OutFest is October 4 : Queer art, poetry, practical resources
Finding LGBTQIA+ community close to home can make a real difference. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, seeing your experience reflected in someone’s art, or spending an afternoon around people you can be yourself with.
That’s what OutFest is about.
Join the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County for queer and trans art, poetry, hands-on workshops, community resources, a clothing swap, and an amateur drag show.
Whether you’re already connected, coming for the first time, or still figuring out what community looks like for you, you’re welcome here. There’s no expectation to share your story or be out to anyone.
Come with friends or on your own, stop in for something that interests you, or spend the afternoon with us.
Plan your afternoon
Come learn something, make something, or connect with people who understand. Join the sessions that interest you, with time to explore the art show, clothing swap, and community resources in between.
12:00 PM | Welcome from the Alliance Join us in the main room as we open the day together.
12:15 PM | Beyond the Brush: Makeup, Identity & Self-Expression A 30-minute conversation about makeup for trans and nonbinary folks, covering skincare, everyday application, building a kit, and gender-affirming techniques. Bring your curiosity and questions as we explore ways to make makeup work for you. This is a talk rather than a hands-on demonstration.
12:30–4:00 PM | Out of Silence: A Queer & Trans Poetry Reading Hear local poets share their writing, stories, and perspectives throughout the afternoon, with a featured reading by Aubrey Jones from 1:00–2:00 PM. Stay for a few poems or settle in awhile.
1:00 PM | Inking with Silly Little Art Shop Led by Rowan Matchett Learn the basics of making your own ink transfer stamps, then explore how to repeat, combine, and remix your designs into new pieces.
1:30–2:30 PM | Legally Changing Your Name in Pennsylvania Led by Corinne Goodwin, Eastern PA Trans Equity Project The legal name change process can feel overwhelming, especially when cost is a concern. EPTEP has helped hundreds of Pennsylvania residents navigate it. Learn about the steps involved and the support available, including how to complete the process without the expense of hiring an attorney.
2:30 PM | Sewing, Mending & Philosophy Led by Atlas Learn the fundamentals of quick patch mending in this beginner-friendly workshop, with a little philosophy and conversation along the way. No sewing experience needed.
3:00 PM | Found Poetry Led by Alyx Matchett Explore how collage and redaction can turn existing text into poetry of your own. Experiment with choosing, arranging, and removing words to create new meaning.
3:30 PM | A Conversation with Dr. Richelle Foreman Gunter Learn about LGBTQIA+ individuals who helped make greater visibility and authenticity possible before Stonewall. We’ll look beyond the names most often recognized to hear about others who helped create a path for those who followed.
4:00 PM | Amateur Drag Show Hosted by Divinity Cruzz (@divinitycruzz) Close the afternoon with emerging drag performers sharing their creativity. Come enjoy the show and give them a warm community welcome!
Throughout the day | 12:00–5:00 PM
Out of the Margins: A Celebration of Queer & Trans Art Explore work by 17 local queer and trans artists across a wide range of mediums, along with a youth art display celebrating young people’s creativity.
Free Clothing Swap Explore clothing that feels like you in a welcoming, judgment-free space. Whether you’re trying a different style, exploring your gender expression, or looking for something that fits, you deserve access to affirming clothing without cost or pressure to explain yourself. You’re welcome whether or not you’re out.
Community Resources Meet PFLAG, Planned Parenthood, EPTEP, Free Mom Hugs, Transparent, and Rainbow Connection. Ask questions, learn about local support, and connect with resources for yourself or someone you care about.
Art, Expression & Community
Out of the Margins: A Celebration of Queer & Trans Art
Viewing 12:00–5:00 PM
Explore work by 17 local queer and trans artists across painting, ceramics, photography, collage, fiber arts, glass, digital art, drawing, and miniatures.
Together, their work makes room for joy, identity, connection, and the many ways we make sense of our lives. Take your time looking, find something that speaks to you, and get to know the creativity in our own community.
We’ll also have a youth art display, making space to celebrate the creativity of young people in our community.
Featured artists: Addison Grace Barnette · Amelia Sandler · Ana Chow · Claude Dorian · Elliot Cooper · Grace “Horse” Holderness · Jax Alarie · Keiran De Melfi · Mia Woo · Molly Teagan Barney · Raven Stone · Rowan Matchett · Sabrina · Shilo Patchin · Sophie Phillips · Vanessa Worley
Out of Silence: A Queer & Trans Poetry Reading
12:30–4:00 PM · featuring Aubrey Jones (@sirenegade_)
There’s something meaningful about hearing someone put words to an experience you recognize, or helping you understand one you haven’t lived. Throughout the afternoon, queer and trans poets will share their writing and perspectives. Join us for a few readings or settle in and listen awhile.
Participating poets:
Featured reading by Aubrey Jones: 1:00–2:00 PM
Anna Spackman · Aubrey Jones · Casey Wilder · Fiona Selden · Jennifer Tripp · Kieran De Melfi · Rain Willover · Sasha Renenger · Siobhan Baldwin · Trash · Vanessa Worley
4:00 PM · hosted by Divinity Cruz (@divinitycruzz)
Help us close the day by cheering on emerging drag performers as they try something new and share their creativity. Having a community behind you matters, especially when you’re stepping onto a stage. Come ready to give them a warm welcome!
Keep connecting: OutFest Happy Hour
Tuesday, October 6 · 5:30 PM LoCali Wine Lounge · 123 E. Market Street, West Chester
Join us for a relaxed evening with LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Catch up with someone you met at OutFest, bring a friend, or come meet a few new people.
Whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time, we’d love to spend some time with you!
OutFest Series: The Dads
Screening, October 3
Saturday, October 3
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center · 226 N. High Street, West Chester
6:00 PM: Artful Impact VIP Reception · $75 + fees
7:30 PM: Film screening · $20 + fees
Join us and PFLAG West Chester/Chester County for The Dads, a film following fathers speaking openly about their trans and queer children. Stay afterward for a community conversation about family, support, and showing up for the people we love.
Tickets are still available. Uptown is directly across the street from the Chester County History Center.
Help us bring OutFest together
Volunteers help make this day welcoming and ready for everyone who walks through the doors. We’re looking for help with:
Setup: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cleanup: 4:00–7:00 PM
All-day support is welcome, too.
If you can join us for a shift, email info@lgbteachesco.org. We appreciate your time and the care you bring to this community.
Questions? Reach us at info@lgbteachesco.org.
Help keep OutFest free and welcoming
OutFest brings queer and trans art, voices, resources, and community together in a space everyone can attend for free. Your donation helps make that possible. If you’re able, please consider giving to support a day where people can connect, express themselves, and find support close to home.
OutFest is Made Possible By Our Annual Sponsors
We’re grateful to our annual sponsors for helping make OutFest and our year-round programs possible. Your ongoing support helps us create consistent, welcoming spaces where LGBTQIA+ people across Chester County can find community and resources.
Thank you for being part of this work.
The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County Offers Year-round Community, Support, and Visibility for LGBTQIA+ people across Chester County.
© 2026 LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County. All rights reserved.
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