Workshops for LGBTQ+ Teens
Project Funded by Roanoke Arts Commission “Art Matters” Grant
We partnered with Consent Educator Malinda Britt, Diversity Camp and Youth SAGA Support to provide engaging circus and acrobatics workshops to youth participants across multiple programs this summer, focusing on self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and the intersection of arts and activism.
Teens explored multiple circus disciplines:
Aerial Silks – Focus on body image and self-regulation, including overcoming fear and stepping into your “growth zone.”
Partner Acrobatics – Emphasis on trust and communication in relationships.
Flexibility – Focus on self-care and boundary-setting.
Each day included discussions and reflections connecting arts and activism. Teens heard from circus artists about their experiences and engaged in conversations about identity, community, and social justice. Topics raised by participants included climate change, access for people of color with disabilities, and trans students’ rights in schools.
The workshops emphasized creative self-expression, regardless of participants’ future interest in circus arts, and highlighted how engaging in community spaces is a form of artistic practice. Teens also explored how circus and movement arts can amplify social justice issues, the importance of community building, networking, and embracing a growth mindset that values learning through failure.
Arts as Activism + Intro to Aerial Workshop: Explore the power of art in activism while learning aerial basics.
Body Mindfulness + Flexibility Workshop: Connect with the body and enhance flexibility through mindful practices.
Relationships + Partner Acro Workshop: Discuss healthy relationships and consent alongside beginner partner acrobatics.
Identity & Leadership + Intro to Aerial Workshop: Delve into discussions about identity and leadership paired with aerial techniques.
Survey Results
90% – Learned something new about their body.
90% – Learned something new about relationships that can help in the future.
90% – Felt more capable of advocating for themselves.
80% – Felt more capable of advocating for themselves.
70% – Made a meaningful connection with someone with a different identity.
90% – Found the workshop memorable and wanted to learn more about circus arts and activism.
100% – Would like to attend another workshop using movement arts to learn.
Participant Feedback:
“It was a fun and tiring experience. I felt really safe.”
“I really enjoyed this weekend workshop and loved meeting everyone. I am inspired to write a failure list—it actually seems extremely helpful. I felt very safe in this space, thank you!”
“Feeling good! This was super cool, thanks for the opportunity.”
“It was fun. I liked being up in the air.”