Sister Spit

Virgie Tovar is an author and activist who writes about fat discrimination and body image.

Virgie Tovar is an author and activist who writes about fat discrimination and body image.

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Public Library

Founded in the '90s in San Francisco, Sister Spit (www.sisterspit.com) is a spoken-word event that was established as an answer to the oft male-dominated culture of open-mic nights (because even sensitive poet-bros can be tools of the patriarchy). Dedicated to a tradition of “feminism, queerness, humor and provocation,” Sister Spit is now open to performers of all genders and brings a punk-rock vibe to events that are traditionally associated with berets, black turtlenecks and snapping. This year, the annual touring spoken-word event features “Sister Spit: The Next Generation” performers, including Tom Cho, Myriam Gurba, Mica Sigourney and Virgie Tovar (pictured). Hosted by author and co-founder Michelle Tea, the event will roll through the Sacramento Public Library's Central Branch (828 I Street) in celebration of National Poetry Month on Sunday, April 5, at 7 p.m.