Project
Transchool
2023—Present
An introductory course in trans studies and writing for aspiring trans writers.
2024 course begins June 6!
Generously supported by the Hollister Confidence Project, the California Arts Council, and a local impact grant from NBCUniversal and Telemundo.
Questions?
transchool@alliesinarts.org
We are thrilled to release Transchool: Volume 1!
Published by Co—Conspirator Press with the support of Feminist Center for Creative Work and Allies in Arts.
Transchool: Volume 1 is an anthology featuring the multifaceted work — poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, genre-defying writing — by the first class of Transchool creative writers and their mentors, including Ali Liebegott, Andrea Jenkins, Thomas Page McBee, and Qwo-Li Driskill, with introduction letters from Chase Strangio and Kyle Lasky of @Transanta, Drew Denny, and Ren Heintz. Allies in Arts founded Transchool to empower the voices of trans writers ages 18-24.
“The stories that you will read in this book are a product of what happens when trans people get to craft their stories in a safe and open space. This book will allow other trans people to see their stories reflected back to them.” – Dr. Ren Heintz
Support Trans Voices
How can we affirm queer youth in public space during this vulnerable time in their lives? Six queer and trans BIPOC artists designed affirming messages for trans youth, written by Transchool students.
What’s Transchool?
Inspired by the letters written to Transanta, this summer course for young trans writers offers college-level instruction and mentorship.
Twice a week throughout Pride month, aspiring trans writers 18-24 based in the US will have the opportunity to craft their voice and put their narratives to paper in an introductory course in trans studies and trans writing.
After completing the course and workshopping their creative pieces, their work will be published in an edited collection of trans narratives.
Course Details
For the June month of Pride, participants will meet twice a week on Zoom with Gender Studies and English Professor Dr. Ren Heintz (they/them). The class will take you through an introductory exploration of trans studies and trans writing, in which we will read from our trans elders and contemporaries, such as Kate Bornstein and Ivan Coyote, and from award winning poets like Cameron Awkward-Rich and Andrea Jenkins. We will learn how trans folks have told their stories before us so that we can have the courage to tell our own stories now. Participants will practice writing their own personal stories, creative imaginaries, or poetic tales through writing exercises and in class workshops. The course will also have drop-in guest sessions, with cameos from prominent trans writers and activists. In the aftermath of the course, participants will be given the chance to have their stories published in an edited collection of trans narratives created by the Transchool students and mentors.
In order to participate, you must be an 18 to 24 year old, US-based trans writer.
Participants will be meeting on Zoom twice weekly for 90 minute class sessions, and will need to have access to a stable internet connection, as well as a video and microphone capable computer. Participants will need to fit these classes into their weekly schedule.
In order to support your ability to commit this time to furthering your education, each participant will be compensated with an honorarium. Just to make that point clear—this course is completely free! And all students will be paid a stipend in order to help them make time for learning. Finally, you will be mailed a course kit, complete with all of the books you will read, a notebook, pens, a queer journal, a queer tarot deck (because, of course), and a craft packet for drawing and other creative expressions. Our goal is to remove financial barriers that prohibit young trans writers from accessing educational experiences, so we will provide all assigned texts and materials free of charge.
**Applicants will be notified by May 1st if they will be part of the 2024 Transchool class**
2024 Schedule
8 Classes (on Zoom, 90 mins)
June 6 — July 2
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Writing Break
July 3 — July 26
Workshop Classes
July 30 and August 1
Please note
The specific class times are not yet scheduled. We will update all prospective participants as soon as the course schedule has been finalized.
The application for the 2024 course closed April 15th.
Supported by
