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For the June month of Pride, participants will meet twice a week on Zoom with Gender Studies and English Professor Dr. Ren Heintz (they/them). The class will take you through an introductory exploration of trans studies and trans writing, in which we will read from our trans elders and contemporaries, such as Kate Bornstein and Ivan Coyote, and from award winning poets like Cameron Awkward-Rich and Andrea Jenkins. We will learn how trans folks have told their stories before us so that we can have the courage to tell our own stories now. Participants will practice writing their own personal stories, creative imaginaries, or poetic tales through writing exercises and in class workshops. The course will also have drop-in guest sessions, with cameos from prominent trans writers and activists. In the aftermath of the course, participants will be given the chance to have their stories published in an edited collection of trans narratives created by the Transchool students and mentors.
In order to participate, you must be an 18 to 24 year old, US-based trans writer.
Participants will be meeting on Zoom twice weekly for 90 minute class sessions, and will need to have access to a stable internet connection, as well as a video and microphone capable computer. Participants will need to fit these classes into their weekly schedule.
In order to support your ability to commit this time to furthering your education, each participant will be compensated with an honorarium. Just to make that point clear—this course is completely free! And all students will be paid a stipend in order to help them make time for learning. Finally, you will be mailed a course kit, complete with all of the books you will read, a notebook, pens, a queer journal, a queer tarot deck (because, of course), and a craft packet for drawing and other creative expressions. Our goal is to remove financial barriers that prohibit young trans writers from accessing educational experiences, so we will provide all assigned texts and materials free of charge.
