LGBTQIA Writing Workshops with Songs of Ourselves

My name is Sage Mitchell (they/them). I am a transgender person who is passionate about making space for LGBTQ+ people to safely reflect on their identities through writing and discussion with others in the LGBTQ+ community. In June of 2020, I launched a project called Songs of Ourselves , a name inspired by a Walt Whitman poem. Songs of Ourselves provides writing workshops for LGBTQ+ people to encourage reflection through tailored prompts and readings from queer and trans writers. Currently, all workshops are virtual and self-driven, meaning that the participant can choose how often they want to interact with others. My goal is to present workshops in person while still having some virtual offerings. In the past few months, every multi-session workshop has been filled to capacity. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, participants have commented that the workshops have provided space for them to think through tough topics and that they have continued to think about the prompts and readings beyond our time together. The success of these workshops has led to teaching and speaking opportunities.

I graduated from college with a teaching degree and shortly thereafter realized that I needed to medically transition in order to feel comfortable in this world. I knew that it would be really difficult (and possibly unsafe) for me to do that in a public school setting so I started working in the service industry with some part-time work with nonprofits. I am currently working part-time as the Program Manager of Stand with Trans after losing my employment in the service industry due to COVID-19. After some twists and turns, I have finally found a dream that utilizes my passions and teaching skills in an impactful way. Songs of Ourselves combines my talents for facilitation and building curriculum, my love of reflective and creative writing for identity exploration, and my background in creating supportive LGBTQ+ safe spaces.

Your donation to this campaign will allow me to work with a business coach who will help me turn my dreams for Songs of Ourselves into reality. Working with this specific business coach is important to me because she is queer herself and has an impressive background in building new businesses and supporting other trans clients. Investing in this coach is necessary because I need to gain business skills in order to make this my career. These coachings will guide me in developing a comprehensive business plan and the foundation for my long-term goals. I have seen how critical this opportunity has been for the LGBTQ+ people I have worked with and your support will allow Songs of Ourselves to reach more LGBTQ+ people who need an affirming space to reflect. 

My GoFundMe goal is $3000. This money will help pay for the business coach as well as the start-up fees that come with launching a business.