Queer To Tell : A Storytelling Series
Queer Stories told by Queer People in Queer Spaces across the USA
About
Queer To Tell is a storytelling series that features LGBTQIA+ people sharing tales centered around various themes set in Queer-owned businesses and affirming spaces currently across New York City, and Austin, Texas. With each show, members of the community have the chance to gather for a one of a kind evening, learn about and support the local Queer spaces around them, connect with each other, and enjoy a show of local Queer voices, filled with joy, humanity, and love.
Each show has a different theme that allows for storytellers to share the universal experiences we as a community have in common (coming out stories, the icons who inspired us, the clothes we chose to adorn ourselves with) but also the nuances of our different identities. We set the series in different LGBTQIA+ owned businesses and non-traditional performance spaces as a way to create an environment that feels more like an intimate gathering audiences are happening upon rather than a theatrical performance. Inhabiting different spaces allows the atmosphere to change, audience sizes to vary and for them to be exposed to a plethora of Queer spaces in the surrounding area.
Each show has a different theme that allows for storytellers to share the universal experiences we as a community have in common (coming out stories, the icons who inspired us, the clothes we chose to adorn ourselves with) but also the nuances of our different identities. We set the series in different LGBTQIA+ owned businesses and non-traditional performance spaces as a way to create an environment that feels more like an intimate gathering audiences are happening upon rather than a theatrical performance. Inhabiting different spaces allows the atmosphere to change, audience sizes to vary and for them to be exposed to a plethora of Queer spaces in the surrounding area.
Over the next 3 years (2024 - 2027), we have 3 goals we aim to accomplish: Engage, Educate, and Expand. We aim to engage with the Queer communities in each "host city" by partnering with local LGBTQIA+ organizations and devising fun events pre-show that aim to foster relationships and encourage audience members to document their own stories. We aim to educate in the form of a storytelling workshop that facilitates intergenerational discussion on Queer experience and leads to communal/individual writing sessions.These sessions will assist in the development of their own stories for a Queer To Tell event and beyond. We aim to expand to a total of 10 cities by producing one show in each and, eventually, more as we continue to grow.
Over the next year we are endeavoring to raise $40,000 to help cover expansion costs for 10 shows. This amount will help cover expenses such as space rental fees, flights and other travel expenses, graphic design and other marketing materials, and payment for each and every one of the artists involved (producers, program facilitators, hosts, and storytellers). You can view a full outline of our budget here. Any amount you can give is extremely helpful and going towards continuing to build this very special series.
Photo by @__wildmars from Queer To Tell: Austin - "Tales of Pride" August 2024