The pearl of the summer SapfoFest is celebrating the fifth anniversary this year, and „Share Your Colors“ crew came with presents!
SapfoFest is an independent queer festival which is exceptional for its openness – each is welcome to propose a contribution to the program: facilitate workshops, lectures, discussions, bring exhibitions and performances. To make the festival happen people are also welcome to volunteer, contribute financially, and… to just come and participate in the events! The secret is: it is possible to do all these things at once. Almost.
After a youth exchange called “Share Your Colors”, which took place in the Netherlands in July 05-15, we came full of ideas and a craving for action. The Lithuanian team members started getting ready for SapfoFest as soon as the plane landed. It was a new experience for us to not only participate in the festival, but also to do a workshop and have materials to share: a queer coloring book for kids and adults, explaining LGBTQIA+ basics, which was created during the youth exchange.
On Friday – the first day of the festival – people were curious, they would willingly put the coloring book into their pocket and share some positive comments. But the real peak was on Saturday – a coloring workshop suddenly appeared right next to the InfoPoint! And even though at the evening an InfoShop appeared and the coloring book was outnumbered by other booklets and zines, we succeeded in giving all of the coloring books away and even found people who would like to work with us on continuing this project.
Saturday evening we facilitated a workshop called “Guided Fantasy”, an idea of which was also brought from the project in the Netherlands. Around fifteen people participated in the workshop – even more wanted to come, but because of the nature of this workshop we shut the door after the beginning, and ones who were late did not have the chance to join. The workshop went well and smooth, participants openly shared their experiences and ideas, together we managed to create a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. We also took a chance to “share” the workshop, as some people had interest to do it in other environments and promote by recreating it.
Thank You „Share Your Colors“ and „Active Rainbow“ creators and participants for precious skills and inspiration, and Thanks to the SapfoFest community – for creating the space for self-expression and delight, and also for the opportunity to feel as a part of „something bigger“.
