By: Alea McHatten, Program Director

January’s Seeking Joy StorySlam was the healing session many of us didn’t know we needed.

Though the frigid temperatures threatened our gathering, everyone at Ex Fabula was grateful the weather broke just in time for the StorySlam. Pilot Project Brewing, a brand-new venue to Ex Fabula, welcomed our storytelling family with open arms (and delicious food).

Storytelling coaches Dr. Shannon Sloan-Spice and Gina Cornejo began the evening with an inspiring workshop on the night’s theme. Each participant was so enthralled that the one-hour session almost overlapped the StorySlam.

Before 7:15p, the hat was stuffed with names. The storytellers that took the stage told poignant stories that brought the audience to tears as we all grieved, laughed, and healed together.

Tiffany Miller dons her crown after being voted ‘audience favorite’

Tiffany Miller, voted audience favorite, told of a special trip to Paris, one that her late mother had taken and cherished before her transition. In honor of her mother, Tiffany sought out her own Parisian adventure and was met with the gentle warmness of her mother’s spirit along the way. Having been swept off her feet by a beautiful man, enjoying the scenery, food, and culture of the French streets, and crossing items off her mother’s bucket list, Tiffany knew why her mother held this place so close to her heart; it is simply magic.

Like Tiffany, tellers Sharon and Tanya both found themselves seeking joy following the passing of a loved one; Mark, Tony, and Irene each overcame tragedy to later find joy in family; Rissie and Greg found joy following the wisdom of counsel; and Dana found joy in helping an adult student find confidence in themself.

The audience was visibly and audibly moved by each story. During the breaks and following the slam, I watched so many people hug, talk, and love on each other – folks who were virtually strangers from all across Milwaukee sharing in this brave space. I became overwhelmed with gratitude witnessing this beloved community in action. I overheard folks talk about how energized they were by one another; how glad they were to hear that someone else had experienced something similar to what they’d been through.

Connection and laughter were felt by many at the Seeking Joy StorySlam

To experience this kind of closeness, to be in beloved community with each person who made their way through the cold, ice, and snow, to witness the courage displayed be each storyteller and UltraShort writer proves that we can create the radically inclusive environment we want to be in when we work on it together.

Special thanks are due to Milwaukee Record for sponsoring the evening’s StorySlam; thank you for your continued support of connecting Milwaukee through real stories.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org