Poet Laureate Steven Reignes Shares New Book ‘Outliving Michael’ and Celebrates Friendship, Memory, and Pride

Steven Raines, the first-ever Poet Laureate of West Hollywood, stopped by to share his latest poetry collection, Outliving Michael—a deeply personal book honoring his friendship with the late Michael Church.

“Michael was one of my best friends,” Raines said. “He was 17 years older than I was, and at 18, that felt like such a big difference. He was a mentor, and the book is really a story of friendship—about intergenerational love between two queer people.”

The poetry collection, written in free verse, captures moments of grief, memory, and healing. Raines read a moving passage during the interview about recording Michael’s voice before his passing, reflecting, “There were so many things I wanted to say but didn’t know how. When my grandmother was dying, I said to her everything I wish I’d said to Michael.”

Raines, who lost Michael in 2000, said Outliving Michael serves as both a memorial and an exploration of enduring love. The book also includes a special audio component—an actual recording of Michael featured in the audiobook version on Audible.

During his visit, Raines also participated in Palm Springs’ Pride on the Page event, presented by the Palm Springs Library Foundation and organized by Corey Roskin. “It was such a wonderful day,” he said. “There were readings, workshops, and an incredible sense of community—it was so full it even spilled outdoors.”

In addition to his writing, Raines leads My Life as Poetry, an autobiographical writing workshop for LGBTQ seniors that’s been running for nearly two decades. “I wanted to give voice to a generation that hasn’t always had the platform to share their stories,” he said. “There’s something powerful and healing about writing your own life.”

Outliving Michael is available at local bookstores in Palm Springs and online. The audiobook, featuring Raines’ narration and a bonus recording of Michael, is available through Audible.

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