In New York City, between 1980 and 1981, seven gay writers gathered eight times in a small apartment to read from their work and share advice. Unbeknownst to them, they would become the founders of modern gay literature and go on to write some of the most important books of the post-Stonewall era.

Felice Picano is one of the three surviving members of The Violet Quill (along with Edmund White and Andrew Holleran). The group’s most prolific member, Picano has authored more than 35 books in multiple genres, including such classics as The Lure, Like People in History and The New Joy of Gay Sex. Picano also co-founded two of first gay literary presses in the 1970s, and played an integral part of queer publications The Advocate, Out and Christopher Street.

Now 72, Picano still shows no signs of stopping. He appears in Montreal to speak about his work as part of Never Apart’s Legend series on Tuesday, November 15.

Question and Answer Period hosting by Christopher DiRaddo

Legend Series — Artist Talks
This ongoing program is geared to educate the public with pioneers and trail blazing guest artists discussing their body of work in an intimate engaging setting. They will be an interactive and multi- disciplinary seminar celebrating the artist’s achievements while engaging the attendees with the shared knowledge and insight.

Never Apart is a non-profit organization based in Montreal, Canada, determined to bring about social change and spiritual awareness through programming with global reach and impact.Never Apart seeks to educate on equality, the environment and conscious living, while celebrating both established and emerging artists.

Also on Display:
The Moon Room, The Sun Room, The Invite, Poster Boys, Colour By Icons

Non-Binary featuring:
Cassils – Cuts: A Traditional Sculpture and Fast Twitch // Slow Twitch
Damian Siqueiros – TRANSformation
JJ Levine – Alone Time
Lissa Rivera – Beautiful Boy

WORD OF THE PIG
Laura Acosta

HURTING THE EYES
Jean-Sebastien Baillat

LE VOYAGE DES HAÏKU
Philippe Dubost

LE BLED : LE CULTE

doors: 6pm
Reading followed by Q&A: 7pm