Two readings on new books focused on lesbianism and queerness will take place this Friday in different parts of the city. The first book is Entre amoras. Lesbianismo en la narrativa mexicana by María Elena Córdoba Rivera. The book will probably become one of the very few analysis about lesbian literature in Mexico. Experienced activists and writers will be present at the reading, so don’t miss this opportunity to ask all the questions about old school lesbianism in Mexico…

A couple of hours later, author Mauricio List Reyes will talk about his newest book Hablo por mi diferencia. De la identidad gay al reconocimiento de lo queer. List’s work focuses on sexuality as a political practice that works within a institutional construction closely related to modernity.

Whether you prefer literature or theory, both sound like good options to approach Mexican queer theory and practice. If you go to one of the readings, let us know your opinion.

Entre amoras. Lesbianismo en la narrativa mexicana, October 9th, 2009, 5:30pm; Torre II de Humanidades, 4th floor, Ciudad Universitaria, Copilco subway station.
Hablo por mi diferencia. De la identidad gay al reconocimiento de lo queer, October 9th, 2009, 7pm; Niza 23-A, between Reforma Ave. and Hamburgo St. Phone number 5533-7116.

As part of the same event, the queer troupe of Burlesquimeras will be performing on Thursday. Don’t miss it!

Photo: Emilio Rapp

A year ago, three guys decided to open a bar for queer people who wanted to have fun, chill out, and dance to all kind of music in a place where the decoration would be inspired by the purest quirky pink.  What the three guys had in mind regarding the location was Centro Histórico, a neighborhood that has evolved over the last ten years from being an abandoned, dark, poor area of Mexico City to a lively, buzzling, welcoming place for youngsters–both on night and day.

Ironically, the opening of the Salón Marrakech took place during a series of raids in the Zona Rosa in order to control drugs and teenagers drinking inside bars. These were the times when the local government issued the controversial smoke ban in bars and restaurants, as well as the use of the alcoholímetro trying to control the nightlife in the Distrito Federal. And yet, twelve months later, the now famous Marrakech has proved to be part of a shifting nightlife in Mexico City where young people look for places where having a good time is a priority.

Next Thursday, Salón Marrakech will be celebrating its first anniversary with the motto “no cover and a lot of fun”. No wonder, that this will be best time to celebrate the night in the gayest street of the Centro Histórico.  I am sure that the party will last all night, and even someone will suggest an after party.

Salón Marrakech First Anniversary , República de Cuba no. 18, (a block from Eje Central), Col. Centro. No cover.

So, if you’re looking for a fun party tonight, swing by the Marrakech and wish Islanida happy birthday. Tell her Macha Mexico sent you!

Marrakech Salon; Republica de Cuba 18 (between Eje Central and Bolivar), Centro Historico; from 8pm until late; free entrance.

Then, tomorrow night, if you are not too exhausted from tonight’s festivities, head over to Dada X for a tribute to the Cramps. This legendary psychobilly band unexpectedly lost it’s lead singer this past February, the straight-but-campy Lux Interior. Tonight’s tribute celebrates both the music and the sexuality that made the Cramps notorious, featuring the music of Carroñeros and a show by Mexico City’s own burlesque troop, Burlesquimeras.

Dada X; Bolívar 31, 2do. piso, Centro Histórico, from 9 pm, until late; 30 pesos.