PSNY Virtual Workshop: Holding Up the Mirror

With poet Jasmine Gonzalez!

Are there emotions that you have a fear of facing? If we don’t acknowledge our emotions, we run the risk of letting them devour us whole. Through poetry and all writing, we can use our words to hold a mirror up to the positive and negative sentiments that reside within our bodies and potentially take a step towards healing. With the help of work by Gloria Anzaldúa, Sandra María Esteves, and José Olivarez we will experiment different ways of engaging with our feelings no matter what they may be. There will be small check-ins throughout the workshop because emotions can indeed be heavy and I want to ensure that all attendees feel safe and comfortable within the space!

About the Instructor: Jasmine Gonzalez is from New York City and graduated with her bachelor’s degree with Highest Honors from Lehman College in 2022. Writing poetry is how she reclaims the power over the aspects of her mental health that can spin out of control. Her poetry has been published in Lehman’s literary magazine, La Libreta and in Spanglish Voces. Moreover, she has shared her work at open mics at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, has been featured at Inspired Word NYC at East Village's Parkside Lounge and off-Broadway at the Triad Theatre.
Currently, she works as a part-time Programs and Operations Assistant at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. She published her debut poetry book Petals of the Red Dahlia in October 2023. In the future, she hopes to publish more of her own writing to further help the agenda of giving voices to marginalized writers, especially those who struggle with mental health.

* *This workshop will take place on Zoom.**

Host or Publisher The Poetry Society of New York