This weekend, we’re gathering at Just Book-ish in Dorchester for a day of liberating art, fellowship, and artivism with our community and we want to see you there! We’re kicking things off with a zine-making activity where we’ll remix identity in all its unapologetic glory. Then, we’ll dive into a heart-to-heart fireside chat with Sam Montaño and TTO Executive Director Giselle Byrd about the balance of identity and politics, trans futures, and more! We’re closing the afternoon with an intimate cabaret by Lady Dane, Que Linda: The Songs She Sang, a performance dedicated to the impact of the playwright’s mother. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this! Thank you all for the immense support you’ve shown as we partner with the ACLU to ensure we continue the radical legacy of The Theater Offensive. Art has a duty to reflect the times and we have a duty to protect our artists and community. We see your DM’s, reposts and comments and the love has been overwhelming. Many of you have asked, “how can I help?” and showing up in person for our programming is one of the most impactful displays of solidarity. #TransDayofVisibility #TDOV (fb)

Today, we express our deepest gratitude and bid farewell to our Director of Programs, Tonasia Jones! Tonasia rejoined the TTO team in May 2020, stepping in during the pandemic and one of the most challenging periods for our programming. Over the past five years, they have been instrumental in revitalizing TTO’s work—bringing programming back to both virtual and in-person spaces, co-developing a new curriculum for True Colors programming with Jo Michael Reyes, expanding the programs department from a one-person team to four, and creating and reimagining core initiatives such as the Emergent Artist Residency Program, True Colors Program, and Queer (Re)Public. Their leadership also embedded TTO’s Queer Aesthetic values into artistic processes, both internally and externally. Tonasia has fostered and led key partnerships with organizations including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Company One Theatre, National Performance Network, Boston Public Library, Boston Public Schools, IMPACT Boston, and Double Edge Theatre. They also maintained a portfolio of artists, donors and funders with record numbers of engagement at TTO– building crucial relationships that directly contributed to the organization’s success. Under Tonasia’s programmatic vision and leadership, The Theater Offensive secured over $600,000 in grant and corporate funding for TTO’s revolutionary programming. Additionally, Tonasia played a major role as a key collaborator on the Barr Foundation’s Arts Amplified initiative bringing in crucial funding that propelled TTO’s growth as a leader in QTPOC artmaking in Boston. Described by many as “the heart of TTO,” Tonasia embodies emotional wholeness, liberation, compassion, mentorship, boldness, and grace—demonstrating that these values can and should be at the core of producing artistic work. We are endlessly grateful for Tonasia’s contributions and leadership, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter! (fb)