the Poetics Lab
Identity, Poetry, Performance
the Poetics Lab's Commitment to Inclusion
the Poetics Lab is founded on the principle that poetry is a space to acknowledge the complex history of language, both harmful and up-lifting. We are committed to our mission of facilitating inclusive spaces for communities to engage with identity through poetry and performance of the self. An inclusive space is established through each individual’s consistent commitment to respectful discourse and behaviors. tPL recognizes that identity-based education requires patience and restorative practices for learning to take place. Our patience cannot be confused with allowing space for blatant disrespectful discourse or behavior. tPL reserves the right to remove individuals who consistently disrespect others in our workshops and community events.
Inclusive Spaces
The driving tones underneath all conversations have to be respect and acceptance while acknowledging that we all come to the space with our own histories and definitions of each. Though our understanding of respect and acceptance may evolve, the space and those involved must remain active in challenging biases and discriminatory behaviors. An inclusive space does not promise that no harm will take place, rather it promotes teachable moments and restorative practices.
Performance of the Self
A presentation of one’s self-image in response to internal and external circumstances. Performance of the Self both includes and emphasizes the idea that we, as human beings, show up to certain spaces in different ways--each representing an aspect of how we perceive society’s reaction to our intersectional identities.
Defining our Mission
*the Poetics Lab is dedicated to making the materials on this website accessible. We are working to provide alternative text for our photos, transcripts for our videos and accessible formatting on our pages. In the meantime, please feel free to contact Mitchel or Dom at director@tpoeticslab.com if you are having trouble navigating our site.