Chad Goller-Sojourner never looked like his parents.
As a black child growing up in a predominantly white household and community, he was constantly aware of his status as a minority, but later deemed it part of his identity.
“I encourage people to come out and explore,” Goller-Sojourner said. “I think often when people talk about identity, they’re often minority based. But the fact is, we all have identities”
Because of his experience, the Seattle-based writer and performer penned the one-man show Sitting in Circles with Rich White Girls: Memoirs of a Bulimic Black Boy, in which he assumes the persona of his childhood self, portraying his experiences growing up as an adopted gay and bulimic black boy.
“There are humorous moments,” Goller-Sojourner said. “One of things I like about the show is that I’ve had lots of different audience types and there’s different connections.”
The performer has traveled across the country, visiting a variety of universities for the past three years. His most recent stop will be Ohio University.
Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, the associate director for the Multicultural Center, said his stop will not go to waste as the show’s message is an important one for college students to hear.
“He talks about how those identities intersect and what he learned about himself and different aspects of his life,” she said.
While visiting OU, he will also conduct workshops and classroom discussions at the main and branch campuses with the intention to inspire audience members to reflect on issues of identity, eating disorders and race.
“I think what is best about colleges is that you have this institution that has already brought together a diverse body,” Goller-Sojourner said.
His workshop, “Exploring Identities: Beyond the Box,” will explore topics including the meaning of identity, the difference between identities and how they form.
“(We’re) hoping he’ll be able to reach a wide frame of students because of his intersecting identities,” said Virginia Martin, program coordinator for the Women’s Center and the LGBT Center.
je726810@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
WHAT: Sitting in Circles with Rich White Girls: Memoirs of a Bulimic Black Boy
WHEN: Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: Baker University Center Theatre
ADMISSION: Free
WHAT: Lunch and Learn
WHEN: Noon-1 p.m. Feb. 1
WHERE: Baker Center Room 403
ADMISSION: Free
WHAT: Exploring Identity: Beyond the Box
WHEN: 6 -7 p.m. Feb. 21
WHERE: Baker Center Room 205
ADMISSION: Free
WHAT: Dine & Discuss: Eating Disorders
WHEN: Noon-1 p.m. Feb. 27
WHERE: Baker Center Room 354
ADMISSION: Free
WHAT: Exploring Identity: Beyond the Box
WHEN: 8-9 p.m. Feb. 27
WHERE: 18 N. College St.
ADMISSION: Free
WHAT: Goodbye Party and Performance
WHEN: 5-7 p.m. Feb. 28
WHERE: Bobcat Lounge in Baker University Center
ADMISSION: Free
