 19th-century feminist and political activist Emma Goldman, Red Emma's has dedicated itself to promoting minority authors and radical stories. Don't miss their next event, details available at www.redemmas.org.