Unbox Me Activity:
- Description: The idea of the “Unbox Me Activity” came from a transgender visibility campaign launched by UNAIDS, The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS. The original campaign was inspired by the Indian children’s tradition of keeping a box of things that they cherish, and the campaign asked transgender adults to recreate these boxes to tell stories about their sexuality and gender identity.
- The Trans Teen Project is inspired by the UNAIDS campaign, and recognizes that the campaign’s message of inclusivity and acceptance is universal. The “Unbox Me Activity” similarly asks all LGBTQIA+, questioning and allied students to prepare a box with items that are important to them. The activity intends to shed light on these often untold stories and use them as a way to call for inclusion and acceptance.
- The Trans Teen Project is producing an “Unbox Me Activity — Short Documentary Film.” The film is intended to document the process of creating the “Unbox Me Activity” and weave all the video submissions from teenagers into a complete and cohesive story. The documentary film will premiere on our official website and possibly on other social media platforms.
- For: Both middle school and high school students.
- Task: Do you have any untold stories and experiences that shaped your life in a meaningful way? For this activity, prepare a few items that can tell a story about you, your sexuality, and gender identities. It can be anything such as books, accessories, or a piece of clothing. Or it can be something intangible, such as a quote or a story. After you have decided on the items, put them in a box or bag. Record a video of you unpacking the box or bag, and use these items to share your unique story.
- Video submission guidelines:
- Please fill out this Video Consent Form along with your video. This form will ask for your and your legal guardian’s signature for us to use your videos in the “Unbox Me Activity —Documentary Film”.
- Video-Consent Form
- Length: within 3 minutes
- Video format requirement: Video recorded with the front camera of an electronic device such as a phone, iPad, or computer is all acceptable. Please convert the file format into MP4 or MOV when you submit.
- Include 2 to 3 items, and prepare a short script about why these items are meaningful to you. Start the video by introducing yourself briefly, and pull out your items one at a time and explain them along with your stories. For students who do not wish to show their faces in the video, we still encourage you to record your unboxing process. You can use a tripod or other tools to help set up the desired camera angle. If you have any trouble accessing cameras or other difficulties, please reach out to us at qytftransteenproject@gmail.com
- Example script:
- Hello, my name is______ and my pronouns are _____. Here is my Unbox Me Activity video. The first item that I am introducing is_______This item is meaningful to me because _____________This item also signifies____________. My second item is____________. The story behind this item is___________.