Running Tour of The Girls in 3-B by Valerie Taylor

Schedule

Thu Jun 15 2023 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm

Location

Washington Square Park | Chicago, IL

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Join Read & Run Chicago and Quinn Sluzenski for an easy-paced 3-mile run inspired by the 1959 lesbian pulp fiction novel The Girls in 3-B.
About this Event

Celebrate Pride Month this June with a celebration of legendary pulp fiction author Valerie Taylor on this 3-mile, point-to-point running tour in the Gold Coast/River North/Loop area! Taking inspiration from Taylor’s novel , Read & Run Chicago guide Quinn Sluzenski will stop at real-life queer hangouts from Chicago history and discuss characters from ! We’ll end with a discussion in the grounds of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Whether you identify as a runner or a cyclist or a king, queen, or an in-between, we can’t wait to run, roll, or cycle with you! All attendees will receive a mini-zine with a self-guided version of this running tour.

About : Iconic lesbian pulp author Valerie Taylor presents the story of three small-town Midwestern girls–Annice, Pat, and Barby–as they move to 1950s Chicago to seek work, love, and independence. A subversive exploration of relationship and workplace dynamics, The Girls in 3-B offers a perspective grounded in the limitations of 1959 but searching for a bolder portrayal of women and sexuality.

Here are all the details:

MEET: Meet at 6pm on Thursday, June 15 on the northwestern side of (the park outside of the Newberry Library (Google Maps link here)). Meet on the western side of the park on Clark near the Bughouse Square historical marker.

ROUTE: ~Easy-paced, 3-mile point-to-point route through the Loop, starting in Gold Coast/River North area and ending at the Art Institute with a brief stop at Beatrix for anyone who wants to pick up snacks and drinks for the discussion.

NOTE: This route ends ~2 miles south of the starting location. Please plan to run, rideshare, bike, or use public transit to return to the starting location!

OPTIONAL PREPARE: Due to the potential triggers (sexual assault, racist mentality) found in the book, it is strongly suggested but optional to read the novel : by Valerie Taylor prior to attending this event.

If you choose to read the book, we strongly encourage you to purchase the book from Read & Run Chicago’s partner, ShopQueer.co, . Alternatively, you can borrow a copy from your local branch of the Chicago Public Library (here's how to get a card if you don't have one) or at Gerber/Hart Library in Rogers Park.

Content warning: This is a book written by a white woman in the 1950s. It has value as a relic of its era of queer literature and as a peek into the experiences of (white) queer women in pre-Stonewall Chicago—it also contains language and attitudes that are a relic of its time, especially regarding race. Please be aware that this book contains racist language and multiple depictions of sexual assault. We will give an overview of the book at the beginning of the run in consideration of anyone who chooses not to read it, and will discuss both the work’s significance and shortcomings.

POST-RUN: Runners will finish at Art Institute of Chicago (Maps link here) for a post-run discussion.

All registered runners will receive reminder details two days and four hours prior to the event. This event has limited spots.

About Quinn Sluzenski: Quinn Sluzenski (she/they) is the Digital Initiatives assistant at the Newberry Library and a member of the Engagement & Expressions Committee at Gerber/Hart Library and Archives. They are currently pursuing a MS in Library and Information Science at UIUC. When she's not reading, running, or librarying, she's playing with her cats or watching musicals.

About Read & Run Chicago:Read & Run Chicago is the city's first and only running tour organization with routes built by stories! Our free running tours and book club runs are inspired by books set in Chicago, written by local authors. We connect runners and authors to run with purpose, explore thoughtfully, and bring books to life! Read & Run Chicago is queer woman-founded and operated. All bodies, paces, and walks of life all welcome. We've been featured in various media outlets including Runner's World, WGN Radio, Block Club Chicago, and more.

Stay in touch:Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://www.readandrunchicago.com/contact-usFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readandrunchicago/?hl=en

WAIVER: By registering for this run, I acknowledge that Read & Run Chicago is not responsible for any personal harm endured by participants. I am aware that this run, in addition to the usual dangers and risks inherent, has certain additional dangers and risks, some of which include: physical exertion for which I may not be prepared and weather extremes subject to sudden and unexpected change. I accept all the inherent risks of the proposed route and the possibility of personal injury, death or property damage or loss resulting there from. I agree that if I suffer injury or illness Read & Run Chicago can, at my cost, arrange any medical treatment and emergency evacuation service as it or they deem necessary for my health and safety.I agree to have my photograph taken at the run to be used on social media and Read & Run Chicago's website. By reserving the ticket(s), I affirm that I have fully understood and agree to these Terms and Conditions, Waiver and Release of Liability.


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Where is it happening?

Washington Square Park, 901 North Clark Street, Chicago, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00 to USD 30.00

Read & Run Chicago

Host or Publisher Read & Run Chicago

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