SR
Lyrical, queer, mythic — a cornerstone of Spokane's arts scene.
Sarah Rooney is a nonbinary queer author and poet based in Spokane, WA. They created Speakeasy, a community-centered open mic that first launched in March 2022, and are the co-organizer of Foray for the Arts, a multidisciplinary traveling event series started with Greg Bem in January 2024. Beyond their creative work, Sarah runs Soirees by Sarah, a private event-planning business, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Eastern Washington University to further refine their poetic craft. As a Karaoke Jockey (KJ), Sarah also specialises in creating welcoming spaces for poetry, music, and literature events. Their debut chapbook Mother Media was self-published in October 2023, and they are now working on their second collection, Egos Mythos, slated for hopeful release in Summer 2025. Sarah has been featured at beloved Spokane arts events including Emerge, Foray, and Terrain. Their work melds lyrical intuition, queer identity, mythic symbolism, and vibrant community engagement — a cornerstone figure in Spokane's thriving grassroots arts scene.
Sarah Rooney is a vital force in Spokane's literary and arts community, weaving together poetry, event organizing, and community building into a powerful tapestry of creative activism.
Their debut chapbook Mother Media showcases the lyrical intensity and mythic sensibility that defines their work — poetry that explores the intersections of queer identity, cultural critique, and personal transformation. Through evocative imagery and fearless emotional honesty, Sarah creates work that serves as both mirror and doorway.
As the creator of Speakeasy and co-organizer of Foray for the Arts, Sarah has helped shape Spokane's grassroots arts scene, creating welcoming spaces where diverse voices can flourish. Their commitment to community extends beyond the page, making them an essential figure in the region's cultural landscape.