Queer Youth: Share Your Story

Queer Youth: Share Your Story!

Guillermo “Yiyo” Ornelas

Audre Lorde once asserted that, “When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it’s better to speak.” As a Black Lesbian Woman, Lorde understood that speaking up is important to creating effective change. When we share our stories we are able to impact people, create connections amongst strangers, and build a community full of respect and empathy. 

Giving queer youth an opportunity to share their own stories allows them to be seen and heard, validating their experiences and empowering them to live fearlessly. When these stories are expressed through performance, we are invited to a spectacle that engages our senses allowing us to have a visceral reaction that gives us a glimpse into another’s life. 

Queer Drama is an opportunity for youth to creatively express and share their own narratives while cultivating community amongst like minded peers. This class will explore queer ancestors and elders that have impacted culture and arts. Through the class we will experiment with a variety of performance styles including spoken word, theater, and the art of Drag. At the end of the term students will create their own short piece that incorporates a variety of styles.

San Francisco Youth Theatre knows the value in storytelling particularly for individuals from marginalized communities. This class is open to all youth who are interested, whether they identify as queer, questioning, or an ally. No theater experience is required. Just a desire to share their story. When we create a safe space for youth to be themselves and express their truth, we empower them to be the effective change they want to see in the world. 

See our website page for more information about SFYT’s Queer Drama class.