Class

Writing Our Queer and Trans Bodies: a Two-Day Intensive

LGBTQIA2S+ know writing their stories, writing their joys on the page is resistance. However, as anti-trans laws continue making headlines and books with a trace of queer content continue being banned, even the most resilient writer can experience hesitation. Or even doubt. Hearing our existence described as dangerous and seeing our presence erased interferes with our ability to render our full selves—our queer and trans bodies included—on the page.

Day 1: In our first session, we’ll explore excerpts that address reclaiming our bodies as “transgressive;” outer displays of our identities (drag, the power of hair, clothing as code); body shapes and fat as the “last frontier” of writing queer/trans bodies; and more. We’ll also explore how “assimilation politics” have further marinized black and brown bodies within LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Authors we’ll read include: Tourmaline, ALOK, Alexander Chee, Caleb Luna, Kai Chang Thom, Carmen Maria Machado, Denne Michele Norris, and more. Generative prompts and exercises will be threaded throughout.

Day 2: Students are invited to bring in a piece they expanded between the two sessions for first-blush feedback from their classmates and teaching artist. This session will focus on exercises to help further develop pieces and/or create plans to finish them.

All classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.