Of note: WRTN/SPKN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMFrNjH1SSQ

Anna Camilleri recently shared this video and post - I though it might be of note since several people in our class mentioned working with high school students - it also raises issues about bullying and brings focus to work with LGBTQ youth...

She writes: "I recently completed a residency with the Triangle Program, and I'm writing to ask for your support with spreading the word about the project and video. WRTN/SPKN is a short video (5 min 13 sec) that features creative work that emerged from a story writing and story telling project that took place at the Triangle Program—Canada's only high school for LGBTQ youth. For several weeks, we experimented with voice and form, and the relationship between the written and spoken, and visually explored word. Throughout our creative process, students were encouraged to claim their place as storytellers and experts in their own experience. Our work together culminated in the production and presentation of individual zines.

Students gave me permission to photograph their work, and develop WRTN/SPKN, a video that anthologizes their zines. There was consensus amongst the students that the video should be distributed and available online as an educational tool. Triangle students particularly want to reach out to other youth who have been or are being bullied at school—and those who can make a big difference: school boards and trustees, school administrators, educators, and guidance counselors.

Many students said that if it weren’t for the Triangle Program, they wouldn’t be in school. Triangle students recognize education as a right for all students, and that lack of safety reduces access to education for LGBTQ students, and many other students for a variety of systemic reasons. Triangle students would like their stories and creative work to contribute to change for all youth who are struggling with safety and acceptance."
—Anna Camilleri, artist educator