PROGRAMS
Junior High offers several programs that are available to the community at affordable or no cost every month.
Junior High is proud to be home to a variety of events appealing to a wide array of interests. Programs marked with an asterisk * identifies events that exist at Junior High as well as other venues around Los Angeles. Keep scrolling to learn more!
BOOK CLUB
Junior High hosts a monthly Book Club featuring book selections written by women, people of color, queer writers, and other marginalized voices in the literary community. Book Club is moderated by Lina Abascal. Junior High Book Club is open to all ages and is completely free. Anyone of any gender can join while priority speaking privilege is given to our marginalized members.
CLUB GAY GARDENS
Junior High is currently home to a native garden featuring 20 species of flora particular to Southern California. This project is spearheaded by Kara Vorabutr, graciously made possible by Artemisia Nursery, and tended to by Maggie Smart-McCabe and Linnea Torres.
ASS CAMP *
ASS CAMP is an all-inclusive 60 minute bootcamp group workout class led by Kat Matutina with focus on ass, abs, plus core and overall strength. Utilizing special resistance bands for the duration of the class, combined with plyometrics, toning balls, battle ropes and kettle bells. Soundtrack to class includes Jersey club, Baltimore club, dancehall and afrobeats, R&B, Chicago house, booty bass, and rap. All bodies, genders, levels, and ages welcome!
S.p.a.c.e yoga *
Do you love community and self-care? Do you hate capitalism? If so… go with the flow for some very fun, silly, and affordable yoga! SPACE Yoga invites folks of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences to explore an hour of mindful movement. Our community prioritizes inclusion and authenticity as we help students recenter themselves. Connect to your body! Decompress from the craziness and stress of being human! Have fun with the love and support of others! Everyone deserves a safe space to just breathe; self-care is RADICAL!
hand follows eye *
Hand Follows Eye Studios is a mobile art school with workshops for all skill levels, founded by Rachel Deane and Mads Gobbo. Their workshops encourage exploration and make space for failure and fun in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
Each month, meet us in The Drawing Room for a lesson, games and exercises exploring an artistic technique or theme. This year, we'll cover everything from self-portraits to color theory to comics to interpreting music through art, with occasional guest lessons by artists from our community! If you're looking for artistic community that's fun, accessible, and a little bit flirty, join us in The Drawing Room. Meet fellow artists and work together in a playful and supportive community space.
Send Nudes is a playful figure drawing workshop for artists of all skill levels & styles. We'll practice connecting the eye to the hand and using line and shape to construct lively figures in a series of brief exercises followed by long poses with a live model.
Sketchbooks and a variety of mediums will be available but attendees are welcome to bring their own supplies. We will aim to draw manually rather than digitally.
These workshops are founded upon principles of respect and care for all bodies and may feature musical chairs, nudity, and impeccable vibes.
Click to join an upcoming Hand Follows Eye workshop at Junior High
TEEN NITE
Teen Nite is a monthly event at Junior High, created by our own Bella DiCaro. The purpose of Teen Nite is to provide a deliberate and welcoming space for teenagers and young adults to develop into empathetic and engaged community members. Each month, a variety of programs will be available for free to teens. Programs will include queer educational resources, art workshops, and events curated to QTBIPOC youth. In a world that pressures individuals to conform, Teen Nite encourages teens to embrace their authentic selves. We are in a current compassion crisis, and it is crucial to establish intentional spaces where radical acceptance can be practiced without space for judgement.
TALENT SHOW
Talent Show is not your ordinary open mic night. This is a curated night of music and community assembled by Junior High’s very own Eden Hain and longstanding Los Angeles collective Trash Mag. Each month, Talent Show will cultivate a space highlighting the best up and coming musicians in Los Angeles. You can look forward to seeing a new selection of our favorite underground music made by artists we wish had more (or any!) radio play. As is central to Junior High’s ethos, Talent Show prioritizes the expression of individuals marginalized by white supremacy and heteropatriarchy including but not limited to women and QTBIPOC communities. Most of all, we're excited to create another safe space for artists to convene and create together!
INSULA COLLECTIVE BIPOC SUPPORT GROUP*
COMMUNITY | FREE | ALL AGES | Our story unfolds with a deep acknowledgment of the necessity for supportive spaces dedicated to mental health within the black community. Drawing strength from personal experiences, we've witnessed the immeasurable value of such spaces, where individuals discover acceptance, understanding, and a collective path towards wellness. Insula Collective is passionately committed to expanding these spaces, cultivating a community that embraces vulnerability, recognizing it as a potent tool for holistic well-being.
Life's challenges may seem formidable, but at Insula Collective, we stand as a steadfast support beacon. Our dedication to accessibility shines through in our donation-based support groups, embracing a pay-what-you-can model. Tailored for the BIPOC community and proudly standing as allies to the queer community, we've eradicated judgment and stigma from our doors. Join us as we rediscover the strength in unity, overcoming life's struggles together. At Insula Collective, acceptance knows no bounds—welcome back to a community where you belong.
About Briana Boyd — Mental Health Advocate and Certified Peer Support Specialist
Navigating the complexities of severe, treatment-resistant depression and various mental health diagnoses, I've been fortunate to access crucial resources and receive unwavering support from my mother. The profound impact of losing my father and uncle to suicide has shaped my worldview, sparking a deep commitment to suicide prevention.
In 2022, my transformative experience with group therapy, specifically designed for people of color, inspired me to become a certified peer support specialist in California. This certification empowers me to bridge gaps in care, offering support and understanding to those who may have felt overlooked in the mental health landscape.
My mission is to break down barriers hindering mental health care within the BIPOC community, advocating for greater accessibility and inclusivity. By sharing my journey and becoming a certified peer support specialist, I aspire to create spaces where individuals can find solace, share their experiences, and collectively journey toward holistic well-being. Join me in cultivating a supportive environment that encourages growth, healing, and empowerment.
