An anti-Valentine’s Day ball for LGBTQ+ people

Championing women and non-binary writers, For Books’ Sake hosts events, workshops and retreats across the UK.

For LGBTQ+ History Month 2021 the people behind the project are launching the Queer Heartbreakers Ball (QHB) to help bring LGBTQ+ people together at a time when physical events can’t happen.

A celebration of spoken word, the event on Saturday, February 13 will be hosted by two writers from Bristol and will bring togetherness words and queerness.

“QHB is an anti-Valentines and LGBTQi History month edition of That’s What She* Said, the queer feminist spoken word night that would normally take place every month in Bristol, London and Manchester,” says Bridget Hart, one half of the hosting team.

“It’s a chance to let off some steam and connect with our wider UK community in a queer friendly environment and raise funds for For Books’ Sake, as we’re an unfunded not for profit.”

The night will feature guests from across the country, but will be hosted by Bridget, who lives in Easton and Paul Forster, who lives in St George.

Bridget Hart will host the evening, along with Paul Forster. Photo: Burning Eye Books

Bridget, a poetry editor and publisher at Burning Eye Books, and Paul, community manager at SETsquared Bristol, will welcome three main performers to the stage, be joined by Ciper Press to discuss a new project, and open the stage to anyone who wants to speak.

Founded more than ten years ago by Jane Claire Brady, For Books’ Sake delivers writing workshops such as Write Like A Grrrl and They // Us Writers, a space for non-binary and gender non-conforming writers. The ongoing pandemic has meant that the team has had to adapt.

“This is the first ball we’ve done,” says Bridget. “That’s What She Said would usually run monthly but we decided not to pursue online gigs over the pandemic.

“This will be our second online show after the success of our tenth birthday party in the summer.”

QHB will welcome three main performers for their anti-Valentine’s event/ Jenny Foulds is a Scottish slam champion, London-based poet and activist Desree will discuss their new pamphlet and Reece Lyons will also feature, fresh from playing the lead role in Overflow by Bristol’s Travis Alabanza.

“In the pandemic, there are lots of people stuck in places where they might not feel like themselves, or feel isolated from their community and identities,” says Bridget, who add that them and Paul, who is also co-director of For Books’ Sake, will be sure to reference a host of cult teen films and subvert prom cliches.

“It is really important to provide digital spaces to reach out and say ‘You’re not on your own! Come hang out with us!’”

“Don your ballgowns and tuxes, invite a digital long-distance date and break out the rainbow glitter,” say the For Books’ Sake team.

“We honestly can’t wait to get the gang together online again and celebrate our brilliant community of unromantic queerdos.”

Main photo of Reece Lyons: Elise Rose

Read more: LGBTQ+ History Month 2021 events hosted by people in Bristol