A LGBTQIA+ YOUTH AFFINITY GROUP SPACE
A collaborative queer youth group that uses art, storytelling, and imagination to explore our identity and dreams. Youth will meet over the course of 3 months (February 2025 – April 2025). We will co-create and co-design the art projects we will work on and the overall process. We will have the opportunity to share our work and findings that center queer hopes, dreams, desires, and imaginations. All supplies and materials will be provided.
Inquiry Question: What are we dreaming and imagining about for ourselves? for our city of
Mount Vernon? for our communities? for our world?
LOOKING FOR:
Youth ages 14-18 who identify as LGBTQIA+ and allies are encouraged to join. All are welcome to participate, with discussions and topics centered around the experiences and interests of the LGBTQIA+ community.
LOCATION:
All programming will take place at the
Mount Vernon Public Library,
Teen Room
28 South 1st Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
TIME COMMITMENTS:
One initial relational conversation before the official start of the program. Duration: February 2025 to April 2025
Schedule: Saturdays, 1-2 hours per week
REGISTER HERE:
Spots are limited to 12 to 15 youth:
Apply in the link or scan the QR code.
https://forms.gle/oAbhpPR6A4hZufDX8
QUESTIONS: Dr. Andre Zarate
andrezarate@thezfactorllc.com
SCAN ME:
Facilitator, Dr. Andre Zarate (he/them/siya) Dr. Andre Zarate is a Filipinx educator, who has taught
in the middle-school space for the past ten years in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington DC.
He has taught students from Grades 5 to 9 in Reading, Writing, Math, and Social Studies. Recently, he
completed teaching as an adjunct professor focusing on writing and research writing seminars. Andre loves
connecting literacy and storytelling with the arts. Andre has grown up in Mount Vernon as a kid and is
now a current resident. Over his career, he has won multiple awards for excellence in teaching and culturally responsive practices including Illinois State Teacher of the Year finalist in 2016. Additionally, he is an edupreneur that centers his work on queer youth of color. Andre holds a Bachelors Degree in Urban Studies and a
Masters of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In May 2024, he earned his
Doctorate of Education of Leadership in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
On his free time, he enjoys reading, playing tennis, journaling, and exploring new cities.
Dr. Andre Zarate
andrezarate@thezfactorllc.com
A collaboration with…
APPLY HERE:
Spots are limited to 12 to 15 youth: apply in the link or scan the QR code.
LINK: https://forms.gle/oAbhpPR6A4hZufDX8
SCAN ME: