Another OUTspoken Storytelling Night will offer the perspective of four Chicagoans telling life stories from their LGBTQ+ viewpoint or that of their close friends and relatives, Tuesday, Jan. 5, starting at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
The storytellers range from a retired Army paratrooper and combat veteran to a theater director to a publicist to an author of books.
This program is free. Interested parties can go to Facebook and log on to OUTspoken at Sidetrack; the Zoom information will be available the day before the event.
Ray Christian is not only an Army paratrooper and combat vet, he is a Doctor of Education and a Fulbright Specialist, as well as an Adjunct Professor teaching African-American History at Appalachian State University. His stories have appeared in Reader's Dugest 2016 "Best Stories in American" and 2017 American Hero's Editions. He is a 12-time Moth Story Slam Champion and winner of 2016 National Storytelling Festival Slam. This is his first time at OUTspoken.
Iris Sowlat is a Chicago-based theater director and producer who is the co-Artistic Director of the queer do-it-yourself company, Violet Surprise Theater. Currently, she is directing a Zoom production of the new play "Let's Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder Together Spectacular" for Possibilities Theater. In the spring, she will direct a virtual production of Romeo and Julie" for Accidental Shakespeare Company. Ms. Sowlat was named one of "30 under 30" by the Windy City Times. This is her first time with OUTspoken.
Anita Mechler is a Chicago-based archival informational professional and creative writer with a passion for how our shared history affects our current culture and day-to-day lives. Her organization "Anita Mechler Consulting" creates order out of the chaos of archival needs, ensuring quality organization that is critical for success. Her goal is to help you discover and honor the unique story of your diverse history. She recently became engaged to another speaker, Ira Feinstein. This is her third time with OUTspoken.
Ira Feinstein is an American author, storyteller and memoirist who describes himself as a 'court jester.'A native of Florida and a child of Georgia, Ira lived as Carla before gender transitioning at 38. He studied creative writing at Portland State University and Public Policy at Michigan State University. His forthcoming book, "Cut Off" is another in his series of writings. He is presently Communications Manager with 10+ years of experience at Feldenkrais Access, overseeing development and dissemination of informational and promotional content on behalf of innovative organizations across health and wellness sectors. This is his second time at OUTspoken.
OUTspoken is a monthy LGBTQ story-telling event, usually presented at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. The current pandemic has forced it to Zoom.
OUTspoken has been featured in Lifeline Theater's "Fillet of Solo" Festival and in Amy Bizzarri's "111 Places in Chicago That You Must Not Miss."
For further information, please call 773-477-9189 or go to info@outspoken.com .
