The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and INCLUDE present it gets better in the Fox Valley February 15-21
A week of community awareness, conversation, celebration and song featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
One of the most challenging issues among today’s LGBT young adults and adolescents is bullying. For one week this February, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and INCLUDE will put a spotlight on bullying in the Fox Cities community.
it gets better, Feb. 16- 21, is a performing arts response to the difficult issue of bullying led by members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA). The weeklong residency will feature two public performances and 10 residency activities including school visits and community conversations that will impact approximately 5,000 students and adults.
“Our mission for the week is to rally the community around the central issue of bullying and promote a welcoming, inclusive and safe Fox Valley community for all regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity.” said Chad Hershner, co-chair of INCLUDE.
The it gets better project began in 2010 when Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller were inspired to take action after being moved by too many stories of young lives being cut short as a result of bullying and isolation, especially those students who identified as LGBT.
The GMCLA was established in 1979 to bring an end to homophobia and discrimination of all kinds through the entertainment and education. The choir has been working with students since 2008 with their first residency, the Alive Music Project. The it gets better program combines elements of both projects into one powerful weeklong residency.
“The performing arts gives us a platform to start a discussion that might be too difficult for many youth to start in everyday life,” said Amy Gosz director of programming and community engagement for the Fox Cities P.A.C. “For every student that participates in a residency activity we are encouraging conversation and reinforcing that all people deserve love and respect.”
PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
The GMCLA will host two public performances during the week:
it gets better piano bar
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Kimberly-Clark Theater
Tickets: $35
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Lost Angeles Presents
it gets better
Saturday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Thrivent Financial Hall
Tickets: adults $15, students $7.50
Tickets for both performances will go on sale Friday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. in person at the Fox Cities P.A.C. ticket office. Tickets are also available on Ticketmaster online and phone at (800) 982-2787. Additional fees may apply.
RESIDENCY ACTIVITIES
The GMCLA will host residency activities at the following high schools: Appleton East, Appleton North, Appleton West, Kaukauna, Menasha and Neenah. The public is invited to attend and participate in community conversation at the following events:
NCW Goodwill LGBT Partnership Meeting
Monday, Feb. 16, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Fox Valley
World Café Event
Thursday, Feb. 19, 6- 9p.m.
UW Fox Valley
it gets better Journey
Friday, Feb. 20, 12- 1 p.m.
UW Fox Valley
For more information about the it gets better residency activities visit foxcitiespac.com.
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