Rainbow Hamsas by _ArtLush_
The "Always Proud" Virtual Summer Camp will run for 4 sessions of 2 weeks each:
Session One: July 7th-July 20th | Session Two: July 21st-August 3rd (JUDITH Magazine community)|
Session Three: August 4th-August 17th | Session Four: August 25th-Sept 7th
Session One: July 7th-July 20th | Session Two: July 21st-August 3rd (JUDITH Magazine community)|
Session Three: August 4th-August 17th | Session Four: August 25th-Sept 7th
About this group:
Always Proud is a bridge between communities — intended to offer a space for folks (both LGBTQIA+ and allies) to write, connect, and share our perspectives and our creative spirit, drawing on the words and creations of LGBTQIA+ Jewish figures in history.
The group will consist of short, simple yet nourishing prompts, encouragement to write for 10 or 15 minutes per day without editing, and a place to connect with each other.
At the end of each session we will gather on Zoom to meet each other in real time and write together.
The group will consist of short, simple yet nourishing prompts, encouragement to write for 10 or 15 minutes per day without editing, and a place to connect with each other.
At the end of each session we will gather on Zoom to meet each other in real time and write together.
How Will This Work:
* Receive a delicious, stimulating daily prompt in your inbox every morning, Monday through Friday
* Each prompt will be a message handed to you through time and space from a Queer Jewish Ancestor ✡️🏳️🌈
* Set a timer for 10 minutes each day for free-flow writing, without editing, deleting or overthinking
* Share your words in our secret Facebook group if and when you choose
* Sessions 1-3 are for Jewish people only.
* Session Four has two options, one of which is available to everyone - yes, that means non-Jews too!
* We have teamed up with select LGBTQIA+ Jewish artists to offer participants exclusive discount codes to purchase gorgeous wares and services, including jewellery and art from Art Lush, tattoos from Sian Shine, sticker art from Androgynous Arts, and more TBA...
* Each prompt will be a message handed to you through time and space from a Queer Jewish Ancestor ✡️🏳️🌈
* Set a timer for 10 minutes each day for free-flow writing, without editing, deleting or overthinking
* Share your words in our secret Facebook group if and when you choose
* Sessions 1-3 are for Jewish people only.
* Session Four has two options, one of which is available to everyone - yes, that means non-Jews too!
* We have teamed up with select LGBTQIA+ Jewish artists to offer participants exclusive discount codes to purchase gorgeous wares and services, including jewellery and art from Art Lush, tattoos from Sian Shine, sticker art from Androgynous Arts, and more TBA...
Why writing?Writing offers us an opportunity to ground ourselves and tune back into who we are. It allows us to recognize our own strength, identify what's weighing on our minds, hearts, and bodies, and—perhaps—foster deeper empathy and compassion for others. In essence, it's a gentle method for sorting through mental clutter, making room within, and building stronger connections beyond ourselves.
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Why "Always Proud"?LGBTQIA+ people have Pride Month, Jews have Jewish Heritage Month, and during those times we watch how various places scramble to offer queer / Jewish content. The rest of the year? Not so much.
But Jewish and/or queer people live amongst us 365 days of the year. Our stories should be celebrated year round! So - Always Proud! Proud of our Jewishness. Proud of our Queerness. Proud of both. |
When & Where
Session One: July 7th-July 20th | Session Two: July 21st-August 3rd (JUDITH Magazine community)|
Session Three: August 4th-August 17th | Session Four: August 25th-Sept 7th
IMPORTANT:
Two groups will be available during Session Four (August 18th-31st).
Group 4A, like all sessions priors, are for Jewish participants only.
Group 4B, in collaboration with Making Queer History, is for EVERYONE - Jews and non-Jews alike.
Private Facebook Group
Mondays-Fridays we’ll connect asynchronously for writing, sharing, reading, and commenting.
Zoom
Our practice will culminate in a Zoom gathering, where everyone is invited to write together in real time, hear each other’s voices and see each other’s faces.
These culminating gatherings will take place on the last Sunday of each session at 3:15-4:00pm EST. (Respectively: Sundays July 20th, August 3rd, August 17th, September 7th)
Session Three: August 4th-August 17th | Session Four: August 25th-Sept 7th
IMPORTANT:
Two groups will be available during Session Four (August 18th-31st).
Group 4A, like all sessions priors, are for Jewish participants only.
Group 4B, in collaboration with Making Queer History, is for EVERYONE - Jews and non-Jews alike.
Private Facebook Group
Mondays-Fridays we’ll connect asynchronously for writing, sharing, reading, and commenting.
Zoom
Our practice will culminate in a Zoom gathering, where everyone is invited to write together in real time, hear each other’s voices and see each other’s faces.
These culminating gatherings will take place on the last Sunday of each session at 3:15-4:00pm EST. (Respectively: Sundays July 20th, August 3rd, August 17th, September 7th)
Cost & Registration
Sliding Scale - Pay what you can
Suggested: $36-108
Suggested: $36-108
Feedback
"This was a fun, unique, and gratifying experience! In one session, I got the opportunity to hone my writing skills, read fresh prose and receive feedback from other writers worldwide, and appease my inner history geek by learning more about my Jewish ancestors!"
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"I really enjoyed this because I've wanted to write more but was struggling to find somewhere to start, this helped me come up with a way to write more." |
"This process took me out of my comfort zone in a supportive and challenging way. I liked the flexibility of choosing when during each day I could do my writing" |
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"Stav’s daily background information, prompt choices and guidelines provided the perfect balance for participants engage with the material and create great writing!" |
"I enjoyed learning every day about queer ancestors through the thoughtful prompts, while getting the opportunity to write with them in mind. Thank you!" |
Q&A:
Who should join?
Anyone who longs for both a daily practice and a soft place to land. This is not a political group but rather one where, as Jews, we can set down the constant pressure to articulate, explain, defend, minimize, or otherwise address our opinions, beliefs, and values. If you consider yourself Jewish - you're welcome! And if you're not Jewish, attend Session Four! Both queers and allies belong here.
Does my writing have to be about Jewish and/or queer things?
Not at all. I will provide a prompt/theme each morning. You can use this as a jumping off point or a theme for that day’s writing. Your writing can also be anything that’s real and true for you in the moment.
Who are the queer jewish ancestors?
It wouldn't be as fun if we revealed all of our cards... But expect to get daily musings from icons like Claude Cahun, Harvey Milk, Susan Sontag, Maurice Sendak, Larry Kramer, Yona Wallach, and so many more!
What’s the time commitment?
You are encouraged to write and post each day for a total of 4 weeks (Monday-Friday) and to read and comment on at least one other post each day. Plan on roughly 20-30 minutes per day for writing and reading/commenting. None of it is compulsory, just a recommendation. Do as much or as little as you'd like, participate if and when you can.
What if I don’t have much time?
Part of the “realness” of this group is honoring that everyone’s capacity is different and life is always happening, so honor your own energy and time constraints. Everyone is welcome to participate to the extent possible for them.
Will we get feedback?
Yes and no! This is not a writing workshop, in that we are not here to produce anything. That being said, encouraging, reflective comments are welcomed and encouraged. Something as simple as “shamati” can also be a powerful way of witnessing.
Can i attend multiple sessions?
Absolutely! Each session will feature writing prompts from a different cohort of LGBTQIA+ Jewish ancestors, so attending multiple sessions means more queer inspiration!
Can I output non-writing content?
"Always Proud" was created as a writing group, but we will welcome ANY creative response that flows out of you! So if today's prompt inspired you to compose a melody, or paint a picture, or do an interpretive dance with kitchen utensils - BRING IT ON! It's all welcome!
