Coming Out Monologues

Schedule:

6:30 PM - Doors Open

7 PM - Intros from Canmore Pride

7 PM - 8:15 PM - Sharing stories

8:15 PM - 8:30 PM: Break

8:30 PM - 9:30 PM*: Sharing Stories
*Schedule correction: please note, the printed schedules say this event ends at 10 PM, but the event is scheduled to end at 9:30 PM.

This event is open to everyone—whether you’re a seasoned storyteller, quietly navigating your own identity, or simply showing up in solidarity. If you identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, you're welcome to share your story.

This event is open to people ages 16+ and is centered around the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Allies are welcome to accompany their 2SLGBTQIA+ friends at this event.

Content Note:

This event includes personal stories about gender, identity, and coming out. Some monologues may touch on sensitive topics such as transphobia, homophobia, family rejection, or other difficult experiences. We aim to create a supportive and affirming space—please take care of yourself however you need.

Sensory-friendly room: If you need to decompress during the event, artsPlace has set aside the Visual Arts Studio (the room to the left of the theatre). We’ll have it set up as a cozy space with some seating, pillows, and fidget toys. You’re welcome to the space at any time if you need a quieter space to rest.

Want to share your story?
We welcome storytellers of all backgrounds and experiences. The format of the monologues is open-ended—maybe it's a short-story or poem. Monologues can be spoken, written, performed, or read anonymously by a volunteer reader. We are aiming for each story to be about 5 minutes max each (so everyone gets a turn).

Some prompts to get you started:

• What was your first (or most memorable) coming out experience?
• What’s your gayest core memory?
• When did you realize you weren’t exactly... straight? Or cis? Or binary? Or all of the above?
• What’s the weirdest or most iconic way you first questioned your identity?
• Ever come out by accident? Tell us how that chaos unfolded.
• Who’s your unexpected ally? (Mom? Coach? Librarian with the rainbow pin?)
• What’s something that made you feel euphoric in your identity? (Gender euphoria counts too!)
• What was your “ohhhh” moment when you realized you were trans? (The haircut? The Tumblr deep dive? Crying over someone else’s top surgery results?)
• What’s the weirdest or funniest way you tried to “be cis” before figuring it out?
• Who was your first crush? Or first queer relationship? 

How to submit your story:

• Similar to an open-mic, we’ll have a sign-up sheet at the event where you can sign up to participate as a performer. We’ll ask you to write your name, pronouns, and a short into (1-2 sentences to describe yourself…feel free to be silly). 
• If you do not want to perform but still want to share your story, you can submit your story prior to the event online here and a volunteer at the event can read it out loud at the event.
• Please note, we will try to get through everyone’s stories, but we might not be able to get to everyone if there are a lot of sign-ups.

Accessibility:

• There is a gender-neutral washroom available 
• The venue is wheelchair accessible including a wheelchair accessible washroom.
• The theatre can fit up to 105 people in the audience.
• There will be loud noise. Please bring your own ear plugs if needed.
• There will be bright lights
• The closest bus stop is Canmore 9th Street (Roam Transit) and is 200 metres from the venue.

Getting here:

There is a paid parking lot in front of artsPlace including limited accessible parking spots. We also encourage you to walk/bike/bus/roll to the venue if possible.

Traveling from Banff? We have free Roam Bus Passes (Canmore – Banff Regional Route 3) available upon request. Each pass is valid for one way of travel. (Limit of 2 passes per person for this event). Please email Mich at [email protected] if you would like to request one.

Food/Drinks: Snacks (popcorn, chocolate bars, candy, etc.) and drinks (sodas, beer, wine, etc.) will be available for purchase from the artsPlace concession stand inside of the venue. Cash and card payment will be accepted.

Contact: If you have any questions leading up to the event, please contact the Canmore Pride team directly via email at [email protected]!

Please note, due to the volume of emails, we suggest that you get in touch with us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event so we have time to respond to your inquiries.