Los Angeles based author, Mary Ann Cherry and invited special guests will be reading from her bio of gay-rights trailblazer Morris Kight – Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist (Process Media/Feral House) June 23, at Small World Books in Venice.
How did the gay movement, which began as a sedate group of intellectuals, become a dynamic civil rights crusade in America? How did a deviant and marginalized fraction of society evolve into powerful, effective, and respected leaders? The short answer: Morris Kight. A self-aggrandizing, egotistical among powerful egos, Kight’s style of organizing and activism showed the power of the gay community and gay dollars. The Kight biography includes the full story of how against all odds and much resistance, in the eleventh hour they were granted a permit to have a legal parade down Hollywood Boulevard. The first parade was held on June 28, 1970 and became an annual event known worldwide as Gay Pride.
In a year which proved to be like no other came the publication of Cherry’s first book, the historical biography, Morris Kight – Humanist,, Liberationist, Fantabulist: A Story of Gay Rights and Gay Wrongs.
Cherry befriended Morris Kight during the last decade of his life. With Morris’ blessing she began researching and writing his biography. Cherry’s wide-ranging work includes television and film production as well as creating and maintaining the historical archives for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. June 23
Cost: Free
Details: 310-399-2360; https://maryanncherrywriter.com
Venue: Small World Books, 1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice