Booksmith is thrilled to host sex and relationship columnist Zachary Zane for his debut, Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto. He'll be in conversation with NYT bestselling author of I Hate Everyone But You and Please Send Help…, Gabe Dunn. Join us!

Please note: advance sales have ended, but we will have space available at the door – this will go on a first come, first serve basis, with no guarantee of admission for walk-ups. If you need tickets, we recommend you arrive no later than 7pm.

About the book

As a boy, Zachary Zane sensed that all was not right when images of his therapist naked popped into his head. Without an explanation as to why, a deep sense of shame pervaded these thoughts. Though his therapist assured him a little imagination was nothing to be ashamed of, over the years, society told him otherwise.

Boyslut is a series of personal and tantalizing essays that articulate how our society still shames people for the sex that they have and the sexualities that they inhabit. Through the lens of his bisexuality and much self-described sluttiness, Zane breaks down exactly how this sexual shame negatively impacts the sex and relationships in our lives, and through personal experience, shares how we can unlearn the harmful, entrenched messages that society imparts to us.

From stories of drug-fueled threesomes and risqué Grindr hookups to insights on dealing with rejection and living with his boyfriend and his wife, Boyslut is reassuring and often painfully funny—but is most potently a testimony that we can all learn to live healthier lives unburdened by stigma.

Praise for Zachary Zane/Boyslut

“Zachary Zane is one of the best sex writers working today. He has a unique ability to balance humor with a deep appreciation for the vulnerability and humanity of his subjects. And reading about Zane’s own sexual adventures is like getting invited to Sunday brunch by your wittiest, sluttiest, funniest friend and getting to listen to him recount his crazy weekend.” – Dan Savage, sex columnist and New York Times bestselling author

“Zachary Zane is a FABULOUS queer writer and thinker who’s doing the Lord’s work by promoting bi-visibility, teaching the children about polyamory, and helping the LGBTQ+ community—and really, all people—learn how to become their best authentic selves.” – Billy Porter, actor, singer, and author

“In a world where sexuality and masculinity are often misunderstood and conflated, Zachary Zane manages to use his own unique experiences to knock down stigmas and expand what it means to have a healthy relationship with sex. His honest approach is a welcome reprieve from the messages of our youth and his self-exploration not only encourages but enables us to do our own.” – Allison Raskin, podcaster and New York Times bestselling author

About the authors

Zachary Zane is the sex and relationship columnist for Men’s Health, where he writes “Sexplain It” and answers a diverse range of questions pertaining to masculinity, ethical non-monogamy, sexual insecurities, and the LGBTQ community. He and his work have appeared in outlets such as the New York Times, Vice, GQ, Rolling Stone, The Advocate, The Tamron Hall Show, and Nightline. Zane holds partnerships with Grindr, Scruff, and Pornhub, and is currently in development on a TV show that explores sex across the United States. He lives in Brooklyn.

Gabe Dunn (they/he) is a New York Times bestselling author, comedian and LGBTQ advocate living in Los Angeles. Gabe has served as a writer on Big Mouth (Netflix) and has developed original television pilots with MTV, 20th Century Fox, Freeform, FX and Netflix. Gabe is the host and creator of the podcast, Bad With Money, now in its tenth season, where they have interviewed guests like Suze Orman, Roxane Gay, Andrew Yang, and Elizabeth Warren. A non-fiction book based on the podcast was published by Simon & Schuster in 2019 and went into three printings. Gabe co-wrote the novels I Hate Everyone But You, a New York Times bestseller in 2018, and the sequel Please Send Help… published in 2019. Gabe’s debut original graphic novel, Bury The Lede, in partnership with BOOM! Studios is currently being adapted as a television series. Gabe's short film Grindr Baby was named Frameline Voices 2023 for emerging LGBTQ directors.

Please note:

• Masks will be required throughout the duration of the event and capacity will be limited to allow indoor distancing. Protocols subject to change.
• Because we’re limiting capacity, we can't guarantee we'll have space for walk-ins. The best way to ensure you’ll get a seat is to order the Book + Seat ticket through this link; you can also RSVP for a free seat right here while supplies last.
• We are happy to offer *signed copies* of Boyslut: order a Book + Seat ticket bundle if you'd like to pick up a signed copy at the event, or order here if you just want a signed copy.
• If we feel it is not safe to gather, as the event gets closer, we will pivot to a virtual event and your registration will remain valid.
• Questions? Write [email protected].