Adam Nye is the founder and host of Living Room Lectures, a monthly queer lecture series that aims to build community through shared learning and reflection. He designs the programming, coaches the speakers, manages the logistics, and facilitates the evening. He’s a former school administrator and program director with experience in informal learning across museums, nonprofits, and community spaces.
Consider yourself a thought enthusiast?
Living Room Lectures started as a monthly event in - you guessed it - his living room. The series has grown in popularity, which motivated them to launch a public, ticketed event series that occurs on a quarterly basis.
Their next private event in Adam’s living room is on December 11 with the topic, “They Ate: A Queer History of Socialist Cafeterias.” The next public event is on January 22 with the topic, “Queer(ing) Design: How to Build the Worlds We Want.” Check out more info on their instagram or website.
🌱 On how it all started
I started hosting Living Room Lectures because I craved a kind of gathering I wasn’t seeing anywhere else. I am active in nightlife, and although amazing community can come from that, it is often contained in spaces that are too loud or too social for deep connections. I was hearing similarly from friends - the desire to meaningful connect with like-minded people in a way that elevated our collective queer experience and community. As a former school administrator, I believe strongly that the most meaningful connections come from shared learning and reflection.
I wanted a space where queer people could learn together, talk openly, and feel connected in a way that was both intimate and intellectually alive. I also love to host and bring people into my space, so this was an interesting way of doing that beyond a dinner party.
Finally, I have interesting friends who have something to say and I wanted to give them, and queer people generally, a space to share their work and passions. I was inspired by salons, DIY house parties, and the feeling of post-event hallway conversations, i.e. the moments when people are lit up by an idea and suddenly talking to strangers like old friends. But I didn’t see many spaces that blended learning, community, and hospitality in a small, intentional setting. LRL emerged from that gap: a desire for gatherings that feel meaningful, curious, communal, and distinctly queer.
💾 On networking events that could have been emails.
I’m so over the standard conference and networking event. After attending so many in my professional life, they all start to feel the same. They’re designed around a tired model that completely misses the real power of bringing people together. With just a bit more intentional design and basic learning theory, we could create large-scale professional gatherings that actually spark ideas and human connection.
I’m tired of panels. Tired of open-bar “networking” with no structure. Tired of one-sided events where organizers push an agenda at a passive audience. We can do so much better. Let’s start gathering with purpose and intention, and start creating spaces where people think, talk, listen, and genuinely connect. It just takes a *bit* more effort but it’s where the magic is.
🦋 On being a socialite as an introvert
I am a constant victim to FOMO. I love being out. I love my friends and meeting new people. But I’m also a natural introvert, so I need to balance that with lots of alone time or time with small groups. I think that’s why I like planning different types of gatherings - from an outing with my partner or one friend, to intimate dinner parties, to the lecture series and the cinema club I do, to the large 70-person ticketed events - so I can satisfy my own social preferences and give others different opportunities to engage.
⚡️ On co-creating good energy
Be grateful, respectful, open, authentic, curious, and humble. It’s a gift to be invited in, so treat it as such. Enter the space with the intention to be a full and willing participant. Drop the hang-ups. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Say hello to at least one new person. Share and receive freely, and without judgment for yourself or others. And understand that you’re not just an attendee, you’re an active participant who helps shape the vibe and make the experience better for yourself and everyone around you. And never, ever complain. This holds true whether you’re at a dinner party, a public lecture, or a rave. Good energy is something everyone co-creates.
🛋️ On choosing the right people to lecture in your living room
I primarily look for people who seem engaging, authentic, generous, and genuinely curious. People with a strong point of view who are eager to share it with others. I’m drawn to speakers who are excited about the event and opportunity itself and who approach the room with humility and a real desire to share, not perform or get recognition.
Some of our speakers are academics or professionals who present all the time while others are people who are simply passionate or curious about something and have never shared their ideas publicly before. The living room setting helps level everything. It’s an accessible space where experience doesn’t matter as much as as passion and intention. I also seek out voices from different backgrounds, disciplines, and lived experiences.
Above all, I choose people whose ideas spark curiosity in me and feel relevant for the community. If an idea makes me feel excited, intrigued, or challenged then it’s usually a sign it will do the same my audience.
🌊 On taking the plunge
Don’t start by planning the logistics, start by defining the purpose. Consider what you want your guests to walk away with, what change or influence you want to have on them, then design for that experience. Before venue, food, run-of-show, or guest list, get clear on why you’re gathering and what you want people to experience. Purpose is the difference between hosting an event and creating a meaningful gathering. And please read Priya Parker!
Also, not necessarily related to events but to hosting generally, I think there’s a misconception that hosting requires significant effort or talent, but one doesn’t have to be a fantastic cook or a professional event planner to host people. The simple act of inviting others into your space is a powerful one. Buy a pizza, pick a game, plan an outing. Most people want to engage with others in meaningful ways but are waiting for someone else to make the first move so be the one to do it!
🗣️ On getting the word out
Word of mouth first and foremost. People come because someone they trust told them it was a worthwhile experience. I also talk about it endlessly to anyone who will listen. Strong relationships matter just as much. I spend a lot of time meeting new people and staying active in the scene. I introduce myself to people, trying to stay connected with our community, understanding what they’re curious about and what types of experiences they want.
Strategic partnerships have also been key. Collaborating with people who can help to open the door to new audiences who feel aligned with what we’re doing. Each partnership adds credibility and helps the events feel woven into the broader queer landscape.
But none of this works without a stellar program. People return and tell others about it because they had a good experience. If you build something high-quality, personal, and community-centered, people will show up and they’ll bring others with them.
