The Poetry Brothel Nyc: Lavender Lovers • Pride Edition

Welcome to the Show!

There was a time—not so long ago—when queer love had to live in the shadows. Lovers passed coded notes and wore violets in their lapels. They dropped the name “Dorothy” into conversation to find one another. They spoke of “that shade of lavender”—a color that came to signal queerness, quiet resistance, and a longing to live out loud.

This Pride, The Poetry Brothel invites you to step boldly into that lavender lineage. We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re taking over House of Yes for a night of radical connection and unapologetic queer joy.

The night begins with a dazzling cabaret of steamy queer poetry, delicious dancers, dazzling drag, and a live jazz band. A gloriously irreverent cast of poets, performers, and provocateurs will tease, tantalize, and transport you.

Then, the brothel doors swing open. Choose your own adventure in our immersive speakeasy. Slip away for a private poetry reading in an intimate boudoir! Have your fortune (or fantasy) told by a queer tarot reader! Commission a custom typewritten poem for your lover, your ex, or your latest crush! Strike a pose at our lavender-lit photo booth with your crew!

Come dressed in your finest lavender, your queerest glam, or your favorite Pride look. Bring a date, meet a muse, make out to a sapphic sonnet. This is your invitation to indulge.

We highly encourage you to dress to impress. Vintage fashion, evening formal wear, characters, costumes, silk, lace, and lingerie are all fabulous choices. Here is our Pinterest board for some inspiration: https://pin.it/6GGhVnjhR!

What is The Poetry Brothel?

Now in its 17th year, The Poetry Brothel is an immersive literary cabaret with chapters in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid—and of course, New York City, where it all began. Born from a desire to make poetry more intimate, more electric, and more alive, the Brothel blends vaudeville, immersive theatre, burlesque, and activism into one unforgettable experience.

We are a collective of poets and performers, queers and dreamers, sex workers and storytellers. We honor the sacred tradition of sex work by employing current and former sex workers, sparking dialogue to destigmatize the profession, and educating our audiences on issues of consent and sexual justice. 10% of profits from every show are donated to GLITS, an organization supporting the transgender community through housing, healthcare, and advocacy.

This Pride, we celebrate our queer histories, honor our elders, and revel in the beauty of chosen family. We hope you’ll join us!

Consent is Sweet

Good manners never go out of style! Behave with charm and connect with care.

The Poetry Brothel is a no-contact event, here to tickle your mind, heart, and spirit—nothing else! Always ask before touching anyone in our house, and report any discomfort to security, staff, the Madam, or the Maître D' without delay.

Accessibility

We are wheelchair accessible and will have seating available. Our show includes flashing lights, reasonably amplified music, and fog machines. We offer a limited number of Pay What You Wish tickets for those facing financial insecurity. Please reach out to charlotte@poetrysocietyny.org with any questions or accessibility requests.

Additional Details

This event is 21+ with valid ID.

The Poetry Brothel NYC is brought to you by The Poetry Society of New York. Become a PSNY member for access to discounted and/or free tickets to future Poetry Brothel events—and so much more. Learn more at https://poetrysocietyny.org/join.

⫸ GROUPS & RESERVED TABLES

We offer packages for groups, special celebrations or just because you're fabulous. Book yours at houseofyes.org/tables or reach out to reservations@houseofyes.org

⫸ GET ON THE LIST 

Subscribe for first access to tickets and special invites: houseofyes.org/yesemails 

◆ SAFER SPACES POLICY ◆

House of Yes is a space for everyone to feel welcome. We have zero tolerance for harassment, unwanted touch, and discrimination. Always ASK before touching anyone. If someone is making you uncomfortable, speak to a security guard or ask for a manager - we will help you. All restrooms in our venue are gender neutral. Find out more at houseofyes.org/safer

◆ INFO & FAQ ◆

21+ | No Re-Entry | No Refunds | More questions? Head to houseofyes.org/FAQ

#SHOW @HOY