Intro to The Power of Queer Community: Creative Writing for LGBTQIA+ Youth

“Identity is like a weight that [teenagers] have to carry. It’s a job they have to do daily. It’s a performance that they have to put on, and get right.” — singer-songwriter ani difranco

This 4-week introductory workshop provides a brave space for LGBTQIA+ teens — including anyone questioning their identity — to explore alternative forms of writing without the pressure to get it right. Each week we’ll practice writing from a variety of prompts designed to spark imagination and experimentation on the page. Whether they identify as queer, asexual, transgender or nonbinary, young writers in this class are supported to take creative risks. They'll find refuge in an affirming community that values the diversity of self-expression.

At The Intuitive Writing Project, we use the Amherst Writing Method, a methodology rooted in the belief that everyone is a writer with their own unique voice. We support the discovery and development of one’s voice by ensuring that all feedback remains positive, focused on the strength of the writing. The more students write and share, the more they learn to believe in themselves, both as writers and as people.

If your child doesn't absolutely love their first class, just let us know before the second class and we will provide a full refund. We want your child to choose writing, purely for the joy of it!

To ensure that each student gets personalized attention and mentoring, we limit class size to 6.

Dates:  January 24 + 31, Feb 7 + 14 

$70 x 4 weeks = $280 

Instructor:  Nicole R. Zimmerman (she/her) holds an MFA in Writing from the University of San Francisco. Her writing has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and The Best American Essays series, and has appeared in newspapers, anthologies, and literary magazines including Creative Nonfiction. A certified AWA Affiliate, Nicole has led Amherst Writers & Artists workshops for women and nonbinary writers online since the pandemic began. She loves working with young writers, individually and in small groups. Nicole and her wife live north of San Francisco where she enjoys hiking, swimming, and reading lots of books. Connect with Nicole at https://www.nicolerzimmerman.com and on Instagram @nidazimm.