Writing Center

West Chester University

Dr. Karen Fitts
Associate Professor of English
214 Lawrence Center
610-430-5664
kfitts@wcupa.edu


 

LGBTQA Writing Group

Group Description:

This is a writing group for those interested in, in support of, or that identify as part of the LGBTQA community.  Writers will gain an understanding of the importance of academic and personal style/voice in writing, and will learn how navigate and engage both discourses in their own compositions.  Moreover, it will also serve as a place to build a more informed community, which will pull important lessons and examples from rhetoric in both LGBTQA discourse communities and selected literature.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Group Activities:

  • Explore LGBTQA literature in order understand voice and style of marginalized writing and issues.
  • Discuss issues of marginalization with regard to rhetoric in popular culture.
  • Work as collatorative community further the written work of group members--both academic and personal nature.

Spring 2012 Meetings:

The meeting dates for the Spring 2012 semester have been cancelled.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the LGBTQA Writing Group is to create a safe space to augment the opportunities for writers inside and outside the LGBTQA community at West Chester University. 

Goals:

  • Create a safe environment for work and discussion among members of the LGBTQA community, as well as for other writers inside and outside marginalized discourse communities.
  • Experience and discuss LGBTQA authors and literature as examples of marginalized rhetoric.
  • Discuss and work with group members' writing, including academic, personal, and creative.
  • Understand the notion of a writer's "voice," its effect, and importance in written discourse.
  • Explore the relationships and connections between the LGBTQA community and other diverse discourse communities.
  • Reach, through writing and discussion, those who live in fear and discomfort of their own sexuality or of coming out.
  • Serve as an outlet for victims of bullying to express--in written form--their feelings, surrounded by members of a supportive community.
  • Educate those ignorant or disdainful of the LGBTQA community and issues.
  • Produce a small volume of LGBTQA and marginalized-specific published work, for campus distribution, authored by group members.

For additional information, to express interest, or to obtain a printed flyer in color, please contact Ryan Fernandez by email (rf676530@wcupa.edu) or phone (610-430-5664).