Queer Yoga Youth Project: Program Spotlight June 2024

“I feel more in the world after yoga class.” 

That's how one Bonny Eagle High School student described their experience with Sea Change Yoga's Queer Youth Yoga Project (QYYP).

This Pride Month, Sea Change wrapped up the second school year of the Queer Youth Yoga Project. The QYYP creates safe spaces for queer youth to connect with their bodies, develop practical skills to self-regulate, and celebrate queer joy!

Classes included yoga philosophy, exploring bodily sensations, and discussing the stressful aspects of being a queer young person today, and so much more. Students embraced the silliness of balancing, and the stillness of savasana. Our teachers were impressed with the students’ willingness to talk about the challenges they face as queer youth.

Jamie, a middle school student shared:

One thing that I enjoyed from the yoga class was that everything was all about consent. If I didn't want to do something, I didn't have to. It made me feel safe and happy because no one was questioning who I was, just accepting it.

I learned that listening to my body is important and that whatever I feel is perfectly valid.

The magic of the QYYP is credited to the passion and creativity of the queer yoga teachers who teach for the program: Thea Hollman, Jennie Ferrare, Hale Linnet, Monica Bouyea, Jude Marx, Alexa Plourde & Jude Stratus.

This team of rockstars led classes to queer students at three high schools, two middle schools, and two online series’ with OUT Maine.  Sea Change is super grateful to all the students, teachers, and supporters who made this project possible!