Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who can apply?
A. To apply, you must be:
- between 16 and 21 years old
- and a person of color who experiences oppression based on race
- and a person who identifies as queer or trans* (even if you use other words for it)
Q. Do I have to be a US citizen or live in the US?
A. You don’t have to live in the US or be a citizen. Your distance from Oakland matters in terms of your ability to get here. Partial travel scholarships are available, but they are limited.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. BGD will cover costs of the program, including workshops, lodging and food. Participants will be expected to cover costs to get themselves to teh program, including raising funds from their communities for travel costs they can’t cover themselves. Partial travel scholarships from BGD will be available for participants who are unable to raise the founds in other ways.
Q. Where will I stay/sleep during the program?
A. Most participants will have homestays with Oakland community members (QT/POC) who wish to contribute to the program by providing much-needed lodging, and who have been interviewed and vetted thoroughly by BGD staff. Students who have family or friends in Oakland are free to stay with them.
Q. Looking inward sounds a little intense. Will there be mental healthcare professionals available for participants who need them?
A. Absolutely.
Q. I’m not in college. Can I still apply?
A. Yes. You don’t need to be a college student, or any kind of student, to participate.
Q. I’m not a writer. Can I still apply?
A. Yes. You don’t need to be a writer to participate.
Q. How can I volunteer to help with the program?
A. We will be calling for volunteers in the coming months. Stay tuned to the website and Facebook page for more info.
