Health’s Angels

Some consider storytelling the most important human tradition; stories can educate, inspire, and help forge powerful connections. But what happens when existing platforms exclude certain types of stories? That’s where Health’s Angels comes in. Autumn Rain, the author and activist behind the comic book Descension, and Jenn Montooth, a storytelling coach and writer, were tired of hearing that stories about womxn’s health—with the x, because “our organization and event welcomes trans and cis womxn, as well as other queer, trans, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals”—were “too dark.” They created a space of their own, starting Health’s Angels: Personal Stories About Womxn’s Health, a recurring show where storytellers new and old could come together. The show provides a means of destigmatizing health topics and uplifting ignored—or silenced—voices. And in the midst of the pandemic, Health’s Angels is now coming straight to you, via Zoom. The night promises to be “emotional, heartfelt, and hilarious.” Past story topics have included religious trauma, reproductive health, addiction, illness, disability, and mental health. As Health’s Angels puts it, the recurring show helps empower womxn and foster community, and the virtual performances are no different. The show begins June 28 at 7 p.m. Registration is available at eventbrite.com. Choose your own donation; proceeds will benefit Freedom Fighters DC.—Sarah Smith

Beyond the Single Frame

In the virtual event Beyond the Single Frame, two photographers with strong connections to Washington, D.C. will share the ins and outs of documentary photography and their own experiences covering stories across the globe. Michael Robinson Chávez, a Pulitzer Prize-winning staff photographer for the Washington Post, has covered such stories as the crisis in Venezuela, the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and the Egyptian revolution. Hector Emanuel, a Peruvian-born documentary photographer based in D.C., has photographed extensively in Latin America and the United States, including projects in Colombia and the Pine Ridge Reservation. Emanuel is also a founding member and president of Metro Collective, a group of photographers that was established in D.C. The event is sponsored by Leica as part of their #StayHomewithLeica series. The event begins June 28 at 4 p.m. Registration is available at eventbrite.com. Free. —Louis Jacobson