Arts and Entertainment

IDENTITY +: A slam poetry show exploring intersectionality, Dec. 5

Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Writers Organized to Represent Diverse Stories (W.O.R.D.S.), in collaboration with the Asian-Pacific American Caucus and the Student Programming Association, will host a free poetry show that explores and personifies the concept of intersectionality. The event will feature performances by W.O.R.D.S., led by poet and activist Fong Tran as emcee, and headlined by award-winning spoken word artist Andrea Gibson.

The event is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Alumni Hall, University Park. Free food will be provided, and the audience will have a short period after the show to meet the guest artists. In addition, on Dec. 6, Gibson will lead a writing workshop on Gender Theory at 12 p.m. in 134 HUB.

Tran, hailing from Sacramento, California, writes about social justice and intersectionality to give a voice to marginalized peoples. He has been a featured poet for more than 150 events, such as the Mahogany open mic series, Luna poetry series, and the DVAN National Poetry Festival.

Gibson hails from Calais, Maine, and writes mainly about politics, gender norms and the struggles of the LGBTQA+ community. Gibson is a four-time Denver Grand Slam Champion who has placed fourth at the National Poetry Slam; third at the Individual World Poetry Slam; and first at the Women of the World Poetry Slam. Gibson also goes by and uses gender-neutral pronouns (they/them/theirs).

The event is sponsored by the University Park Allocation Committee and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Last Updated June 2, 2021