Q+UMBO: Queer Art Therapy Workshops
This pilot project was made possible thanks to The LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs funded grant workshop, The Community Collaborative: By The Community, For The Community.
“Art washes away form the soul the dust of everyday life.”
- Pablo Picasso
What is Q+UMBO?
Q+UMBO is an art workshop aimed at utilizing creative art-making activities to facilitate dialogue that fosters inner healing, while promoting community-building between members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The purpose of this pilot workshop is to conduct research on the impact therapeutic art practices can have on one’s mental health. By combining arts and crafts with the idea of coming together to make a gumbo, participants will not only be creating something visually appealing, but they will also be engaging in meaningful self-reflection. This workshop will be collaborative encouraging creativity, individuality, and how that comes together to form a thriving diverse community.
Why is this project important?
Q+UMBO is important because it is providing our local queer community of LGBTQ+ young people a space to come together for an opportunity to better themselves mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and sometimes even spiritually. It’s important for queer people to know that they are seen, loved, and most importantly, heard.
In the face of the current anti-gay political climate, creating a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community to share stories of vulnerability is more crucial than ever. These spaces serve as sanctuaries where individuals can express their authentic selves without fear of judgment, discrimination, or persecution. Sharing personal stories within the LGBTQIA+ community fosters a sense of solidarity and empowerment, allowing members to find common ground and build connections with others who may have faced similar challenges.
“I enjoyed being able to feel completely safe in a space full of people who wanted to get the fullest out of this experience”
- Amaizeya Khaili
By coming together and sharing their experiences, community members can confront the hardships imposed by the anti-gay political climate, reaffirm their resilience, and amplify their collective voice for equality and acceptance. Sharing stories of vulnerability within the LGBTQIA+ community also serves to humanize and dismantle harmful stereotypes perpetuated by anti-gay rhetoric. These narratives provide a counter-narrative to divisive language and challenge misconceptions, fostering understanding and empathy among community members and allies.
The collective power of this workshop’s activities will cultivate a sense of hope, igniting a movement towards a more inclusive, compassionate society that embraces and celebrates the beautiful diversity of the human experience.
“This was a beautiful experience and i’m so glad I went!”
- Alexis Budyach
ACTIVIES & EXCERCISES
Self Check-Ins & Emotional Landscapes
Journaling & Mixed Media
Q+UMBO Paper Collage Activity*
The Art of Meditation & Mindfulness
LSUMOA Gallery Tour of current LGBTQIA+ Exhibitions
Pride Pots at the Shaw Center of The Arts Plaza
*indicates premiere workshop
Meet The Facilitators
Lorraine Murphy, LPC, ATR-BC (She/Her)
Founder, Counselor at Safe Haven Arts of BR, LLC / Art Therapist / Yoga Instructor / Vice President of the Louisiana Art Therapy AssociationLorraine Murphy has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She provides both in-person and online clinical services to individuals, families, and groups. Lorraine specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, and interpersonal relationships.
Shiloh Langlois (They/Them)
Shiloh recently graduated with a Dual Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling. They focus on anti-oppressive work, utilizing artistic expression for healing, especially for minorities, such as those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and for those who identify with gender, sexual, and other minorities. They create mostly with 2D media. This includes paintings, drawings, and wood-burnings. Their experience of being Queer and Neurodivergent informs their art.
Charlie Champagne (They/Them)
Charlie Champagne is a local photographer, graphic designer, publisher and event producer based in Baton Rouge, La. They are a native of Coteau, La. and has been a resident of Baton Rouge since 2010. Champagne graduated from Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communications in 2015 with an undergraduate focus in Digital Advertising & Visual Communications. They are currently the Communications & Marketing Manager at Capital Area United Way, and acts as the Community Events & Digital Media Chair for Baton Rouge Pride. Charlie is passionate about photography & design, creative collaborations and community development.
“Layer by layer art strips life bare.”
- Robert Musil
Q+UMBO is a proud grantee of The Community Collaborative: By the Community, For The Community at The LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs cohort of 2023.
*Please note, this is a pilot workshop. It is our intention to facilitate more workshops in the future.
