This collection of poetry, prose, and art by Black womxn and femmes in Pittsburgh grew out of a longing for connection and comfort in a city and a world that is not always tender toward them. The book is a balm they made for themselves. The collection is edited by Vanessa German and Deesha Philyaw and published by 1Hood Media.

TENDER is brought to you by late-night conversations among Black womxn and femmes telling our stories, talking about us, loving on us. Conversations of reckoning and consideration of the heart and the soul and how we are living with ourselves, friends, family, and lovers, through times of stress and social media and false media. This book is brought to you by healing hands, prayers, loud laughter, and freestyles.

The third and final installment in this three-part series will focus on the arts landscape/ecosystem for Black women and femme artists in Pittsburgh. What do we need? Where do we go from here? Participants Yona Harvey, Hannah Eko, and Mant¿s will address these questions, read their work, and take questions from the audience. Hosts: Vanessa German and Deesha Philyaw.