The American LGBTQ+ Museum

Event Details

Audre Lorde’s “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” remains a seminal text in understanding the intersections of identity, power, and resistance. Join us for a transformative collective reading and workshop focused on Audre Lorde’s groundbreaking essay. By revisiting her work, we honor her legacy as a trailblazer in queer and feminist literature, and we gain valuable insights into harnessing the erotic as a means of personal and collective empowerment.

This program offers an opportunity to connect with Lorde’s vision and reflect on its enduring relevance in our ongoing quest for justice, equality, and self-affirmation and invites participants to engage deeply with Lorde’s exploration of the erotic as a source of power and personal liberation.

Through guided discussions, writing prompts, and a collective reading, we will uncover the profound impact of Lorde’s work on LGBTQ+ identities, feminist theory, and celebrate Lorde within the broader spectrum of queer and literary history.

About Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde (1934–1992) stands as a towering figure in the realms of LGBTQ+ activism, feminist thought, and literary innovation. As a Black lesbian feminist, her work uniquely weaves together personal experience and political critique, establishing a rich legacy that continues to influence contemporary discourse. Lorde’s writing transcends boundaries, making significant contributions to queer theory, feminist literature, and civil rights advocacy. Her work challenges us to rethink the intersections of identity, power, and creativity.

About tasha dougé

AGENT PROVOCATEUR: “Provocateur” derives from Latin provocare, meaning “to call forth.” In this role, tasha incites womxn to delve into and explore their erotic through introspective prompts and meaningful provocation. PLEASURE ACTIVIST: Over the past 10 years, tasha has facilitated virtual and in-person workshops and book discussions w/ different organizations and local bookstores. ARTIST & CULTURAL VIGILANTE: Practicing since 2015, tasha is devoted to centering BLACKNESS and community, has exhibited nationally & internationally, and was featured in Sugarcane Magazine, Essence, and The New York Times.

About Our Collective Readers

Engage in a shared reading of Lorde’s “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power.” Participants will take turns reading excerpts aloud, facilitating a communal and intimate connection to Lorde’s text. Featured readers:

Lenetta Dazzell

Hollis Heath

Roya Marsh

Natali Nicole

Kadia Tubman

Kadiatou Tubman

Kamilah Tibbitts

Cheyenne Wyzzard-Jones

Join us in celebrating the power of the erotic as envisioned by Audre Lorde, and explore how her revolutionary ideas continue to inspire and empower us today.

Refreshments will be provided.

Accessbility

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please reach out with any questions, requests or needs to info@americanlgbtqmuseum.org.

Photo Release Notice

By attending this event, you agree to grant permission to the American LGBTQ+ Museum, and its representatives, tasha dougé, to take your photograph and to make recordings of your voice.

You understand that these photographs and recordings may be used for promotional purposes, including but not limited to advertising, marketing materials, social media, and website content. You hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or recordings or the way in which they may be used. You also waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the photographs or recordings.

You release the American LGBTQ+ Museum, and its representatives, tasha dougé, from any and all claims, actions, and demands arising out of or in connection with the use of the photographs or recordings, including any claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, or infringement of moral rights. By attending the event, you are agreeing that you are over the age of 18 and have read this release, fully understand its contents, and agree to be bound by its terms.