Queer ASL THAT

Not your average ASL class. Centering the Deaf queer experience this 6 week instruction course will be a mix of culture and vocabulary lessons using lecture, games, diad and triad practice and film. All levels welcome in our first cohort of allies and queer folks! We'll meet at Town Hall Collaborative at the schedule below and on the off weeks, students are encouraged to gather and practice!

In our class, I will identify and discuss about Queer/LGBTQIA2S+ topics with ASL. I will describe narratives when identification appears within Queer ASL, Deaf Community and at the intersection. I will be using ASL lexicon during each classes’ check in and check out activities. This class will center the experiences of Deaf queer people and is welcoming of allies to the queer and Deaf/Hard of Hearing communities.

Town Hall Collaborative is a queer woman owned venue on Santa Fe in Denver. There is a dedicated parking lot right outside of the space and the entire space is wheelchair accessible with everything one level and space for easy turns. There is a bar with lots of drink options including loved local beers. There is a gender inclusive restroom that is single stall. The space is pretty open which is great for airflow and when the weather is nice out there are large garage doors they open. There are some locations for food in walking distance (within 6 blocks) of the location plus The Other Dog the vegan hot dog cart from the winners of The Great Food Truck Race is onsite until 8pm.

Week 1-
Introductions, safer space, pronouns and gender express. Learn how to express in ASL using queer signs. This class will include a vocabulary lesson and some fun activities.
Week 2-
Identifying cultural practices and misunderstandings with the Deaf/hearing communities. LGBTIA2S+ and ASL intersectionality, how to connect using some activites and a vocabulary lesson.
Week 3-
Collaborate and identify similarities with peers on queer/ally expression particularly, queer expression in ASL. Fun fact, tone is visual and auditory. We'll also touch on cultures and languages.
Week 4-
Queer ASL History and how languages were developed.
Week 5-
Deaf friendly queer and wellness resources available in local and country wide communities in ASL both public and private. This class will include a vocabulary lessons focused on awareness building.
Week 6-
We'll watch Sign (a15 minute slient film) and wrap up with a party and final Q and A!

Students are majorly encouraged to meet up between classes and practice with each other.

Host or Publisher Lavender Libations