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The Starseed Circus

A gender-affirming youth empowerment program for LGBTQ+ youth and their chosen allies ages 12-18. We use circus skills to promote life skills in a safe space where youth build confidence and community. Programs culminate in youth-driven workshops and performances.

Participants are never required to perform.

Help us meet our dollar-to-dollar goal!

A generous donor has pledged to match every dollar donated up to $5000 to support the 2025 season launch! Please help us keep our programming free and accessible to all! 


Starseed Circus (aka TGE Youth Circus Project) is committed to providing free programming to break down access barriers. Your generous tax-deductible donation in ANY AMOUNT will go towards supporting our mission to create safe spaces where ALL youth find opportunities uplift each other and their community. 

RISE UP: WALK TALL! in 2025

We're back in 2025 with another unique opportunity for youth to rise above everyday life! Participants will learn to walk, dance, run, and play games on stilts, intermingled with opportunities to learn to juggle. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a fashion costume designer to create a unique look to wear at community events throughout Pride month.*
 

*We acknowledge the challenges we will all face with the administrative changes in the US govt in January and are considering options for culminating events. Our mission is to provide a safe space for youth to build community and develop trust in themselves, their bodies, and each other, and find their voice. To serve that mission, in 2025 we will let the youth decide what our culminating events should be, and how we will show up. 

 

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This form can be completed by youth or adult. A waiver signed by legal guardian is required on first day of participation.  

When & Where:

Saturdays 11am-1pm

CENTRAL: (Middletown) Feb 8, 22 / Mar 8 & 22, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17.
SOUTH (New Haven Area): Feb 1 & 15 / Mar 1, 15, & 29 / April 12 & 26 / May 10
COMBINED: May 24, 31, & June 7 Location TBD by Starseed youth, might be Pride events. 

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This is a drop-in program, optional participation on all dates.

Participants are invited to attend classes in one or both locations. Exact locations will be provided to registered participants.

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Participation Agreements:​
Participants are not required to participate in community events or parades, but anyone who wants to walk on stilts at an event must commit to the following: â€‹

  • Attend at least two dates each month or six dates total before May 17. (Some exceptions will apply.)

  • Walk independently by May 17 (no exceptions)​

Any participants who aren't independent have the option to join us on the ground. 
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Registration can be completed by youth or adult as long as a waiver completed and signed by legal guardian is provided on the first day of participation. â€‹â€‹â€‹

 

Questions? cynthia@circusmoves.com

A circle of connected hands with different skin tones. Age and gender is ambiguous.

THERE'S NO TRICK

Learning circus is more than fooling around. It is a non-competitive physical activity that helps youth develop a positive relationship with their bodies through balance, physical strength, and healthy risk-taking. In circus class, youth gain self-confidence and leadership skills, practice teamwork and mutual respect, develop trust in themselves and others, and explore their unique self-expression and empowered voice in a safe and supportive space.

PRIVACY

We take the safety and privacy of all of our youth very seriously.

 

- No photos/videos are posted without express permission from both the parent/guardian AND the youth participant.

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- Program location is disclosed only to registered participants.

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- Participants are not required to perform or participate in events or activities outside of weekly classes. 

ATTENDANCE

A key element in this program is creating a cohesive group with strong sense of trust, connection, and support. Consistent participation is key to achieving this goal. 

Each week is curated with different outcomes in mind, some for individual empowerment and self-confidence, others for team-building and social connection. It is a scaffolded approach to community building! 

FEES

Starseed Circus (aka TGE Youth Circus Project) is committed to keeping our programming free and accessible for all. Your generous tax-deductible donation in ANY AMOUNT will go towards supporting our mission to create safe spaces where youth uplift each other and their community. 

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