Empowering First-Time Experiences: Our Storytelling Labs' Mission to Inspire and Support LGBTQIA+ Youth

Dear Reader,

As our fall Storytelling Lab programming comes to an inevitable close, we wanted to update you on the eventful and exciting field trips we've done thus far with our partnering schools at Esteban E. Torres High and Animo James Taylor Middle. Determining where to take our programming youth often becomes challenging because we aim to inspire and immerse them in spaces of confidence, creativity, and joy. It's also essential for them to see how their presence within these spaces is valued and to stimulate their minds, which encourages them to question, converse, discourse, and see that there's value in their thoughts and ideas, especially as LGBTQIA+ youth. These experiences aren't just about the day itself; they're about creating core memories that our youth can reflect on, knowing they had support on their journey of self-discovery.

Sincerely,

Rainbow Labs Staff

   

An Evening of Inspiration: Storytelling Lab at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

For many of our students, program mentors, and staff, this was a first-hand experience attending a production at the infamous Walt Disney Concert Hall. So, being able to participate in such a universally recognizable opera house was just as an incredulous experience for us as much as it was for our programming youth. Trailblazing this project was led by our programmers Kaela and BrandElsa, who had spent months coordinating to ensure everyone would have a night to remember while creating lasting impressions to look back on with a subtle smile. In doing this, we reassure them there's power in taking up space and value in their perspectives, thoughts, and ideas, Which went on theme with the Ocestrstral and Symphonic programming, On Dissonance, curated by Grammy award winner recording artist Solange Knowles. The program was a testament and a homage to pioneering Black Female composers and their contributions, featuring works by Julia Perry and Patrice Rushen and a Debut orchestral performance by Solange Knowles herself.

Rainbow Labs staff, mentors, and youth participants from Ánimo James Taylor Middle School and Esteban E. Torres High School pose together in front of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Overall, it was a night of firsts for everyone. Beyond the event, we also want to provide additional resources for our youth to express themselves visually without any bounds or limitations. To support this, Rainbow Labs gave each participant a gift card to Urban Outfitters to cover a full outfit cost,and  encouraged them to craft unique looks that reflect their style within a space such as an opera house, but still maintain their identity. Inevitably, this went beyond clothing—they served as tools of self-expression, self-empowerment, and even gender-affirming many. 

Exploring New Worlds: A Day at the Huntington Library

Rainbow Labs Staff and progrsmming youth planning their excursion at the Huntington Library.

On the day of Halloween, we took a magical turn to San Marino, California, and took our programming kids to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. As the sun began to break through overcast clouds and eventually retreated, leaving behind blue skies, it was apparent that everyone was in for a treat. To encourage authenticity and individuality, we encouraged our youth to wear Halloween costumes if they felt compelled for the occasion, and they didn't disappoint. Even the staff turned out a few looks to display the power of self-expression! The day started bright and early at 9 am, leaving us 5-6 hours to explore all the establishment had to offer. Throughout the day, we allowed our students to roam the 207 acres.  They were given maps, and Ultimately, their destinations were up to them. It was inevitable they'd get lost, yet the blindness of entering an unfamiliar space felt less frightening in this environment because everything was as inviting as the first page of a new book leading to a new adventure. From exploring the Huntington home featuring a 20-foot woven tapestry worth more than the entire estate to roaming through the winding pathway of the Rose Garden, there were diversified amenities for all. Ultimately, what we wanted our programming youth to take away from this excursion was to give them autonomy over what they wanted to see, learn, and experience. This allowed them to be more curious and ask questions that can sometimes be limiting inside a classroom. At Rainbow Labs, we want our youth to know that learning is limitless and that there is potential and promise to explore and expand their minds as they learn more about themselves.

An Artist(s) is Born: Storytelling Lab Programming Showcase

Program Coordinator BrandElsa makes final touches to our Storytelling Lab art gallery.

At the core of our storytelling programming, we want our youth to find the strength to tell their story. By introducing art mediums that ignite creativity and self-expression, we prioritize providing a sacred space that allows them to listen to each other and their confines. From collaging to stamp making and creating masks representing their inner and outer being, We discovered that we had artists amongst us. We combined all the pieces our youth developed to close out fall/winter storytelling programming. We created an art gallery for them and their classmates to see in a celebratory fashion. We threw a final party for them at the art gallery to continue the celebrations. From being thrilled and grateful to have at least ten people attend our programming, we ended up closing out to 40 students in attendance. It's often a real awakening experience when we realize we're genuinely reaching these kids. And hearing the feedback from them has been just as rewarding. 

As a testimonial from one of your youth, Angie, speaks to the impact of the program on their life.

"I think one big change that I noticed within myself once I got into this after-school program was that I noticed how more comfortable I felt with myself and my identity. At first, I was in denial of myself, or the rejected parts of me that I felt I wasn't good enough, or what I felt were against my parent's standards. And I'm slowly learning to just accept myself for who I am. And it's just a beautiful process, and I love it so much because this has opened me to so many opportunities, both inside and outside of my circle."

Building a Brighter Future Together

For every youth who joins our storytelling program, we aim to create memories and experiences they will carry with them as they grow. Moments that remind them that they were supported, cherished, and respected in ways that inspire a lifetime of self-confidence and pride. Our journey is driven by the belief that every young person deserves the freedom to explore who they are without any limitations or judgment. Whether it's a first visit to an incomparable concert hall or a museum and botanical garden space that's been around since 1919, we're here to help them see that there is access to these spaces and that their presence is titular and joy within them. With humbling hearts and gratitude, it is a privilege to be able to serve queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming youth, especially now more than ever.