Queer Poetics & Trans/Forms: A Poetry Workshop

In this multi-class workshop, we will explore the world of queer poetics and trans forms, practice, write, play, & invent our own poems, share, and workshop them together. We will discuss what queer poetics (poetry that queers expectations, grammar, diction, etc of the poem and/or explores queerness) and trans forms (poetic forms that expand the space, form, theme, possibility, etc of a poem and/or explore transness) can do.

Starting from bell hooks' expansive conception of queer as that which "has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live," we will read and study poems from queer, trans, and other contemporary writers (like Billy-Ray Belcourt, Ross Gay, Jos Charles, and Joshua Jennifer Espinoza, among others) and discuss how their work unsettles, expands, re-envisions, and opens the possibilities of poetry. We will brainstorm how we might use these sample poems as guides and beacons to expand the potential of our own work and we will invent our own forms and write poems from and with this study.

After dwelling with others' work and discussing the possibilities of queer poetics and trans forms, we will engage in generative class writing prompts together as well as write our own poems outside of class to bring in for the group workshops. Instructor Rose Zinnia will offer prompts based off of the assigned readings for participants to write their own poems for the workshop, but self-direction and personal discovery of what and how you want to write your poems is also encouraged and welcome! The workshop space will value and center inclusion, diversity of thought and perspective, mutual respect, compassion, vulnerability, and care (and we will add more to that list together!) Absolutely no forms of hate or violence will be tolerated. We will co-create community and kinship in this class. We are here to support and grow each other's work! We will be curious and generous with our witnessing and holding of each other's writing!

The workshop will center bewilderment and curiosity along with a critical eye to encourage participants to discover the edges of the possibility of their poetry & feel out fresh perspectives, forms, and styles while enhancing and celebrating their authentic and unique voice.

‍Note: It is not required to identify as queer and/or trans to take this class, but you should be open to queer and trans poetics’ potential to influence and change your work, however that may look!

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‍‍Details: Queer Poetics & Trans/Forms: A Poetry Workshop with Rose Zinnia takes place Wednesday, April 9, April 16, April 23, and April 30 from 6:30-8:30pm remotely online via Zoom.

‍Prerequisite: An intermediate level poetry workshop.

‍Genre: Poetry

‍Level: Advanced

‍Format: Workshop

‍Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

‍Size: Limited to 12 participants.

‍Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 16.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.