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Stories for Freedom

Building a world where everyone is free to speak their truth

“My story isn’t just about me; it’s a testament to the power of resistance and the fight for liberation. I hope it ignites a spark within the audience, prompting them to reflect on their own place in the struggle for justice.” 
Joan Kinaro, storyteller

Joan protrait

We believe deeply in the power of storytelling to liberate both the speaker and those who listen. 

Stories for Freedom is a true storytelling program highlighting the voices of activists, artists, and changemakers who are working to challenge oppression in their lives and communities. Stories for Freedom is inspired by practices of liberation that have emerged from Black and Indigenous communities, and aims to challenge us all to take bold action in the disruption of systemic oppression. 

Storytellers featured include authors, visual artists, activists, educators, musicians, and scholars, all of whom use storytelling in their work to build a world where we all are free to speak our truth.

“I joined the Workshop Leader Training program because I believe in the power of storytelling to create transformation—not just for the storyteller, but for the entire community. Conversations rooted in truth and vulnerability have the ability to heal, challenge perspectives, and inspire action.”
Shaniqua Bowden, storyteller and TMI Project Workshop Leader

Stories for Freedom 2025

Our 2025 performance introduced our community to 12 new TMI Project workshop leaders, who crafted their Stories for Freedom in a 10-session TMI Project Signature Workshop – the same immersive storytelling experience they will soon be guiding others through. We believe that those who lead this work must be deeply rooted in it – by personally experiencing the transformative power of crafting a true “TMI” story and performing it on stage themselves.

2025 Storytellers

Shai Kuper

Pronouns: He/They

Shaniqua Bowden

Pronouns: She/Her

Lex

Pronouns: They/He

Sharece Johnson

Pronouns: She/Her

Angélica Medaglia Paljor

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Meghna Bhat

Pronouns: She/Her

Shaun Gills

Pronouns: She/Her

Rachel Fulginiti

Pronouns: She/Her

Achiro P. Olwoch

Pronouns: She/Her

Lily Ariel Mueller

Pronouns: They/She/He

Kat Samedova

Pronouns: She/Her

Tyler Epps

Pronouns: He/Him

2025 Performance Video coming soon

Stories for Freedom 2024

Stories for Freedom debuted in 2024, featuring a cast selected from an international call, hailing from our home in New York’s Hudson Valley, across the US, and as far afield as Kenya and South Africa.

2024 Storytellers

Photo of Makayla

Makayla Leon

Pronouns: She/They
Ashia portrait

Ashia Wilson

Pronouns: She/Her
Renae portrait

Renae Taylor

Pronouns: They/She
Jaguar portrait

Jaguar Mary X

Pronouns: They/Them
Briana protrait

Briana Parker

Pronouns: She/They
Donwell portrait

Donwell Mpofu

Pronouns: He/Him
Calief protrait

Calief Housen

Pronouns: He/Him
Angel protrait

Angel Fonseca

Pronouns: He/Him
Joan protrait

Joan Kinaro

Pronouns: She

Tyler Epps

Pronouns: He/Him

Workshop Leaders

Dara Lurie

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

“I jumped at the opportunity to participate as a storyteller in TMI Project’s first workshop and performance of #BlackStoriesMatter in early 2017 and, later that year, as a TMI Project teacher-trainee. I can’t think of more important work than helping people tell their true stories. If you think it’s simple, you should try it sometime.”

In addition to leading TMI Project workshops, Dara is an author and manuscript coach. She received a B.A. in Film & Theater from Vassar College and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. Dara grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and migrated in the early 1980s to West Berlin, Germany, where she tended bar, wrote and performed in the theater while living in different communities of squatters, Green Party activists, journalists, teachers, and social workers. Her first book, Great Space of Desire; Writing for Personal Evolution, is a memoir and creative guide for writers wishing to tell their own stories.

Eva headshot photo

Eva Tenuto

Pronoun: She/Her/Hers

“One of the most rewarding parts of working at TMI Project is seeing what storytellers look like when they step off the stage. It often looks like they’re floating out of the theater. They look taller; lighter. It’s as if something has truly been lifted. To be able to witness that over and over fills my spirit. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.”

Eva Tenuto co-founded TMI Project in 2010, spearheading a movement using true storytelling as a liberation practice for social justice. With an unwavering commitment to releasing shame and stigma through true storytelling, Eva has propelled TMI Project from her living room to the United Nations, and many places in between. Since then, she has guided thousands of people to write and share their stories.

In addition to being TMI Project’s executive director, Eva is a multi-disciplinary artist. She is the co-host of the award-winning podcast, The TMI Project Story Hour. She is the editor and director of multiple solo shows, one of which was awarded Best Comedic Script in the United Solo Festival. Her award-winning documentary shorts Vicarious Resilience, Locker Room Talk, and One Story at a Time: Celeste Lecesne have screened around the world, including at esteemed festivals like DC/DOX, Woodstock Film Festival, and GlobeDocs by The Boston Globe. Eva’s personal essays have appeared in assorted anthologies and online publications.

Eva is a sought-after speaker on topics such as storytelling, social justice, women’s leadership, recovery, and shame. She has presented at many institutions, including UN Women, Omega Institute, and A Call to Men, among others. In 2018, she had the privilege of presenting #MeToo founder Tarana Burke with the Eleanor Roosevelt Center’s Medal of Honor.

Raine Grayson

Pronouns: He/Him/His

“TMI Project does the exact kind of work that the world needs. From the moment I learned about them I wanted to contribute to the way they spread outstanding courage, community, and kindness. TMI Project makes the world a more honest, open place and I am honored to be given the chance to help foster and facilitate their mission.”

Raine Grayson is a multi-genre writer whose work focuses on exploring and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community. He specializes in social action theatre and also dabbles in academic essays and creative non-fiction. He founded “Queeries Blog” – a space for queer artists to publish their work freely. He’s worked with The TMI Project before in conjunction with the Trevor Project for “Life Lines: Queer Stories Of Survival”. He’s spoken his suicide survival story on nationally streaming platforms for Trevor Live in support of their suicide prevention chat line. His nonfiction work can be found featured at Queeries Blog, Go Magazine, The Paragon Press, Weasel Press, and soon So Say We All’s magazine “The Whole Alphabet”. His playwriting has been featured by The Playwriting Collective, The Tank, NY Madness, KIT Theatre, The Rosendale Theatre, and Virtual Theatre Collaboration. He is a recipient of the SUNY Thayer Fellowship and Patricia Kerr Ross Award for his playwriting, as well as being recognized as a runner-up for the The Playwriting Collective’s Ball Grant. If you’d like to queer up your timeline, find him on social media @rainerpism.

Support Stories for Freedom

Help us illuminate paths to freedom—one story at a time.

Stories for Freedom

Introducing a new cohort of TMI Project workshop leaders!

WHERE: Senate Garage, 4 N Front St, Kingston, NY 12401 (and online via livestream)
WHEN: Thursday, July 17, 2025
6PM: Freedom Fair
(Free food and drink, writing sessions, photo booth and offerings from local organizations)
6:45PM: Flashmob-style “freedom dance” with Eva Tenuto and Drew Andrews
7PM:  Storytelling Performance
COST: $25 suggested donation
RSVP: Required for in-person and livestream registration

This special edition of Stories for Freedom will introduce our community to the incredible individuals who make up TMI Project’s next cohort of true storytelling workshop leaders. Our workshop leaders are not only skilled facilitators – they are community members, activists, and artists with embodied experience of TMI Project’s unique storytelling methodology.

The performance will be preceded by a Freedom Fair with free food, writing sessions, photo booth, and offerings from local community organizations; as well as a flash-mob style freedom dance led by TMI Project’s executive director Eva Tenuto and executive director from Center for Creative Education, Drew Andrews.

Meet the Storytellers

Help Spread the Word

Access social media graphics, sample copy, and the press release.

Workshop Leaders

Meghna Bhat

Pronouns: She/Her

“With a strong commitment to trauma-informed and anti-oppressive values, I am eager to use storytelling to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, including survivors of gender violence and marginalized communities. Becoming a TMI Project Workshop Leader will allow me to cultivate the cultural responsiveness and values needed to create inclusive and impactful narratives.”

Shaniqua Bowden

Pronouns: She/Her

“I joined the Workshop Leader Training program because I believe in the power of storytelling to create transformation—not just for the storyteller, but for the entire community. Conversations rooted in truth and vulnerability have the ability to heal, challenge perspectives, and inspire action.”

Lex

Pronouns: They/He

“I joined the TMI Project Workshop Leader Training because I thought it would be fun, and also offer a space to learn to do deep transformational work with a lot of people.”

Tyler Epps

Pronouns: He/Him

 “I have wanted to work with TMI Project ever since I really became aware of what was happening here. I joined the Workshop Leader Training Program because I want to work with the wonderful people here, and offer what I can into that mix. It’s a beautiful privilege that I am not taking for granted.”

Rachel Fulginiti

Pronouns: She/Her

“I’m passionate about truth telling, building community and sharing stories as an act of resistance. I’ve seen the incredible work TMI Project does and the impact it makes on lives. I’m excited to enter this new chapter of my creative life with TMI Project.”

Shaun Gills

Pronouns: She/Her

“I really value the structure TMI Project provides for writers and creatives, allowing the attendee to fully immerse themselves in their own stories and discover something new. I am appreciative of the opportunity to be a student again, while also gaining the tools to help others.”

Sharece Johnson

Pronouns: She/Her

“I joined the TMI Project Workshop Leader Training program because I’m excited to be in a learning space and also looking forward to facilitating and holding space for people to be their authentic selves.”

Shai Kuper

Pronouns: He/They

“I joined TMI Project’s Workshop Leader Training to enhance my creative expressions with other like minded folks, build a network of story tellers within my communities, and to learn and unlearn mine and others’ lived experiences.”

Angélica Medaglia Paljor

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

I deeply value the true stories shared by others through their TMI Project performances. They have kindled my aspiration for helping to create an inclusive, supportive and empowering environment where the Latinx local community can share their own stories, feel safe, and strengthen their sense of belonging in the larger local community.

Lily Ariel Mueller

Pronouns: They/She/He

“Stories, and storytelling, have saved and changed my life a million times over. Supporting others in their work to tell their stories is a privilege, and a challenge, that I’m so grateful to have the chance to dive into through TMI Project.”

Achiro P. Olwoch

Pronouns: She/Her

I joined the Workshop Leader Training program to refine my ability to create engaging, inclusive learning spaces where participants feel empowered to share their voices. This program offers the perfect opportunity to grow as an educator while fostering meaningful connections through storytelling.

Kat Samedova

Pronouns: She/Her

“I’ve always been passionate about advocacy, and my time working with the TMI Project and Period Power made me realize my true potential. I couldn’t think of a group I’d rather work with.”

Dara Lurie

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

“I jumped at the opportunity to participate as a storyteller in TMI Project’s first workshop and performance of #BlackStoriesMatter in early 2017 and, later that year, as a TMI Project teacher-trainee. I can’t think of more important work than helping people tell their true stories. If you think it’s simple, you should try it sometime.”

In addition to leading TMI Project workshops, Dara is an author and manuscript coach. She received a B.A. in Film & Theater from Vassar College and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. Dara grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and migrated in the early 1980s to West Berlin, Germany, where she tended bar, wrote and performed in the theater while living in different communities of squatters, Green Party activists, journalists, teachers, and social workers. Her first book, Great Space of Desire; Writing for Personal Evolution, is a memoir and creative guide for writers wishing to tell their own stories.

Eva headshot photo

Eva Tenuto

Pronoun: She/Her/Hers

“One of the most rewarding parts of working at TMI Project is seeing what storytellers look like when they step off the stage. It often looks like they’re floating out of the theater. They look taller; lighter. It’s as if something has truly been lifted. To be able to witness that over and over fills my spirit. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.”

Eva Tenuto co-founded TMI Project in 2010, spearheading a movement using true storytelling as a liberation practice for social justice. With an unwavering commitment to releasing shame and stigma through true storytelling, Eva has propelled TMI Project from her living room to the United Nations, and many places in between. Since then, she has guided thousands of people to write and share their stories.

In addition to being TMI Project’s executive director, Eva is a multi-disciplinary artist. She is the co-host of the award-winning podcast, The TMI Project Story Hour. She is the editor and director of multiple solo shows, one of which was awarded Best Comedic Script in the United Solo Festival. Her award-winning documentary shorts Vicarious Resilience, Locker Room Talk, and One Story at a Time: Celeste Lecesne have screened around the world, including at esteemed festivals like DC/DOX, Woodstock Film Festival, and GlobeDocs by The Boston Globe. Eva’s personal essays have appeared in assorted anthologies and online publications.

Eva is a sought-after speaker on topics such as storytelling, social justice, women’s leadership, recovery, and shame. She has presented at many institutions, including UN Women, Omega Institute, and A Call to Men, among others. In 2018, she had the privilege of presenting #MeToo founder Tarana Burke with the Eleanor Roosevelt Center’s Medal of Honor.

Raine Grayson

Pronouns: He/Him/His

“TMI Project does the exact kind of work that the world needs. From the moment I learned about them I wanted to contribute to the way they spread outstanding courage, community, and kindness. TMI Project makes the world a more honest, open place and I am honored to be given the chance to help foster and facilitate their mission.”

Raine Grayson is a multi-genre writer whose work focuses on exploring and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community. He specializes in social action theatre and also dabbles in academic essays and creative non-fiction. He founded “Queeries Blog” – a space for queer artists to publish their work freely. He’s worked with The TMI Project before in conjunction with the Trevor Project for “Life Lines: Queer Stories Of Survival”. He’s spoken his suicide survival story on nationally streaming platforms for Trevor Live in support of their suicide prevention chat line. His nonfiction work can be found featured at Queeries Blog, Go Magazine, The Paragon Press, Weasel Press, and soon So Say We All’s magazine “The Whole Alphabet”. His playwriting has been featured by The Playwriting Collective, The Tank, NY Madness, KIT Theatre, The Rosendale Theatre, and Virtual Theatre Collaboration. He is a recipient of the SUNY Thayer Fellowship and Patricia Kerr Ross Award for his playwriting, as well as being recognized as a runner-up for the The Playwriting Collective’s Ball Grant. If you’d like to queer up your timeline, find him on social media @rainerpism.

Language Justice Team

Perla Ayora

Language Justice Coordinator
She/Her

Perla Ayora is a writer, ceramic artist, and comedy improviser who believes in the power of humor and storytelling to challenge society and create new ways of thinking. Originally from Yucatán, Mexico, she brings cultural insight to everything she does; whether it’s a theater play or a sculptural vase.

Perla is currently co-producing Tokens Inc., a dark comedy play about tokenism, and previously hosted the live radio show No Me Digas on Radio Kingston. She also serves as a workshop leader and language justice coordinator with TMI Project.

Now based in Austin, Texas, she splits her time between raising her kids, making art, writing plays, and dreaming up her next creative chapter.

franci

Language Justice Interpreter
They/She
franci (they/she) is a language justice consultant and practitioner, reproductive health and disabilities advocate and traditional community birthworker, who relies heavily on their curious inner child for continuous learning in Mother Earth’s abundant ecosystems. an avid admirer of sound and color, they are inspired by activists and storytellers who mirror the evolution of love as an end to language violence.

Verónica

Language Justice Interpreter
She/Her/Ella
Verónica (she/her/ella) is an immigrant woman born in Aztec territory, now known as Mexico City. She has lived in Munsee-Lenapehoking territory (Hudson Valley) for over 20 years.

Verónica has worked as a translator and interpreter for different organizations in the HV area, such as Catholic Charities of Ulster County, the City of Kingston Government, MAD Kingston, Chronogram Magazine, the Kingston Land Trust, YMCA Farm Project, Bard College, Chester Agricultural Center, Peekskill Government, Young Farmers Coalition, Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet, Scenic Hudson, among others.

Integrating the immigrant community living in the Hudson Valley into all the significant changes taking place in the area via the implementation of language justice in the various professional and community organizations with which she has had the opportunity to collaborate is a fundamental priority of her work, focusing on the needs of communities in the Hudson Valley who speak languages other than English.

In her free time, you can find her dancing salsa, crafting with botanical dyes, spending time with her family and friends, or tending to her garden bed at the YMCA Agricultural Project.

Language Justice technology is provided with the support of the Hudson Valley Farm Hub.

Program Description

Stories for Freedom is inspired by practices of liberation that have emerged from Black and Indigenous communities, and aims to challenge us all to take bold action in the disruption of systemic oppression. We believe deeply in the power of storytelling to liberate both the speaker and those who listen.

Our newest cohort of storytellers and workshop leaders are a dynamic group of people from across the country as well as our own homebase in the Hudson Valley region of New York. The group is composed of authors, visual artists, activists, educators, musicians, and scholars, all of whom use storytelling in their work to build a world where we all are free to speak our truths.

True storytelling workshops are the cornerstone of our work at TMI Project. We believe that those who lead this work must be deeply rooted in it – by personally experiencing the transformative power of crafting a true “TMI” story and performing it on stage themselves.

Having spent 10 weeks in training, our future workshop leaders are ready to courageously perform their personal narratives and step into leadership to support others who want to share their stories.

Attention: Some automatic responses to parts of the ticket registration are only available in English. If you need any assistance in purchasing tickets in Spanish, please contact perla@tmiproject.org

Program Partners

Sponsors

Want to be a Stories for Freedom Partner?

There are a few ways you can partner with TMI Project to change the world, one story at a time.

Table at our Freedom Fair: 

Represent your organization at our first ever Freedom Fair from 6-7 at The Senate Garage before the show.
Limited spots available – first come, first serve!

Host of Viewing Party:

Provide free programming for your community by hosting a FREE screening of this Stories for Freedom performance!

 

Sign up here to watch Stories for Freedom.

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