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BIPOC Reading Series – May
This monthly reading series is intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color.
Come listen to our featured readers, or sign up to share your work in our open mic. Readings will be followed by a short community discussion. Hosted by Kyle Yoshioka and Jessica Meza-Torres.
The featured readers for May are Jen Shin and Shawon Shorter, and the theme is “Release”.
This event is open to everyone, but only people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color will be invited to read. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Meza-Torres at jmezatorres24@gmail.com or Kyle Yoshioka at kyle.yoshioka@gmail.com.
Kyle Yoshioka
Kyle (they/he) is an apologetic Californian and 14-year resident of Portland who thinks and writes a lot about belonging. Their work and voice have appeared in various publications and podcasts. Kyle is the editorial director of Provecho, a multilingual publication exploring the intersection of food and identity.
@yearofthekyle | @provecho.magazine
Jen Shin
Jen Shin is a Korean American writer, baker, and mental health advocate with more than a decade in recovery from alcoholism and bulimia. She is currently at work on Bad Magic, a coming-of-age addiction memoir which examines how we return to our true selves after reality and illusion become one. She is a 2023 Periplus Fellow and has received support from Anaphora Arts, Fish Trap, Stove Works, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. In 2021, she published Have You Received Previous Psychotherapy or Counseling? through zines + things and her essays can be found in The Rumpus, Memoir Magazine, Oregon Humanities, and elsewhere.
Shawon Shorter
Shawon Shorter is a lifelong writer whose journey began with journaling creative nonfiction and personal essays in blogs. In 2022, Shawon seized the opportunity to further their education and hone their writing skills at Portland’s Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC), completing the Prose program with distinction in 2023. Beyond writing, Shawon finds inspiration in learning how to DJ, exploring esoteric and spiritual practices, and gliding along on their longboard. These diverse passions along with familial influence shape Shawon's creative expression, influencing the stories they weave.
