I recently discovered a tiny pasta shop a few blocks from my apartment (aptly named Tiny Market), where every weekend, they offer a different fresh pasta for takeout.

They sell out fast.

And if you snooze, they may never bring that particular recipe back.

So time and again, I've found myself trying out pastas that I never would have ordered at a restaurant. I'm still thinking about a pasta I took a chance on a month ago, and loved enough to go back for twice in three days.

Now, they sell their fresh, uncooked pasta. So I could technically buy that, find a recipe online, and try to make a facsimile of the same delicious dish on my own.

But it wouldn’t be the same.

I think we often assume movies — and conversations about them — are on demand in the same way that I could technically make the pasta myself.

But I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how something special happens when you gather a group of thoughtful people in the same room to discuss film.

And that’s why from October 3–5, I’m hosting the Living Out Loud Summit:

A free online event for conversations about queer and trans cinema and queer and trans history.

Every panellist in the summit is someone who’s helped shape how I think about queer and trans cinema and history. I’m excited to be in conversation with them live, and to invite you into that conversation, as well.

🗓 On Friday, October 3 (2 pm–4 pm ET), join us for a roundtable + Q&A on reclaiming queer and trans history with a group of historians, educators, archivists, and filmmakers.

🗓 On Saturday, October 4 (2 pm–4 pm ET), join us for a roundtable + Q&A on queer and trans cinema today with a group of queer film critics. We'll consider how we define it, why it resonates, and what gaps still need to be filled. Expect a panel discussion with ample time for audience Q&A and conversation.

🗓 Finally, on Sunday, October 5 (2 pm–4 pm ET), join me for a screening of a queer (award-winning) short film, which ties the weekend’s themes together. Then we’ll unpack the film — and the ideas it’s engaging with — together.

Because sure, you could buy every single participant’s book and creep them on social media, Reader (the DIY pasta version).

But it will never be the same as being in the room with them live, where your ideas and curiosities can shape the conversation. And where you can engage directly with the panellists and fellow participants.

Want in?

👉 Sign up here →​

Hope to see you there,
Alex

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