As the adage goes, “Those who don’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (or some variation on that general theme). L.A.’s LGBTQ citizens of a certain age are not only reflecting on their earlier lives and the sometimes unpleasant experiences they’ve survived, but they’re celebrating their past with art. During a a poetry workshop he conducted in April, poet-artist Steven Reigns helped seniors transform their richest and most personal stories into poems and sketches to provide a bridge from the imagination to paper.
“I not only think that GLBT senior stories are important, I think they are the most important,” Reigns says about the project.
A documentary about the workshop titled My Life is Poetry and directed by Dean Littner, will premiere Sept. 20 at L.A.’s Renberg Theatre. Watch the trailer below.
1EqualityUSA
Awesome. Many of the dog walkers I hang with are in their 60’s and the things they share are so moving and poignant. My life has been made richer by these women. My doggies get a good work out too, as the pack is in constant motion. I wish that some of the poetry was included in this article. Dean Littner, be proud of this project, it sounds really neat!
Rusty Alcorta
Yes this is awesome. Wish we had something here in Houston for seniors like me. I haven’t found anything. I haven’t been to the bars in years. All the friends I made when I came to Houston in 1972 had all passed away by l992. Since then I’ve tried to make gay friends my age but it’s hard. I think everyone is set in their ways with their friends.