Power in Pride at Home

About The Show

Power in Pride brings humorous and brave stories about gender & sexuality to spark conversations with students, educators, and community members of all ages. Written and performed by artists of color about their true life experiences, this play explores their dreams for the future and how understanding the role of LGBTQ+ people in history can change your life. Power in Pride invites audiences into positive dialogue to create more equitable and inclusive environments for all.

When Chicago began sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Power in Pride touring show had to be canceled. Artistic Director Megan Carney and About Face’s Power in Pride Ensemble began brainstorming about how we could bring the show’s powerful message and conversation to people online rather than in-person. Out of that grew the Power in Pride at Home video series, recorded safely by the ensemble in their homes, which adapts parts of the live show and Q&A sessions into bite-sized videos accessible online.

Performances

“The Constitution of Queerdom”
June 17, 2020 | 3:03
The Power in Pride at Home series kicks off with a declaration of positivity and inclusivity.
Featuring: Aimy, Angelíca, Dionne, Nic, and Vic

“LGBTQ+ Community Q&A” : Power in Pride Kiki
July 23, 2020 | 26:18
The cast answers questions they get commonly asked during post-show Q&A talkback sessions about the LGBTQ+ community. Topics included “What is Power in Pride?”, “What is your advice on coming out?”, “When or how did you know?”, and “How do you self care?”
Featuring: Aimy, Angelíca, Dionne, Nic, and Vic

“Black + Queer”
June 25, 2020 | 2:55
Cast member Dionne confronts the overlap of black and queer identities within the Black community.
Featuring: Dionne

“Family Fortune”
June 25, 2020 | 2:55
Cast member Aimy examines her relationship with her grandfather and his subtle acceptance of her identity.
Featuring: Aimy

“Right Now” : Power in Pride Kiki Q&A
June 30, 2020 | 3:24
The Power in Pride cast answers urgent questions about addressing racism in the queer community and how to be an effective accomplice. Topics included: “How does racism manifest in the queer community?”, “What anti-racism work are you doing right now?”, “How do you grieve those who have passed?”, and “What does it mean to be an accomplice or co-conspirator?”
Featuring: Aimy, Dionne, Nic, and Vic

“Whose History?”
July 2, 2020 | 3:24
Cast member Aimy contrasts her family’s struggle with accepting her identity with the ancient history of queer identities.
Featuring: Aimy

“Letter to My Younger Self”
July 2, 2020 | 3:18
Cast members Dionne and Vic send insight and encouragement to thier younger selves about love and self-acceptance.
Featuring: Dionne and Vic

“Hey Allies!” : Power in Pride Kiki Q&A
July 7, 2020 | 23:23
The cast answers questions about being an LGBTQ+ ally. Topics include: “What does the word “queer” mean? Can I use it?”, “What are pronouns? How can I ask for them?”, “How can I be a better ally?”, and “What are your favorite queer stories?”
Featuring: Aimy, Angelíca, Dionne, Nic, and Vic

“My Power Is…”
July 9, 2020 | 4:42
In the conclusion of the Power in Pride at Home series, the cast reflects on and celebrates where they center power within themselves and their identities.
Featuring: Aimy, Angelíca, Dionne, Nic, and Vic