Precarious Inclusion

Kael was a co-facilitator and the musician for two month-long digital storytelling workshops at the Re*Vision Centre for Art and Social Justice (University of Guelph) for a research project with 2SLGBTQI+ parents. Kael’s musical expertise as well as their committed, down-to-earth, and gentle way of supporting the participants through the digital storytelling and videomaking process was astonishing and their contribution to the workshop was invaluable. Kael offered high quality cover songs, instrumental, and original music for most of the 12 videos made by participants. Their music elevated the power of each video in so many ways. Not only did Kael’s music evoke the mood and emotions our participants were hoping to convey, but the music resonated deeply with our participants, bringing out the most meaningful parts of their stories. Several participants shared that hearing Kael’s music in their videos moved them to tears. The Re*Vision facilitation team was also amazed by how impactfully Kael harnessed their musical skills to deepen the meaning and enhance the quality of each video. The music Kael created is the result of the receptive space they cultivate with participants: a space of care, collaboration, deep listening, and protracted conversations. What makes Kate so unique and special is that they are as skilled a facilitator and community-builder as they are a musician.