Founder, owner and editor-in-chief of Virginia’s Falls Church News Press, Nicholas Benton reads from his contribution to Smash the Church, Smash the State, a book whose title draws from a rallying cry during the early days of the gay rights movement. The anthology collects essays, manifestos, artwork and photos from Stonewall-era activists battling oppression on many fronts, including Benton’s work as co-founder of the Berkeley, Calif., chapter of the Gay Liberation Front. Thursday, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m. Lambda Rising Bookstore, 1625 Connecticut Ave. NW. Call 202-462-6969 or visit www.lambdarising.com.