Redefining Realness: Authentic Storytelling

This Big Read discussion focuses on Janet Mock’s amazing book, Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More. Join Matthew Lewis and Naomi-Antrelle Jones in part one of this three-part video series to talk about authentic storytelling.

Clicking on timestamps will redirect you to the corresponding video section on YouTube.

Introduction 0:00​
First impressions of the book 0:45​
Janet Mock’s writing from her experience 2:02​
What was the author’s purpose? 2:54​
The importance of autobiography 5:12
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Celebrating marginalized voices 7:39​
Changing opinions of the book 8:40​
Presence of music in the book 10:58

Facilitators: Matthew Lewis and Naomi-Antrelle Jones

Matthew Lewis
Matthew Lewis is a Black Queer poet, community health promoter, and unapologetic Aquarius. He has a bachelor’s degree in English-Creative Writing and Gender Studies from the UW-Madison. He currently works as a Clinical Program Coordinator for the Medical College of Wisconsin. Matthew has strong passions for storytelling, R&B music, and Food Network TV.

Naomi-Antrelle Jones
Naomi is a Public Health Social Worker and Trans Health Advocate, currently working as a Program Coordinator at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in their Infectious Disease Department. Naomi is a strong supporter of Milwaukee‘s LGBTQA community. Jones is newly added to the Board of Directors for Walkers Point Youth & Family Center. She is also the first Trans Women of Color to be selected for the Wisconsin Health Leaders Fellowship with The University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Recorded on September 24, 2020.