rochester queer open mic
where creativity meets community
Third Wednesdays at The Unreliable Narrator!
Join us each month for a time of sharing, encouragement, and community. You can choose to share or just cheer others on! Each month, we have 45 minutes to an hour of sharing time, followed by about 20 minutes with a featured artist, and then we wrap up with some community time before heading home. The store is open for purchases during the event.
Several of the last few months have had standing room only, so please show up early if you need a seat for accessibility reasons! We also always save a few chairs for those who need them throughout the night.
What can I share?
Almost anything! A poem, a story, a song, a short story, a piece of art…just keep your share around 3 minutes. Interested in doing a longer piece? Reach out to us about being a featured artist.
Meet your hosts
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Rachel Wiley
Rachel Wiley (she/her) is a queer, biracial poet and performer originally from Columbus, OH. She is the author of three poetry collections with Button Poetry, the last of which, Revenge Body, received a Stonewall Book Award. She currently lives in Rochester, NY, where she is the cohost and cofounder of the monthly Rochester Queer Open Mic. Follow her on Instagram at @dangerouslyinchub.
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Anna Parade
Anna Parade (she/they) is a queer and genderqueer artist and musician originally from southeastern Pennsylvania. She makes hand-lettered and -illustrated gifts for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, frequently vending at festivals, markets, and Pride events across the region. Anna and her two kids live in the Highland Park neighborhood with Anna’s partner Shannon and their collective 3 cats. Find her online at annaparade.com or on IG at @annaparade.
