Led by experienced writing teacher and award-winning poet Ian Kaplan, come share your voice in a supportive space for LGBTQ+ writers, allies, and storytellers of all experience levels. This workshop invites participants to explore identity, community, and personal journeys through writing and spoken word. Whether you're crafting fiction, poetry, memoir, or simply want to tell your story, you'll find inspiration, guidance, and connection here. All materials provided — just bring your voice and vision!

Ian Kaplan (he/they) is an experienced educator of literature, writing, and community building. He served as a Reading teacher at Keene Middle School for five years before working as a Cultural Center Coordinator at Keene State College. Now, he works closely with organizations such as Keene Public Library, the Historical Society of Cheshire County, and Keene Pride to deliver community events, education, and programs to the Monadnock region. They also serve as a Program Educator within the Office of Equity and Inclusion at UMass Amherst, teaching others how to build communities of accessibility, care, and belonging.

This event is co-led and sponsored by the Historical Society of Cheshire County as part of their Voices of Pride project, which aims to capture and uplift LGBTQ+ history in the Monadnock region. For more information about this project, please visit https://hsccnh.org/voices-of-pride/