PSNY LGBTQIA+ Free Verse Workshop: Pervert Poetics

A free generative virtual workshop for LGBTQIA+ Creatives with poet Birch Wiley!

Expressions of queer reality, especially the realities of queer bodies and desires, are increasingly censored in U.S. culture. This workshop will explore what makes a work “deviant,” “obscene,” or “perverted,” and question our culture’s fear of these works. Reading poets like Allen Ginsberg and Eileen Myles, participants will get the chance to discuss the artistic value of so-called “obscene” works by queer writers. During the generative writing portion of the workshop, poets will be encouraged to push the boundaries of what they believe a poem can say.

About the instructor: Birch Wiley is a transsexual poet living in New York. Their work can be found in Pleiades, Voicemail Poems, and Querencia Quarterly, among others. Their debut collection, Mythweaver, is out now from New Words {press}. You can learn more about them at birchwiley.com.

PSNY's Free Verse Workshops are identity-centered, free virtual spaces designed to uplift marginalized creatives. To create a system of equity within our community, participants of all Free Verse Workshops receive a 50% discount code, redeemable on any of our Weekly Virtual Workshops, each Thursday from 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM EST. For more on the program, feel free to visit https://poetrysocietyny.org/free-verse.

Free Verse events are open to attendees of all backgrounds who enter with respect for the focus of the space and PSNY’s code of conduct.

Terms & Conditions

1. Tickets & Entry

All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, except in the event of a cancellation by the organizer.

Tickets may be transferred to another guest prior to the event, but each ticket grants admission to one person only.

Admission is subject to venue capacity and compliance with all event policies.

1. Age Requirement

If this event is listed as 18+ or 21+, as specified on the event page, a valid government-issued photo ID may be required for entry.

No exceptions will be made for underage guests.

1. Event Format & Content

PSNY events are often immersive experiences and may include adult themes, intimate conversation, and explicit language. By attending, you acknowledge and consent to participation in an immersive environment. No physical contact is required, and guests are always free to opt out of any interaction.

1. Photography, Video & Recording

Photography, audio recording, and video recording are strictly prohibited, unless explicitly permitted by the organizers.

By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed by the event organizers for promotional or archival purposes, unless otherwise stated.

1. Code of Conduct

Guests are expected to behave respectfully toward performers, staff, and fellow attendees.

Harassment, inappropriate behavior, or failure to follow staff instructions may result in immediate removal without refund.

Performers’ boundaries must be respected at all times. PSNY full code of conduct can be found here: https://poetrysocietyny.org/code-of-conduct

1. Accessibility & Special Needs

Please contact the organizers in advance with any accessibility needs or questions so we can do our best to accommodate you.

1. Health & Safety

Attendees agree to comply with all venue rules, local regulations, and health and safety guidelines in effect at the time of the event.

The organizers reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any guest whose presence poses a safety risk.

1. Event Changes or Cancellation

The Poetry Society of New York reserves the right to modify the event format, performers, schedule, or venue as necessary.

In the event of cancellation, ticket holders will be notified and refunds will be issued according to Eventbrite policies.

1. Assumption of Risk

Attendance is voluntary, and guests assume all risks incidental to participation in a live, immersive event. By attending this event, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify The Poetry Society of New York, Inc. and its affiliates from any claims or liabilities arising from your participation in the event, including but not limited to violations of event policies or harm caused to others.

1. Mailing List

By registering for this event, you are opting into The Poetry Society of New York’s mailing list and those of its affiliates. You may unsubscribe at any time.