Kids reading “I am Jazz,” courtesy of Human Rights Campaign
You Are Who?
December 2
10am—3pm
What’s your favorite food? What does your family do for fun? Do you have any cousins? Do you speak more than 1 language? Cat or dog? Lizard or frog? Is your family religious? Are you? Think about these questions —both silly and serious— while exploring the exhibition “I am you, you are too,” listening to a reading of I am Jazz, and making a personal ID card.
“I am Jazz” cover, courtesy of Human Rights Campaign
National “I am Jazz” Community Reading @ Free First Saturday
11:00 am and 1:00 pm
It’s storytime! Local educator and artist Jay Owen Eisenberg reads the children’s book “I Am Jazz” and leads discussion.
Join Free First Saturday, the Human Rights Campaign and the NAE’s annual National “I Am Jazz” School and Community Readings to show your support for transgender and non-binary youth. The Walker’s official reading is a few days prior to the official day on December 7, 2017.
Photo: Still from Riceballs, 2016 (Courtesy Shingo Usami Films)
Short Film: Riceballs
On the half-hour, 10am—3pm (Mediatheque)
A story of a father and a son who try to overcome difficulties and tragedy by taking pride in their own cultural identities in multicultural Australia. Directed by Shingo Usami. 2015, Canada, 10 minutes.
Making art at Free First Saturday, photo by Galen Fletcher
Art-Making: I am me, secret ID
10am—3pm (Cargill Lounge)
There’s more to you than meets the eye! Create a wearable ID badge that shows off something special about you.
Photo courtesy of artist
Jay Owen Eisenberg is an actor, writer, and arts educator originally hailing from New York City. He is the recipient of a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant for his solo show BIG OLD ROCK, running at Open Eye Figure Theatre from December 15th to 23rd. Jay serves on the Board of Directors of Mixed Blood Theatre, where he has performed in Charm (2016) and HIR (2015) and works as the Transgender Community Organizer. He is a Teaching Artist in Residence at the Guthrie Theater, a Theatre Arts Training faculty member with Children’s Theater Company, and a Teaching Artist in Residence with Patrick’s Cabaret. Jay is one half of JUNIOR, alongside his co-producer Rick Miller. BFA: NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Experimental Theater Wing.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Herthel
“I Am Jazz” was written by Jazz Jenningsand author Jessica Herthel and is a first-person account about being transgender. Jennings was one of the first trans children to talk publicly about her identity and the challenges she has faced as a trans youth. This groundbreaking book is often used by schools and families to help youth children understand transgender youth and adults.