Q Summit is a poetry and spoken word mentorship program that provides a creative development space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 19 to 29. In this dedicated space, participants will free-write, share works within community, and receive feedback all while exploring a wide range of queered realms.
Workshops are led by poets Melly Davidson and Martin Gomes who ensure a safer space for self expression, learning, professional development, and friendship-building.
Q Summit culminates in two exciting opportunities for participants: contributing their work to LSA’s annual printed anthology and performing at a live poetry showcase!*
*Participation in the anthology and showcase is optional. Accommodations can be made for participants who choose to remain anonymous.
Participants who complete the program will receive a $250 honorarium after the program’s end date for their hard work and dedication. Participation and consistent attendance is required to receive the honorarium.
Program Goals
- Self-Expression: Find and amplify your authentic poetic voice.
- Knowledge-Building: Learn about different aspects of poetry, e.g. rhythm, editing, presence, breath work, history & key figures, etc.
- Skill-Building: Create poetry & spoken word pieces through an iterative process, receiving feedback from your mentors and peers to build skills in writing and performing.
- Community: Surround yourself with like-minded artists in a safe and welcoming environment.
Criteria
All participants must:
- Be between the ages of 19-29.
- Identify as part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Be able to attend the full program, from October 17 2024 – April 10 2025 (excluding a 7 week break outlined below).
2024/25 Session:
Please note this program runs from October, 2024 to April, 2025, with a 7 week break from December 13, 2024 – February 5, 2025.
Dates: Thursdays, October 17, 2024 – April 10, 2025
Break: December 13, 2024 – February 5, 2025
Time: 6:30PM to 8:30PM
Workshop Location: Online – with the possibility of in-person workshops at Lakeshore Arts after the Winter break.
Cost: FREE
Participants who complete the program will receive a $250 honorarium upon completion.
Showcase date: Tentatively Thursday, May 8th, 2025.
Showcase location: TBD
Registration is now CLOSED, thank you for your interest!
If you have any questions please email our Programs Manager, Revital, at communityprograms@lakeshorearts.ca.
Heads and Tails | 2023/24 Anthology
Download a digital copy HERE.
Meet the Mentors
Melly Davidson
Melly (she/they) is a queer poet, dancer, and educator from Mohkínstsis (Calgary). They are part of a Lebanese diaspora which settled and found refuge in Jamaica. She currently lives in Tkaronto (Toronto), where she rides her bike too fast and says the word “sticky” too much.
Martin Gomes
Martin (he/him/they) is an Afro-Latinx, queer, citrus fruit lovin poet born & based in downtown Toronto. His official poetry journey began under the tutelage of Britta B at JAYU, a charitable organization that shares human rights stories through the arts and engaging conversations. His unofficial journey began with his first exposure to poetry: A Goofy Movie 2 and an episode of Fresh Prince where Will writes poetry under the guise of Raphael DeLaGhetto. Since then, he has gone from student to mentor at JAYU teaching both level 1 and level 2, and the Guelph Humber x JAYU poetry collaboration. He currently runs spoken word & beatboxing workshops with Unity charity. His goal is to create spaces that encourage folks to be their most authentic, genuine selves in a raw, real, “non-Disney” type of way. (He messes with Disney though, don’t get it twisted.)
Program Funder
Q Summit is proudly funded by the Johansen Larsen Foundation. Learn more about the Johansen Larson Foundation by visiting: www.jlfoundation.ca
Social Media
Facebook: @Johansen-Larsen Foundation
Twitter: @jlfoundation2
