From the beginning, Town Hall has been about meeting the needs of our city and its people — whether as a concert venue for community orchestras, a place to present new ideas in the form of book talks, and, now, as the world keeps changing, finding fresh ways to connect with our patrons. Earlier this year, we announced a new series called Unlearning curated by Lindsey T.H. Jackson, and now we’re excited to introduce a new series launching in January: Queering Talks – In Between, Out in Front, Always Been curated by Dr. Jen Self, (they/them) graduate of the University of Washington School of Social Work & founder of the UW Q Center.
This isn’t your typical lecture series. Queering Talks flips the traditional keynote format (like Ted Talks) on its head and reimagines it through a queer lens. These talks will shake up ideas about who speaks, who listens, and who is centered as the audience. This series is designed to inspire, challenge, and expand our perspectives. It’s built around three themes:
In Between: This segment dives into the spaces that don’t fit neatly into categories — the in-between places where identities and experiences are fluid and resist easy definition.
Out in Front: We’ll put the spotlight on the people who’ve always been at the forefront of movements for justice, love, and equality. These are the voices that have led the way and sparked change, showing us the power of the margins.
Always Been: We’ll explore the deep history of queer people as visionaries, healers, storytellers, and culture-makers — reminding us that these contributions have always been part of our world.
At Town Hall, we’re always looking for ways to spark meaningful conversations and create space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and inspired. Queering Talks is a reflection of that commitment, and I hope you’ll join us in January for this bold series.
Whether you’re curious to learn, ready to be challenged, or simply looking to connect with a community that values inclusivity and growth, this series is for you. Together, let’s explore what it means to reimagine, redefine, and celebrate the voices that move us forward.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Warmly,
Kate Nagle-Caraluzzo, Executive Director
Aisha Shah, Director of Programming
