WikiIndaba 2024/Proposal/Impact of Queer Storytelling: How Digital Media Can Amplify Queer Voices.

ID :	Impact of Queer Storytelling: How Digital Media Can Amplify Queer Voices.
Author(s): Bisi Alimi, Nell Thompson, Ademola Adebambo		Username(s): User: shelia lucifer	Session type: workshop
		Affiliation: Bisi Alimi Foundation Queerpedia	Session track(s): Equity, Inclusion, Education and Technology
Abstract: Introduction Underrepresentation and misrepresentation in the LGBTQ+ communities are widespread in the mainstream and digital media, with the LGBTQ+ communities in the global south facing even greater erasure from media spaces. The lack of diverse and authentic representation of queer stories online perpetuates harmful stereotypes, contributes to cultural homogenization, and silences diverse voices which are imperative to the free knowledge agenda. However, the rise of digital media offers a unique opportunity and platform to challenge this narrative and amplify queer stories, making these stories and events more accessible and visible worldwide to a diverse audience. In this era where digital media shapes perceptions, narratives, and realities, the power of storytelling, particularly queer storytelling, has never been more crucial. This workshop seeks to explore the Impact of Queer Storytelling: How Digital Media Can Amplify Queer Stories, share diverse insights, experiences, and perspectives and how we can use digital platforms to advocate and incorporate affirming LGBTQ+ representation and bridge the knowledge gap. Why is this Important Access to affirming LGBTQ+ content online varies significantly across different regions. In many parts of the Global South, internet censorship, socio-political climates, and cultural taboos create obstacles and challenges that severely impede the effective propagation of information. Queer individuals often struggle to find accurate and affirming content about their identities, histories, and their communities; and in some cases, if this information is available, it’s in a foreign language or not effectively broken down for easy assimilation for non-digital and disadvantaged individuals. This lack of accessible information perpetuates ignorance, stigma, exclusion and isolation. Some of these challenges that affect the curation and dissemination of LGBTQ+ content may not be limited to; Censorship and Regulation: strict regulations on LGBTQ+ content, often under the guise of protecting public morality. Lack of Resources: Limited funding and resources for LGBTQ+ media projects hinder the creation and sustainability of initiatives that promote queer media engagements. Cultural Sensitivity: Navigating cultural sensitivities while being true to the queer experience can be challenging as this differs from culture to culture and society to society. Digital Literacy: Variations in digital literacy levels affect the ability of communities to produce and access content or information online, some of which are lost due to ambiguity, or breaks in communication, terminologies and cultural variations. Stereotyping and tokenization in media representation. Lack of diverse and inclusive digital platforms for media engagements and queer storytelling. Tapping into the opportunities offered by digital media to address these challenges and limitations, this workshop is designed to be interactive and participatory with hands-on exercises aimed at finding a sustainable solution to address these challenges. By exploring experts'/participant's insights and creativity. At the end of this workshop, an innovative model and a robust approach to tackle these challenges will be developed. This will enhance skills and reinforce our capacities, by sharing best practices, tools, and strategies. Digital platforms such as wiki platforms (Wikipedia, Wiki Commons, Wiki-data), blogs, social media, podcasts, and video channels offer innovative ways to tell queer stories. These stories are not just about personal lived experiences; they encompass the rich histories, cultural contributions and dynamics, and resilience of LGBTQ+ communities. To give detailed narratives of moments and figures in queer history, bringing visibility to stories that are often marginalized, forgotten or completely erased. What Are Our Goals Promote Innovative Storytelling: Explore new and creative ways to tell and amplify queer stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between digital media professionals, activists, and community members to amplify queer voices. Advocate for Change: Empower participants to use digital media as a tool for advocacy, challenging censorship, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Bridge The Digital Literacy Divide: exploring initiatives to make information and knowledge accessible to most remote and vulnerable communities. Methodology This workshop will employ an interactive, practical and participatory approach to address and explore the Impact Of Queer Storytelling in Digital Media, but also collectively explore mitigating and sustainable ways to tackle some of the challenges LGBTQ activists, media professionals and individuals face in the dissemination of queer content online. This workshop will apply the following; Interactive presentation of the overview of Queer storytelling in the media. Group activities: brainstorming sessions, problem-solving exercises, etc. Storytelling techniques and exercises. Social media campaign production. Presentation of project tasks by each group. Final manifesto presentation of the workshop’s model to amplify queer storytelling and address the obstacles hindering the proliferation of free and equitable knowledge.			Audience : basic, medium, advanced
			Mode: In-person
			Special requirements:
How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region? Expected Outcomes Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of amplifying queer stories. Increased awareness of the challenges of LGBTQ storytelling, and explore techniques in telling and dissemination of queer stories. Participants will build connections, and networks during this workshop; and together as a collective, participants will build a practical workable model or campaign to amplify LGBTQ voices and representation in digital media. Participants will enhance their storytelling skills, and explore case studies of the impact of telling queer stories in diverse genres and audiences. Increased visibility and enhanced diverse affirming representation of LGBTQ content online.

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