Arts at the Armory Spotlight Series Presents Tourmaline

Tourmaline will discuss her new book, Marsha, published in May 2025 and the definitive biography of the revolutionary trans activist Marsha P. Johnson. It was named a National Bestseller and was selected by the New York Times for inclusion in the Nonfiction Spring Book Preview. The Harvard Bookstore will be selling copies of Marsha on the night of the event; a book signing will follow Tourmaline's presentation.

About Tourmaline:

A Guggenheim Fellow and TIME100 Honoree, Tourmaline is an artist, filmmaker, and national bestselling author whose work spans high art and pop culture.

Tourmaline’s art is in the permanent collections of The Met, MoMA, Tate, and the Whitney, among other museums. Her influence in contemporary art has also been showcased in both the Venice Biennale and the Whitney Biennial.

Tourmaline’s award-winning films — including the critically acclaimed Happy Birthday, Marsha!; Salacia; Atlantic is a Sea of Bones; and Mary of Ill Fame — have been widely recognized for their unique blend of historical narrative and speculative futurism.

We’re excited to welcome several local community organizations who will be tabling throughout the event, creating opportunities for audiences to connect with advocacy groups, artists, and local programming from across Greater Boston. The partners include Arts Connect International, Boston League of Wicked Wrestlers, City of Somerville LGBTQ Services, The Dance Complex, and Mutual Aid is Magic.

Tickets available now; get ready for an engaging book talk with Tourmaline on May 28, 2026 at Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA. Doors open at 7:00pm, the show begins at 8:00pm with drag queen and DJ Tara Dikhof as the local opener.

Tickets: $30 for General Admission seating

Tickets purchased for Tourmaline's book talk are non-refundable. All sales are final.

We strive to be a welcoming, accessible community arts space. We are delighted to announce we will join Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program.

Arts at the Armory will offer 10 free tickets (max of 2 free tickets per person) to EBT, WIC and ConnectCareholders for each Spotlight Series performance. Please contact [email protected] for more information. (Ticket requests must be submitted 3 business days before an event occurs.)

Info: Copies of MARSHA will be available for purchase from the Harvard Book Store

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