SAN FRANCISCO, January 9 —The Hormel LGBTQIA Center of San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) presents the launch of Booked & Beautiful, a recurring series of unfiltered, unapologetically Queer and Trans-focused programs in the style of your favorite TV talk shows. Hosted by Bay Area artist and personality SNJV, the first free event takes place on January 28 at 6 p.m. in the Koret Auditorium at the Main Library, with additional dates to come.  

“We are beyond excited to celebrate our vibrant Queer and Trans community with the launch of this brand new talk-show style program,” says Kevin Darling, librarian at the Hormel Center. “This inaugural event will be filled with dynamic conversations and captivating performances and is just the beginning of our journey to amplify bold voices and stories in this new format.” 

"Booked & Beautiful gives the community a space to bask in the glory of all that is Queer and Trans,” says host SNJV. “Our community is a flower garden, and I'm so honored to share a bouquet of love with the audience." 

Booked & Beautiful host SNJV (pronounced: sun-jeev), mistress of many arts, brings his sparkle and shine to the Library through storytelling, performances, videos and interactions with the audience. The first edition features VERA!, an Armenian American drag king and dancer. Hold on to your wigs!  

SNJV is an artist using dance, drag and drama. Infusing culture into dance and fashion, SNJV creates performances for stage and film. With over 30 years of performance experience, SNJV has presented work globally and holds the title of Mr. GAPA 2019-2022, the first South-Asian title holder in GAPA’s (GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance) history. In addition, he is the co-founder of Parivar — a social collective to support and celebrate Queer and Trans communities of the South Asian diaspora. He is also an educator who lectures about his research on drag, dance and identity. SNJV recently premiered his newest production, The Definition of Drag — a cinematic and dance journey showcasing the artistry and intention of drag. 

VERA! is the father of the House of Pack with 33 children and a dozen grandchildren. They are the co-host of the Rebel Kings of Oakland, the oldest drag king troupe on the West Coast, co-star of award-winning webseries "City Folx" and board member of Oaklash, the Bay Area Drag Festival. 

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