Now that Forgive Me If I’ve Told You This Before is out in the world, we’ve been putting all our energy into preparing for upcoming events. Karelia and Elisa, owner of Another Read Through, were a huge help in setting up the official launch. We celebrated the book’s message and insight into growing up gay in the early 90s, specifically in Oregon. It’s important to reflect on how far we’ve come and what had to be done back then to pave the way for the recent strides towards equality for everyone. Karelia read and signed books, and we also had a representative from GLPAN there to discuss the anti-gay Ballot Measure 9 featured in the book. Additionally, we were excited to host one of the lawyers responsible for overturning the ban on gay marriage in Oregon back in May. This panel of activists did a great job answering the audience’s questions about the equal rights movement then and now!

This coming Thursday, November 20, we invite you to join us in a more relaxed celebration of the release of Forgive Me If I’ve Told You This Before. In the nostalgic spirit of the coming-of-age novel, set in Oregon during the politically charged years leading up to infamous anti-gay Ballot Measure 9, we will come together at Jones Bar for an author reading, raffle, and 90s themed dance party. The bar will open early for us at 7:00 p.m., food and full bar available, and music. Everyone twenty-one and over are welcome. We hope to see you there!

If you aren’t able to make it to Jones, Karelia will also be reading at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing on Tuesday, November 25th at 7:00 p.m..