Free, feel-good QTBIPOC programming awaits you…
By Jumol Royes
Photo by Autumn Goodman
Spring is finally in the air and we could all use a little pick-me-up to lift our spirits and shake off some of the weariness of a long, challenging winter.
The current season of Inhale/Exhale is the prescription we’ve been waiting for. Featuring free, feel-good programming for QTBIPOC (Queer and Trans Black, Indigenous and People of Colour), curated by artist and activist Rodney Diverlus, webisodes and virtual meet-ups focus on art, body and spirit and creating opportunities for self and collective care.
“This series was, in many ways, a rapid response project developed to provide some antidotes to this moment we find ourselves in,” says Diverlus. “Simply put, this is feel-good, heart-centred programming. We wanted to provide some things to do if you’re bored, anxious or stressed, or just need to be distracted.”
Presented by Across Boundaries, an agency serving racialized people with mental health and addiction issues throughout the GTA, with funding from the TD Ready Commitment, the lineup of incredible talents for the current season includes: Christine Hsu, Josh Odam, Ravyn Wngz, Ronnie Ali, Sarika Persaud, Sridaya Srivatsan, STAR, Syrus Marcus Ware, Twysted-Miyake Mugler, Wrong Note Rusty and more.
“I’ve frequently collaborated with Across Boundaries and work with their team to ensure the series is resourced. An intention of this project is to provide gigs and opportunities for artists and community educators to continue sharing their practices and crafts,” adds Diverlus.
To register for Inhale/Exhale programming, visit: www.acrossboundaries.ca/2slgbtq.
Here’s a rundown of what’s still to come this season:
Beginner Bharatanatyam Dance Class
With Sridaya Srivatsan
Tuesday, March 23
Facebook Live
First three people to register will get to tune into streaming link and get feedback from Sridaya!
QTBIPOC Poetry Reading
With Sarika Persaud
Tuesday, March 30
Facebook Live
Burlesque Variety Show
With Syrus Marcus Ware, Ravyn Wngz, Zyra Vanity Lee and Wrong Note Rusty
Tuesday, April 6
QTBIPOC Life, Love & Loss: A Grief Workshop (Part Two)
With Christine Hsu and Ronnie Ali
Tuesday, April 13
Our Existence Is Our Resistance: QTBIPOC Seniors Gathering
With leZlie Lee Kam
Tuesday, April 20
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JUMOL ROYES is a Toronto-area storyteller, communications strategist and glass-half-full kinda guy. He writes about compassion, community, identity and belonging. His guilty pleasure is watching the Real Housewives. Follow him on Twitter @Jumol and on Instagram @jumolroyes.
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