Queer@King's presents: Why Karen Carpenter Matters - London Book Launch

Join author Karen Tongson, and Paul Steinberg for a music-rich conversation about her new book, Why Karen Carpenter Matters-- “a tale of two Karens” (in Mx. Justin Vivian Bond’s words) that combines a biography of the singer, with Tongson’s own memoir. Named after the famous singer, Tongson also explores Karen Carpenter's special significance to Filipinos like her, as well as queer communities around the world. The release of the book this year is especially timely because it coincides with the Carpenters’ 50th Anniversary as recording artists.

 

Karen Tongson is the author of Why Karen Carpenter Matters (2019), and Relocations: Queer Suburban Imaginaries (2011). She is associate professor of English, gender & sexuality studies, and American studies and ethnicity at USC. Her writing and cultural commentary have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, L.A. Weekly, BuzzFeed Reader, NPR, The Washington Post, and Public Books, among other public and scholarly venues. Postmillennial Pop, the award-winning book series she co-edits with Henry Jenkins at NYU Press, has published over a twenty titles. You can also hear Karen talk about pop culture, the arts and entertainment on the weekly Pop Rocket Podcast, hosted by comedian Guy Branum.
For more information, visit www.karentongson.org. Twitter: @inlandemperor | Instagram: @tongsonator

Paul Steinberg is Director of the London HIV Prevention campaign, 'Do It London' and has worked in public health and communications for almost two decades. He studied at the Universities of Sheffield, London and Sussex, where he was awarded the MA in Sexual Dissidence and Cultural Change with distinction. Having trained in journalism, he worked at the BBC and as a magazine contributor before moving into the field of health, and continues to be a regular commentator in the press on issues relate to public health, LGBT culture and politics. A regular guest lecturer at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and The Wellcome Collection, Paul has also written widely on the music of the Carpenters and the enduring appeal of Karen Carpenter.

This event is free, please register your interest on Eventbrite.