On November 4, 2014 at 6pm, I attended a reading at Syracuse University to see Author and Activist Elliot DeLine showcase his latest book Show Trans. Show Trans is a book about sex work, finding love, struggling with identity and other issues affecting transgender individuals. Elliott DeLine is an award-winning transgender author of three books and numerous essays. He is also a former Alumnus, having graduated in 2012 with a degree in English and Textual Studies. The reading took place at Syracuse University in Eggars Hall. The book reading had many sponsors which included the LGBT Studies, the College of Arts & Sciences, the Creative Writing Program, and the LGBT Resource Center.
I attended the event because it was extra credit for my Queer Histories, Communities and Politics class. As the event began, DeLine gave a short prelude to his book. He read the introduction and selected chapters from his book, while the audience listened quietly and carefully. As DeLine was reading, I looked around the room and begin to study the audience. I was surprised to see such a diverse audience; which included old, middle aged and young people, and a good mixture of men and women. There was a feature display of DeLine’s books, which were available for purchase. I thought that was a good idea for DeLine to include some of his earlier books for purchase, as well as his current novel.
As far as the readings, I think DeLine did a great job with reading and it was easy for the audience to see that he enjoyed his readings. DeLine was a good story teller and was adept at conveying his experiences to the audience. His voice was mellow and he remained focused. I noticed how DeLine captivated the audience with his many stories and his self-reflections. I also felt that he did an outstanding job of reading the audience. By reading the audience, I mean that if the audience members were getting a little restless or disinterested, DeLine was able to reengage them with stories from his childhood and quick stories that guaranteed a laugh. I personally thought that was a good move, by inserting personal stories. This made me feel connected to DeLine, and I was able to relate to his feelings and thoughts. I could see people in the audience smiling and nodding with DeLine as he read chapters from his book. I also found myself nodding and wanting more from the book. I was so engaged with DeLine’s storytelling abilities that I did not want the reading to end.
One of my favorite sessions was the conversation with Professor Dana Spiotta from the Creative Writing Department. Spiotta elaborated on some of DeLine’s readings and asked follow-up questions for better clarification. I thought this was a good strategy, and it kept the audience interested and made the story lines fresh. I was listening to the conversations between the two of them and it felt very real to me. It felt like I was witnessing two friends talking over coffee on a nice evening. The conversation and laughter between DeLine and Spiotta was so natural and unforced and it did not seem scripted. I enjoyed watching them interact.
I really did not know what to think prior to attending the reading, and I was not sure if the experience would be enjoyable. I enjoyed everything about the evening and I could not commend DeLine enough for his amazing job as an author. Overall the book reading was successful and a great experience. The atmosphere was perfect, very welcoming and calm. The Eggars Hall was a good choice for the reading, it was large enough to accommodate the audience, yet it had a very intimate feeling. DeLine was skilled at emphasizing important points and bringing his words to life. He was very friendly, personable and smiled affectionately at the audience. I took away with me that people are all the same; no matter their sexual identity, sexual preference, race, gender, etc. Everyone wants love, respect and wants to feel like they have a purpose in life.
