Ever felt like your story didn’t matter? It does. It always has. I believe in a world where LGBTQ people author their own histories—in families, in spaces, in life—and where those stories are never lost again. I’ve created an 8-hour guided LGBTQ memoir cohort where people transform lived experience into written legacy, in community and with care. We Were Here exists to preserve, honor, and activate LGBTQ+ lived experiences through structured memoir writing, collective witnessing, and intergenerational storykeeping.
Our core values:
Story as legacy
Writing as liberation
Community as archive
Care as pedagogy
Joy as resistance
- This is a space for truth-telling, not perfect writing.
- You are never required to share.
- You may write to the edge of your comfort—not into harm.
- We witness. We do not fix, save, or advise.”
We Were Here: Writing Ourselves into History documents your lived experience; creates new first-time writers; and preserves community history.
This is primarily for older LGBTQ+ first time and experienced writers though people of all ages are welcome.
TWO PROGRAMS
- 1-hour class as a preview for the 8-hour retreat.
You don’t need to be a writer to start. You only need a life worth telling.
- 8-hour writing retreat where LGBTQ people map their lives, tell their stories, and create a living archive of their experiences. Your memoir becomes your work in progress.
Not ready for a full 8 hours yet? Start with the on-line free 1- hour class. If this works for you, perhaps you’ll join us for the 8-hour online writing retreat.
Free 1-hour class:
- Date: March 26, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM Pacific time
To register for this 1-hour class simply send an email to Ronni at ronnisanlo@gmail.com.
The 8-hour writing retreat:
- Date: April 23rd
- Time: 8:00 AM to 5 PM Pacific time
The cost is a sliding scale between $50 and $200. Pay as you’re able.
There are two scholarship seats available. Please contact Ronni about them.
To Register for the retreat, email Ronni at ronnisanlo@gmail.com
You may pay by:
Zelle – 3105085963, Ronni Sanlo
Venmo – 3105085963, Ronni Sanlo
or Check to Dr. Ronni Sanlo, 1271 Solana Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262
There comes a time when we feel the call to gather the pieces of our lives—not to summarize them, but to understand their meaning. This is a guided, carefully held 8-hour writing circle where your memories, your voice, and your lived history are honored. You do not need to be a writer. You only need to have lived. Together we will move through powerful memory prompts, short writing sessions, optional sharing, and deep witnessing in a space that is slow, intentional, and affirming.
Live on Zoom. Come as you are, camera on or off, writing from the place that feels most comfortable to you. LGBTQ lives are not footnotes. We are the record.
Write your life. Witness your truth. Preserve your legacy.
We Were Here: Writing Ourselves into History
Testimonials from two LIVE presentations, August 2020:
Thank you for opening up hearts and minds to the history and information presented tonight.
—Paige Conner
Excellent. Thank you for such a well thought out presentation.
—Jennifer Abod
What a great presentation!
—Kate Ullman
Valuable information to share with educators, friends, and other allies. Thank you!
—Gerri Spinella
That workshop was wonderful. It was obvious how much work you put into it. Lots of important info.
—Anonymous
Thank you for having the difficult conversation. Most people would rather slit their wrists than approach the subject of Race. Seriously, when I see these two words “White Ally,” I see you.
—Shirelle Alexander