Scott unplugs Gender Crash open mic

For nearly nine years Gunner Scott's monthly Gender Crash open mic night has provided a venue for transgender and other LGBT poets, singers, and other performers to express themselves and cause a stir. But in a few months Scott will retire the event; the last show is scheduled for Jan. 8.

Scott said his work as executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), as well as his efforts to finish his senior year of college, have left little time for planning Gender Crash.

"Both of those things are taking up a lot of time, because my school program is considered fulltime. I'm juggling a fulltime job and fulltime school. So I just have not been able to put the time and attention into Gender Crash," said Scott. He said he may still produce occasional events, and he will still collaborate with DJ D'hana on the Neighborhood Dance Night.

Scott said Gender Crash managed to stay fresh through its nine years as new people came along to share their work with the audience, but he believes it is time for someone new to come along and create a new event for the community.

"I think there's a need for a new space, but it may be time for a redesign and some new energy," said Scott.

Gender Crash will continue with its regular run of shows the second Thursday of each month between now and January. The details of the final show have not yet been worked out, but Scott said he may invite some Gender Crash alums to return for a final performance.

"[January 9] will also be our nine-year anniversary, so I figured that would be a good wrap-it-up type of thing," said Scott.