A National Coming Out Day Writing & Printing Workshop
Registration
Tuition for this course is $45. Members receive exclusive discounts on our programs and courses. Not a member? Learn more.
Please check your spam folder for your email confirmation. If you have questions, please call (215) 732-1600 or email rsvp@rosenbach.org.
This program is for those 18 and older.
To promote access to onsite and virtual Rosenbach experiences, we offer scholarships for each Signature Program. To inquire, email Sunstein Senior Manager of Digital Initiatives Edward G. Pettit at epettit@rosenbach.org.
Description
Celebrate National Coming Out Day 2026 at the Rosenbach, as we find inspiration for sensual Queer self-expression in the papers of lesbian playwright Mercedes de Acosta (1892-1968). Acosta, who spent her lifetime longing for the legendary Swedish actress Greta Garbo after a brief and intense encounter with the film star in 1931, wrote a volume of poetry dedicated to Garbo in lavender ink. The poems reflect Acosta’s mystical yearnings for her unrequited love as well as her self-discovery and acceptance as a Queer, possibly nonbinary person in 20th-century America. This workshop examines how sexuality, spiritual connection, personal identity, and literary production intertwined in Acosta’s life while exploring what modern-day Queer people can learn from Acosta’s struggles and triumphs.
The workshop begins with a presentation of rare and fascinating objects from the Mercedes de Acosta Papers in the Rosenbach’s collection, led by Alexander Ames, Senior Director of Collections Engagement at the Rosenbach. Materials on view will reveal the connections Acosta forged between her mystical spirituality, Queer sexual attraction, and literary output, with a special focus on Acosta’s passionate attachments to Greta Garbo and German actress Marlene Dietrich. The presentation includes a close look at, and readings from, Acosta’s lavender love poetry written to her adored Garbo.
Next, under the guidance of Associate Curator & Manager of Public Programs Bryn Michelson-Ziegler, a seasoned book artist and printer, the class will print (in lavender ink!) one of Acosta’s poems on the Rosenbach’s historic printing press. Finally, the group will reconvene to try their hand at writing Queer-inspired poetry of their own—in lavender ink, of course. (Pens provided.) We will model our poetry on Acosta’s prose poem style. No poetical experience is required to participate!
Participants will leave the Rosenbach with a copy of an Acosta love poem, their own poetry, as well as a lavender pen to continue exploring and expressing Queer identity following the course.