RSVP

Are you 50+ and part of the LGBTQ+ community or aging with AIDS in Southern Illinois? Do you enjoy exploring gay male literature and connecting with like-minded individuals? If so, GRIS’s Get Up and Get Out program invites you to participate in an online book club series dedicated to discussing engaging gay male-themed books.

About the Series

GRIS board member Wayne Larsen will facilitate monthly virtual discussions, providing a welcoming space to dive into captivating stories, share perspectives, and enjoy social time.

📅 Meeting Schedule

  • When: First Saturday of every month, April – September 2025

  • Time: 1-hour sessions (includes time for socializing)

  • Where: Online via Google Meet (link provided one week prior)

  • Capacity: Limited to 15 participants (registration required)

Book Selection

Our first book will be:
📖 The Old Gays' Guide to the Good Life: Lessons Learned about Love and Death, Sex and Sin, and Saving the Best for Last
By Mick Peterson, Bill Lyons, Robert Reeves, and Jessay Martin

After the first discussion, participants will vote on future books. Some potential selections include:

  • Lie with Me: A Novel – A poignant love story

  • I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Kansas Anymore – A compelling memoir

  • Stuck Rubber Baby – A graphic novel exploring LGBTQ+ history

  • Farm Boys: Lives of Gay Men from the Rural Midwest – Personal narratives from rural America

Your contact information will be used for this program and may be used for future GRIS updates.

Questions or Book Suggestions?

We welcome your input! If you have book recommendations or any questions, feel free to reach out.

💡 Not ready to commit? Email us anyway! We'll add you to a waitlist in case spots open up or notify you of similar future programs.

📚 Join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ literature, fostering connections, and engaging in meaningful discussions!