The Queer Imaging & Riting Kollective for Elders (Quirk-e)
One of the three founding groups in Arts & Health, the members of Quirk-e have worked together for the last ten years to produce an electric and eclectic mix of artistic productions that have included theatre, imagery, digital storytelling, spoken word and writing. Currently the group runs on its own, with group leaders and members successfully applying for funding to continue.
For the last two years, the Quirk-es have been collaborating with Youth For a Change – queer youth advocates from Surrey. Over last summer, they produced a series of fact sheets and videos about elder abuse in the LGBTQA community – a much-underreported issue. These were written, filmed, edited and produced by elders and youth in the two projects. Thanks to a grant from the BC Council to Reduce Elder Abuse, these materials were disseminated across BC’s five health regions. Both elders and youth were on hand to answer questions about the issue and about the arts project.
Currently, youth and elders have published a book under contract from Peter Lang, an international publisher. Called Basically Queer, the book provides information, stories, and graphics about what it’s like to be young, old, and queer. Hopefully, it will be of use to doctors, parents, students, teachers and others working with youth and elders.
An unruly and discordant choir, the members of Quirk-e are on a mission to change common stereotypes about what it’s like to be old and queer. Visit their website at: https://planetquirke.com/
If you are interested in participating in this group, please contact Anne Cowan.
Britannia Community Centre
661 Napier Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4
Timeline
2006 - 2013