Activity Module 1:

Telling Your Story, Your Way

Knowing how to tell your story in a way that is direct, poignant, and impactful takes time and practice. Whether you want to speak to a legislator, write a letter for a cause, or give a speech to a crowd, here are some skills to help you build a strong platform.

Things to remember:

 

You never have to share a story that you aren’t ready to share.

You also never have to relive your trauma or experiences in a way that makes you or anyone else relive them. You are the keeper of your tales, and the creator of your stories. You decide how you want to engage, and what that journey looks like for you!

All social justice issues are 2SLGBTQ+ issues.

If it affects you, someone close to you, or your community then it matters! Reproductive rights, immigration reform, racial equity, climate change, disability justice, and more; all of these things affect the day-to-day lives of queer and transgender folks. Our stories and action together create power to make the changes we want to see in the world.

 

Brainstorming Resources

 

videos

 

Delivery is just as important as content. Here are some tips on how to tell your story in a way that will captivate your audience.

(Content Warning: mention of J.K. Rowling) Confidence is an important skill to develop when you are thinking about engaging with other folks. It can be scary to put yourself out there; don’t forget that you decide when and how your story is told. When you are ready, confidence can play a key role in helping you tell your story. This video has tips on ways to boost your confidence.

Malala is a youth advocate who has taken the issues she is passionate about and created an international stage to share her impact. This video shares important tips on where to start if you have a vision for change in your community.

“Malala Yousafzai, often referred to mononymously as Malala, and by her married name Malala Yousafzai Malik is a Pakistani activist for female education and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She is also the world's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, and second Pakistani to ever receive a Nobel Prize.” (Source)

Hannah shares her story about how she came to be a Youth Activist. She talks about the process of making her voice heard to impact change, and how other youth can do the same thing.

“Hannah Testa is a 17-year-old honors student from Cumming, GA, but she is not an ordinary teen. While she loves her family, friends, and art, she is passionate about issues that affect our planet and she has been using her influence from a young age to educate others, as she believes that ‘knowledge is power’. She is a sustainability advocate, international speaker, author, politico, and founder of Hannah4Change, an organization dedicated to fighting issues that impact the planet.” (Source)

Additional Resources

These Story Canva Templates are put together to get others interested and engaged in whatever cause you are hoping to inspire/call them to action by your story. There is no one way to tell your story. Feel free to use these to create collages, visual stories, or infographics to tell your story. 

You do have to have a Canva account, but it is free—you do not need premium to use these. Mobile app is available, but often Canva is easiest to use on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. 

Here are some tips on how to engage in activism and advocacy, as well as how to guide your work through your passion:  

Want to be a youth activist? Here are some tips | CBC Kids News (Video)

Here is a brief video about how Naudika realized her power to impact change within her community based on the things she had experienced in her own life: 

Stepping Up: The Social Justice Activist

Conversion Therapy & How To Tell Your Story

Conversion Therapy*, also known as Reparative Therapy, is especially prevalent for 2SLGBTQ+ people who live in Oklahoma—also known as the buckle of the Bible Belt.

We want to bring special attention to resources and information regarding the subject so that you may be able to recognize conversion therapy and the harm it brings.

 

*It needs to be noted that some of the content of these videos and resources can be difficult to watch/read/hear. Please be mindful of this, and have a plan in place to take care of yourself as you may struggle to get through some of the information. Take care in what you access, and do not feel an obligation to continue if you are having difficulty. We have put additional Content Warnings (CW) on specific subjects that are mentioned.

 

resources & videos

 

Infographic:
conversion therapy

(CW: Violence, Extreme Homophobia)

 

(CW: mention of murder, death)

Additional Resources

Beyond Ex-Gay

An online resource for those who have survived conversion therapy.

BeyondExGay.com

PFLAG

(Formerly Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Find a chapter near you that supports you as your authentic self.

PFLAG.org

Truth Wins Out

A non-profit organization that counters anti-gay propaganda, exposes the “ex-gay” myth and educates the public about gay life.

TruthWinsOut.org

"Conversion" Documentary

Up close and personal look at the effects of conversion therapy, to be released soon.

ChronicleCinema.com/Conversion