Class

Diversifying Writers: Living Queer History (For LGBTQIA+ Writers)

We who are LGBTQIA+ are living through times of remarkable history. We are people who know what it was like to be queer before Stonewall, the necessity of the closet just to survive. We are the people who started the Stonewall riot and the movement to live outside of the closet. And then AIDS happened. We are the people who were lost in those years, and the people who live with that loss still. We are the people who continued the work, fighting for gay marriage, dealing with yet another pandemic, the struggles of our trans community and for gender freedom. And we are the people fighting for social justice right now. We will use writing to gather our collective memories and place ourselves in the continuum of this ever evolving history.

This will be a space for multiple age groups to share their stories with each other and hold conversations across the generations. Such space in our culture is too rare.

This workshop is part of a series devoted to diverse writers. Although aimed for the queer community, LGBTQIA+ allies are welcome. Our allies have stories of loss during the AIDS years and histories of working for our liberation.

These classes cover the issues and traditions of writers of color and Indigenous writers; LGBTQIA+ writers; writers with disabilities; and other writers from marginalized backgrounds. This space is intended for marginalized writers to work on their craft in a space that centers them and their work. We ask all participants to be cognizant of that core value. Anti-discrimination and US human rights laws prevent the exclusion of anyone based on their identity. If you are not a writer with a marginalized background, please be mindful of the space and energy you take up in a class intended to uplift traditionally marginalized and silenced communities. Anyone being disruptive may be asked to leave.

These classes are offered on a pay what you can basis. At checkout, students may select the "pay what you can" option and enter any amount, including $0.

Please submit this request form at least two to three weeks in advance if you have any accessibility requests for this class. This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.