PerformOUTKC

PerformOUTKC FCPA is the managing organization to SingOUTKC Youth Chorus, PerformOUTKC Youth Theatre Arts and OUTL

03/31/2021

Today we celebrate the amazing contributions of our Transgender and gender non-conforming family.

We are three months into 2021 and there have already been eleven transgender individuals that have fallen victim to hate crime murders.

We are three months into 2021 and policymakers have proposed a record number of anti-transgender bills.

The first transgender identifying individual lived in the year 1620, and some days it feels as if we haven't made much progress since then. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals need more visibility! Today we stand with you, and we celebrate you!

02/18/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 10!

Today's focus is hiring, promoting, and supporting Black professionals. First, let's talk about rooting out racial bias in the hiring process. Hiring managers and recruitment teams need to be properly trained to understand their biases and recognize them as they do their jobs. While focusing on creating spaces for diverse individuals to "fit in" is a great start, don't deter individuals from standing out.

When looking at your company's culture, it is important to look at individuals who have moved up the ladder of your organization. Pay attention to how quickly each individual was able to move up to the next level and what those individuals in your upper-management look like. Are individuals in the same role making equal amounts? Who are the individuals in the decision-making role? Asking questions and observing can uncover rooted issues in your organization's culture.

02/12/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 9!

Today's we are focusing on being aware of your friend group. What do we mean by that? Take a look at your friend group, the people that you get information from, are your first call, the people you discuss politics with. Do they look like you? Do you have similar views? Are you the same gender?

Why is this important? It allows you to better understand other people's backgrounds and experiences. Plus, who doesn't love having more friends?? This also brings the caveat, it is one thing to know individuals of different cultural backgrounds, racial backgrounds, or someone that has a different sexual orientation than you. It is a completely different experience having a flourishing friendship. Having a friendship allows you to broaden your scope and learn.

We are sure your friends are great people, but it's time to grow and learn about new experiences.

02/11/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 8!

Watching movies that focus on factual instances that showcase and educate around systematic racism. Today we are featuring "Just Mercy" which is based on a true story, and in our opinion is a must-see! It tells the story of Bryan Stevenson, a recent Harvard graduate, that travels to Alabama to overturn the wrongfully accused.

"Just Mercy" is streaming on HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime!

Photo by: Jake Netter

02/10/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 7!

The reminder for today is to check-in and speak up! The heavy headlines of 2020 have carried over into 2021 including the explicit display of racism through all facets of media. It is the job of an ally to check-in with peers and colleagues, and speak up when you see or hear something. The words of Vice President Kamala Harris say it best!

02/09/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 6!

Today, we are focusing on the great contributions made by novelist, poet, playwright, and activist James Baldwin. The eldest of nine children growing up in Harlem, New York decided to escape homophobia and racism and found solace in Paris. He wrote his first novel in 1953 titled "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and his second "Giovanni's Room" in 1956. James continued to produce essays, publications in newspapers, and novels as he frequently traveled to the U.S. to assist in the civil rights movement. Baldwin used his written word to share stories about LGBTQ African-American experiences.

Get your copy of "Giovanni's Room" t.ly/PQbE

02/06/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 5!!

Today we are focusing on two societal groups:

Dominant "In" Group or those who are the majority in society, don't necessarily have to consider things like their own race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Non-Dominant "Out" Group or those who aren't the majority often think of their race, gender, or sexual orientation at all times.

Here are some questions to ask yourself in order to foster self and other understanding

-When did you first notice race? Kindergarten? High School?College?

-How much exposure do you have across racial differences? Does everyone in your friend group look just like you?

-How much do you know about the societal implications of how racial issues have played out in our society?

These can start the internal conversation that will help bridge across differences more effectively.

02/05/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 4!

Celebrate stories and accomplishments!

Lori Lightfoot is the first le***an African-American woman to be elected mayor of any major city in the United States. Prior to serving as Mayor, Lori was a partner in a law firm and served in several different government positions, most widely known for her role as President of the Chicago Police Board, and her involvement with the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force. Mayor Lightfoot has worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 to minimize the impact of the virus on Chicago and taking measures to prevent further outspread. In her personal life, she spends time with her wife and their adopted daughter in their Northwestern Chicago residence.

Learn more about Mayor Lori Lightfoot, https://rb.gy/npqyye

02/04/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 3!

The real work on our journey to becoming a better ally starts with educating ourselves on things we need to learn and unlearn in order to become a better ally and advocate. The experiences of each individual are incredibly unique and we will never claim to have all the answers. We have found value in continuing our education on becoming a better ally through reading the following books, and have linked them below.

This is only one small step, and reading these doesn't make anyone a subject-matter expert. We must continue educating ourselves, and not let our foot off the gas!

"White Fragility" https://amzn.to/2MYJlik
"So You Want to Talk About Race" https://amzn.to/2MZtgt6
"How to Be an Antiracist" https://amzn.to/36IhgD9
25 Black Q***r Books http://bit.ly/2MSCcjJ

Happy Reading!

02/03/2021

Steps to becoming a better ally - Day 2!

We are a Performing Arts organization so naturally, we would like to showcase performing artists that are making waves in their industry. We were all witness to the amazing poem "The Hill We Climb" that Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist, read on January 20th, 2021. Speaking to a nation split in two, Amanda's poem asked for all individuals to come together to move forward.

We look forward to hearing Amanda speak this weekend at the Super Bowl, and have our fingers crossed for a KC Chiefs win!

Check out Amanda's book linked below to read some of her amazing work.

https://amzn.to/36Di9ga

Photo Cred: Getty Images

02/02/2021

Today is the first step to becoming a better ally!

Being self-aware is critical to the success of your relationships, interactions, emotions, and helping you become a better leader. It can also make you aware of the privileges and biases you possess.

Harvard University provides a multitude of free assessments that can help you uncover implicit biases you may be unaware of, follow the link below to select a test!

https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/selectatest.html

We would love to hear your feedback from the tests in the comments below!

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Kansas City, MO
64111

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+18167019223

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