"Portrait of a Body" by Julie Delporte, translated from French by Helge Dascher and Karen Houle, tells the story of how one woman came to gain self-acceptance. The intimate storybook is masterfully illustrated by the author.

"Makeup" is a buddy film for the 21st century. A tale of an unlikely friendship between two very different people, one of whom has a secret, "Makeup" is a film which raises a number of interesting questions about gender roles.

James Pauley Jr. is a humor writer with a knack for storytelling, focusing on personal experiences that are both entertaining and heartwarming. His two books contain a collection of laugh-out-loud anecdotes and messages of love and acceptance.

Sure, we've got some serious plays, concerts and art exhibits. But don't miss the Mrs. Roper bar crawl on March 30 in the Castro. Get out your wigs and caftans! It's just one of many fun nightlife events, including Easter fun, in Going Out.

In "Beyond Ridiculous: Making Gay Theatre with Charles Busch in 1980s New York," Theatre-in-Limbo's actor, director and producer Kenneth Elliott recounts the history of a unique art movement, the drag camp plays written by Charles Busch.

The Lambda Literary Foundation announced the finalists for this year's annual awards in numerous LGBTQ categories. Finalists were selected by judges comprised of 70 avid readers, critics, and literary professionals.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley for its 55th annual residency, and dancer Chalvar Monteiro shared his experiences in performing and teaching new and repertory works.

You can call it a romance. You can call it a comedy. But there's probably no better way to describe Shotgun Players' new production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" than to just call it a Play.

Innovative Opera Parallèle is re-teaming with SFJAZZ April 5-7 for a world premiere double bill. Two one-act operas, "Vinkensport, or The Finch Opera" and "Balls" extend the partnerships' repertoire of edgy contemporary works and clever musical hook-ups.

The new poetry collection by Cianga, "Congo, seen from the heavens," contains 18 intriguing poems, including highly innovative poetry forms.

Philip Gefter's new book, "Cocktails with George and Martha," an analysis of both the play and the 1966 Hollywood film, uses this now classic drama to explore how recent movies have depicted marriage.

"I've been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember," said Joset Medina, whose art has been seen in South America, Europe and the United States. Now his murals and paintings can be seen around the Bay Area.

It should come as no surprise that gay writer and actor Julio Torres' film directorial debut "Problemista" (A24) would not only be quirky and original but also deeply moving, while subtly making a political statement.

From the art of a brush stroke on a canvas to mascara on a queen's eyes, in arts and nightlife, all are included in Going Out, this week and every week.