Book Launch Celebration

Some stories demand to be told. Some nights demand to be remembered.

Join debut author T. A. Riddle for the official launch of Dancing Like Nobody's Watching: Contra Dance—a literary fiction journey into Black gay life in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where house music pulsed through the night, chosen families were forged on dance floors, and love bloomed in the margins.This isn't just a book launch. It's a celebration of joy, resilience, and the power of being seen.

What to Expect:

• Q&A with the author
• An intimate reading from the novel that will transport you to the clubs, the music, and the heartbeat of a generation
• A behind-the-scenes look at the story behind the story
• A first look at the exclusive Contra Nights, Velda's Prayer, and Joy on the Dance Floor scented candles from Transcend Candle Company—scents designed to evoke the novel's world
• Connection, conversation, and community with readers who believe in stories that heal and transform

Whether you're drawn to literary fiction that honors Black queer voices, captivated by the cultural history of the AIDS crisis and the LGBTQ+ movement, or simply love a story about friendship, love, and dancing like nobody's watching—this night is for you. Historic Bronzeville is the perfect backdrop for this celebration—a neighborhood steeped in Black cultural legacy, where art, music, and community have always thrived.Space is limited. RSVP to secure your spot and be part of this momentous occasion.Let's make history together. Let's dance.

RSVP required

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Host or Publisher T.A. Riddle