Erasing the Distance Hosts OUTSPOKEN: A CALL FOR LGBTQ VOICES Tonight

Erasing the Distance (ETD) is currently developing a complete show focused on mental health issues within the LGBTQ community, and OUTspoken: A Call for LGBTQ Voices is the first exciting step in that process.

This special performance and storytelling event is curated by ETD ensemble member Adam Poss and directed by ETD artistic associate Jessica Kadish. OUTspoken: A Call for LGBTQ Voices begins with the performance of three stories:

- Alma (performed by Gabriela Mayorga): Alma experienced childhood incest at the hands of her grandfather and brother. As an adult, she battles depression as she attempts to overcome her past and build a new life with her partner and children.

- Ryan (performed by ETD ensemble member Adam Poss): Ryan discusses how his father's alcohol addiction and domestic violence affects him both as a young boy fighting to survive and as a gay man facing his own anger and commitment issues.

- KOKUMO (performed by Dawn Bless): KOKUMO is a transgender woman of color who strives to come to terms with years of trauma from repeated sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Following the performance, Jessica Kadish will lead a community-building workshop with the audience. Participants will be grouped into pairs and encouraged to briefly share their stories with one another. After a few group activities, the evening will culminate with each group creating an impromptu mini-performance and sharing it on the stage.

ETD's goal for this exciting event is to start a conversation about mental health issues within the LGBTQ community, with the hopes of then using elements of that conversation to devise a full-length show.

Erasing the Distance presents a special, one-night-only performance and storytelling event entitled OUTspoken: A Call for LGBTQ Voices tonight, June 24th at 6:00pm at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted Ave., 3rd Fl., Chicago. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, and advanced purchase is recommended. Tickets are available at etdoutspoken.brownpapertickets.com.

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