QueerAsian 4: Memoir Writing Workshops
When: Saturday, May 14, 21, and 28, 10am to 12:30pm EST
Where: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto
Cost: Free to successful applicants
Join Historic Joy Kogawa House for a series of three in-person writing workshops for 2SLGBTQIA+ Asian writers (at any level of experience) aimed at exploring the memoir genre.
Led by queer Filipinx author C.E. Gatchalian and co-facilitated by writer and educator Terence Lowe, these workshops offer a brave space for people of Asian descent who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ to develop their writing skills while exploring nonfiction narrative writing that holds space for complex feelings, dialogue, and reflection.
Also, award-winning queer Asian author Farzana Doctor will be our guest artist on May 21, talking about her fears of writing a memoir, and the distinction between memoir and fiction.
The three in-person workshops run Saturdays from 10am to 12:30pm EST. Participants are expected to attend all workshops and will receive an honorarium of $150 to support and compensate the creation of new work.
Workshop dates:
May 14: The Memoir
May 21: Memoir-Phobia/Memoir vs Fiction, with Guest Artist Farzana Doctor
May 28: The Non-Triumphant Memoir
All workshops will be hosted in person.
If you have any questions or would like to register, please email info@kogawahouse.com to receive an application form.
These workshops are open to anyone who identifies as Asian, including Black Asian, mixed, Middle-Eastern, Pan Asian, and Asian-Caribbean. Applicants must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination at the first workshop.
Apply by 11:59 pm EST Wednesday, May 11, 2022.


Terence Lowe has hosted an array of queer health initiatives, community-based arts programs, and focused service-learning programs. Terence is currently program lead for equity, diversity, and inclusion at UBC Extended Learning.
