Click here to download Kate Reid in the Schools Brochure
Workshop outlines:
Supporting Our LGBTQ Students and Families in Schools - Training for Educators
Duration: 180-210 minutes
Using songs from Kate's original repertoire to facilitate discussion and learning, this workshop is designed as a sensitivity-training workshop for educators wishing to learn how to support LGBTQ students and families in their classrooms and schools. Participants will discuss up-to-date terminology and current issues faced by LGBTQ students and families in schools; how to respond to anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and homophobic bullying; and how to make their classrooms and schools safe and inclusive for LGBTQ students and families. Participants will also receive a resource package that includes web links for educators, parents and youth; educational resources; a list of suggested academic readings on queer theory and education; a book and film list for educators and students; a list of support agencies and more. Kate's groundbreaking project, the Queer Across Canada Musical-Educational Kit, which is based on interviews she conducted with 74 children, youth and adults of LGBTQ families, combines a 17-song cd and a teaching resource booklet of lessons and activities that celebrates and teaches about diverse people and families. Along with a handful of other resources for participants to peruse, the Queer Across Canada Musical-Educational Kit will be available for purchase at this workshop.
Singing Queer: Songs to Empower and Inspire Social Change
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Grades: 9-12
A lyrically powerful song can be an effective medium for social change as well as personal growth and self-empowerment. In this workshop, Kate performs a selection of her original songs that focus on themes of social justice, gender and sexual identity, personal growth and self discovery. She facilitates a discussion with participants encouraging them to reflect on how the lyrics connect to their own lives and to greater society. Lively and powerful discussion always ensue during this workshop with the goal to inspire participants. Some of the questions Kate poses in this workshop are: What is the message in this song? What does this song say about gender or sexual identity? What is the point of using humour in this song? What stereotypes does this song challenge or reinforce? Did any particular lyrics in this song resonate with you and if so which ones and why? What does this song say about staying true to yourself, in the midst of social pressure? The length of the workshop can be flexible depending on the length of class time.
Powerful Writing: Working with Metaphor and the Concept of Identity
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Grades 9-12
Writing something meaningful involves digging into our experiences and emotions to unearth the stories there. In this workshop, Kate will perform one of her original songs as a starting point for a discussion on what makes writing powerful. Then, working with metaphor and the concept of “identity”, participants will explore themselves and their experiences as they engage in exercises that assist them in tapping into their expressive selves. Some of the questions Kate poses in this workshop are: What is your story? How has your story shaped you? What do you want your story to look like in the future? How will you use your story to serve humanity? Participants will begin writing a song, prose or spoken word piece that tells a story and packs an emotional punch. Along with producing some writing of their own, participants will leave this workshop with a “tool box” of exercises to inspire their creative writing process. The length of the workshop can be flexible depending on the length of class time.
In-School Concert
Duration: 50-90 minutes
Grades 8-12
Kate's repertoire of original songs educate, inspire and move students and staff alike - to tears, to laughter, to the desire to create positive change in themselves and the world. During her school concerts, Kate provides short explanations of why she wrote each song while allowing time for students and staff to ask questions throughout the concert on a range of topics including but not limited to, the lyrical content of her songs; gender and sexual identity; self-empowerment and acceptance; the coming-out process; the music business; being a queer woman in the music industry; activism and song-writing; and the recording process. Besides being an entertaining, educational and inspirational concert for your entire student body as a full-school assembly, this concert is also a great addition to GSA/QSA meetings and conferences, Health and Career Education classes, Social Studies, Social Justice and music classes. Schools may choose between a plugged-in (using a sound system) performance or a more intimate, acoustic (unplugged) performance. The length of the concert can be flexible depending on the length of class time.
What people are saying about Kate's work in schools:
"Kate Reid brought tremendous energy and positive presence to our classroom. She created a safe and open space to address issues of sexuality, homophobia, gender identity, and human rights. Kate's spirit soars as she shares her stories and poignant lyrics. Her laughter is infectious and her ability to connect with all students, irrespective of sexual identity or gender, is rare. My students ranked Kate's presentation as the most informative, fun, and eye-opening event of the semester." - Dr. Corine Frankland, Ph.D. Department Chair, Liberal Arts- Santa Fe University of Art and Design - Santa Fe, NM, USA
"Quest University students and faculty had the wonderful pleasure of attending a workshop and concert by Kate Reid. The intimate workshop gave students a chance to get to know the stories behind Kate’s music, as well as creating an open, safe environment to discuss queer issues. Kate’s performance left the students with a renewed sense of passion and esteem, showing them all that integrity, honesty and self-love can stay strong regardless of external pressure." - Ferin Lee Adams-Waneka + Tari Ajadi, Queer-Straight Alliance, Quest University - Squamish, BC, Canada
"Kate Reid was the Artist-In-Residence at Camp fYrefly 2012 (Leadership Camp for Queer Youth ages 13-24). Not only is she a very talented musician and performer, Kate is also a fantastic educator. Through her songs, writing workshops and performances, Kate not only entertained our youth campers, she also educated and empowered them to be confident in themselves and to never stop believing in the creation of a more just and loving world, which starts with each of us having the courage to speak our truth. It is without hesitation that I would highly recommend Kate as an artist and/or educator for any school, community or youth group. Kate lives authenticity which sends a message of hope to all youth who are struggling to find their much deserved space and place in the world. Kate’s songs and stories are not only changing lives, I have no doubt they are also saving them." - Dr. Kristopher Wells, Co-Founder + Co-Director Camp FYrefly/University of Alberta - Edmonton, AB, Canada
For more information or to book, contact:
Maike Engelbrecht
management@katereid.net
604.317.8872
To contact Kate:
kate@katereid.net