What is Queer Open Mic?

Queer Open Mic is a regular event offering a mixed bag of open mic performances (usually poetry and short stories, sometimes music or comedy) and kick-ass features. It primarily serves the queer community, it’s been running since 2004, and it takes place in San Francisco.

When is it?

The show is currently running every 4th Friday of the month, but please double check this website for dates and shows — they might change.

You should get there around 7:00pm, especially if you want to sign up to perform or want to get a good seat. We’ll start the show at 7:30pm. We’re always done and out of the building by 9:00pm because the bookstore closes.

Where is it?

We’re in the back room of Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia Street (between 19th and 20th St).  Here’s a map. It’s close to BART and accessible by MUNI. The street parking is free after 6, but give yourself 15 minutes extra time to find a spot.

Wait — I thought it was twice a month at the LGBT Center’s Cafe, and started at 8. What happened?

The Three Dollar Bill Cafe closed in October 2008, so we shifted a few things up a bit at that point.

Is there a cover charge?

Half-way through the show, we’ll pass a hat (or a really cute box with googley eyes) and ask people to put in a $3-5 donation. This donation pays the feature and helps support Modern Times, a queer co-op bookstore. If you’re broke, don’t worry about it.

Do people have to be a certain age to attend?

The Queer Open Mic is open to all ages. The performances do often include “adult” content, though, so please exercise some judgment if you’re bringing kids with you.

Can I bring food or something to drink with me?

Yes, as long as you clean up after yourself, and avoid distracting the audience from the show.

How does it work?

Usually, we have about ten open mic slots and a 20 minute feature performance (which happens in the middle of the show). Please show up at 7pm if you intend to perform.

What kind of stuff do people perform?

Our show is mostly a literary reading, so you’ll hear a lot of poetry, essays, and short stories throughout the night. Some people mix things up with music, acting, or comedy, too. We love hearing things that are still in-process; there’s something intimate and beautiful about a piece that still feels raw.

How long do I have to perform?

You have a max of five minutes (including paper-shuffling and audience banter), and we have to enforce that pretty strictly because of time restraints. Violators are subject to public humiliation and/or boots to the head. Please time yourself practicing in advance. We don’t like having to be the bad guys.

Can I do more than one piece?

Nope. Just one. You need to pick the most important thing you want to perform and just do that. If you’re feeling frisky, though, you can bring an extra piece just in case we have extra time for it at the end of the show.

Does it have to be about being queer?

No — you can perform whatever you want. (Really.)

What exactly do you mean by “queer,” anyway? I’m not sure if I fit.

Our community has lots of labels, is comfortable with ambiguity, and appreciates all flavors of sexuality and gender. If you feel comfortable (or want to feel comfortable) in queer spaces, then Queer Open Mic is for you.

How do I find out about shows?

QueerOpenMic.com always has the most up-to-date information, so check back often. We’ll have a way for you to sign up for a mailing list soon.