The West Hollywood Slam Team delivers high energy spoken word performance that ranges from hilarious to searing, bringing perspectives from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum to deliver an inspiring message of inclusion and empowerment. The West Hollywood team is not only the first slam team in WeHo, it’s the first all Queer/Non-Binary/Non-Labeled Slam Team in North America. For years, slam has typically been dominated by heterosexual and cis narratives, with one or two members representing the LGBTQ community. The West Hollywood Slam Team steps forth, proudly, as the first all-inclusive team to prioritize LGBTQ issues and culture as well as regularly center sexual orientation and gender.

With choreography as intricate as the poetry and group pieces that dissect issues from multiple voices and experiences, the team explores themes of sexuality, race, gender, culture, empowerment, coming out, relationships, addiction, and chosen family.

The West Hollywood Slam Team was formed by West Hollywood Poet Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace and Brave New Voices Slam Coach Nate Lovell. They are joined by Lambda Literary Award Finalist Meliza “Missy Fuego” Bañales, Nuyorican Slam Champion Dan “Pastiche Queen” Lovato, OC Slam Champion Tee Gardiner, and Get Lit - Words Ignite Poet Raul Herrera. Together, the team have WON The Chill List Invitational Slam, been FINALISTS at the national Bigfoot Poetry Slam, and been recognized by the Mayor as cultural ambassadors.

The team is available to perform a curated 90-minute show of polished, award-winning pieces, to headline and host local slam competitions (including helping you understand how to create one!), and to lead classes and workshops in writing for all ages.