Now in its sixth year, DreamWeek, which this year takes place from January 5 to 20, is a series of events that focus on fostering “the free exchange of ideas on universal issues affecting the human race.” The ultimate goal of DreamWeek is to advance “the voices of tolerance, equality and diversity.”
Over 150 events are planned across the city. According to organizers, “The aim is to invite all to participate in an open forum where real-world issues are discussed in a well-balanced manner, with the understanding that the truest voices will always prevail.”
Organizations in San Antonio’s LGBT community are planning events within the city-wide DreamWeek observance. Below is a list.
January 6 – Lgbtq+ Learning Day
Ideas become empowered through human interaction. In a city defined by its diverse cultural heritage, DreamWeek is bridging the gap between people and ideas through an international summit on tolerance, equality, and diversity. Join us for a series of LGBTQ+ related sessions that will allow us to become more culturally aware of LGBTQ+ experiences and build allies throughout San Antonio. LGBTQ Learning Day Schedule:
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
“LGBTQ+ 101: Understanding Sexual Orientation and the Coming Out Process” hosted by The Center – Pride Center San Antonio
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
“Gender Identity 101: A Beginners Panel for Transgender Education” hosted by Transgender Education Network of Texas and the San Antonio Gender Association.
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
“Mobilizing the LGBTQ+ Community: How More Voices Means More Civic Engagement” hosted by Equality Texas.
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
“A Guide to Being an LGBTQ Ally” hosted by PFLAG.
Saturday, January 6, 2018, Pearl Studio, 200 E Grayson St. Suite 115 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public.
January 9 – From Here To There – An LGBTQ Youth Journey From Homelessness
LGBTQ youth will present spoken word creations about their journey from homelessness and how they believe they are viewed by others. Guests will then have one-on-one interactions about their hopes, dreams for the future, and what they will give back to the community in which they live. It’s an opportunity to gain a perspective of truths, dispel myths, and learn about this under-served population. Sponsored by the Thrive Youth Center.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018, Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, 922 San Pedro from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free and open to the public.
January 11 – Wholly Queer, Wholly Human & Healthy
In an event sponsored by the Queer Corazones de Esperanza, queer community members take part in a panel discussion on how their identities and experiences as queer individuals has affected their physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as how their identity has made them targets for violence and social, gender, and economic inequalities. Panelists are Sofia Sepulveda, Jorge Estevez, Barbie Hurtado, and Gilbert Martinez.
Thursday, January 11, 2018, Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Ave. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
January 16 – Diversity in Action!
This Fiesta Youth event will offer educational and enrichment activities designed to help youth build a sense of community through friendship and peer connection. Fiesta Youth empowers youth to build a future where ALL people are accepted and loved as they are so that they may become successful and contributing members of the community.
Tuesday, January 16, University Presbyterian Church 300 Bushnell Ave. from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
January 17 – Spoken Words Spoken Dreams
As part of DreamWeek 2018 Growing Empowered Together (GET) will host Spoken Word, Spoken Dreams, a poetry slam. Poets will be competing for cash and the chance to appear on GET’s PATV show. Millennial Matters. Hosted by Kinyo Laditan. Cash bar, wings and raffle.
Wednesday, January 17, Continental Cafe and Event Center, 6390 Fairdale Dr, from 6 to 9 p.m. Suggested donation $5.
