Ohio University's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Programs Center is sponsoring Queer Words
Queer Worlds from 9 p.m. to midnight tonight in The Front Room at Baker University Center. The event is a part of Baker Nights and is free.
Megan Snow, LGBT Center Assistant, said the main purpose of the event is to provide a place for students and Athens residents in the LGBT community to freely express their feelings through spoken word, poetry, singing, stand-up comedy and other forms of entertainment.
According to Snow, Queer Words Queer Worlds serves as a new take on an old favorite -open-mic nights. The event's only deviation from the regular open mic night is that it serves as a safe space for members of the LGBT community and their Allies to express themselves through art without having to feel pressure to change song lyrics and words of poems to fit a social norm.
Past events have tackled such topics as coming out for the first time, relationships, break-ups, love and the emotions connected toward remaining in the closet.
It's kind of like 'Sex and the City ' third-year OU student Bryan Yamasaki said.
Snow regularly shares her poetry during the events and said she typically deals with a little stage fright before performing.
My poetry is very emotional and usually goes through issues dealing with break-ups and finding new love
she said. As a performer
you are allowing the audience
who could be perfect strangers
to go through your experiences with you.
The programs center encourages the public to come and take part in the event through audience participation and performance. LGBT alumni have come back to their alma mater to take part in the event as well. Attendance for each Queer Words
Queer Worlds varies and can range from 15 to 40 people.
Although we have some people who will (perform) again and again
we always get new people to be brave enough to share their talent
Snow said.
