We Are All The Same Inside - The Blog

Last week I had the most heartwarming evening at Ali Formey Foundation, creating We Are All the Same Inside ® Sage dolls! So appreciative to The Trevor Project for reconnecting me to Carl Siciliano Ari Salaam and Steve Cruz for this workshop manifested. This project has been simmering on my back burner for about 15 years. I've always wanted to find a way to use this human diversity tool of tolerance - creating these, symbolic Sage dolls - to connect with young LGTBQ+ people, especially those facing challenges. And last week, it finally happened! Volunteering my time, I felt a sense of déjà vu. It felt remarkably similar to my time teaching at Hunter Elementary School, one of my favorite jobs as an art teacher before transitioning to higher education. There was that same spark of creativity, the joy of seeing minds engage, and the profound satisfaction of witnessing self-expression unfold. These teens, facing obstacles, poured their hearts and souls into their Sage dolls. Each stitch, each bead, each carefully chosen color, told a story of resilience, hope, and the inherent beauty within. The We Are All the Same Inside ® Sage doll-making philosophy, embodied in these dolls, resonated deeply. It's a reminder that beneath the surface, we all share common ground, regardless of our backgrounds or the challenges we face. That evening was a true testament to the power of doll art, connection, and the human spirit. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and inspired to continue finding ways to use my skills to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. If you'd like to learn more about the Ali Formey Foundation please visit their website: https://www.aliforneycenter.org/