ASL school Visually Speaking (@visuallyspeakingseattle) is hosting a Sign-A-Raoke event the day after Valentine’s day to celebrate love! The event will be held at The Crescent Lounge in Capitol Hill, the oldest gay karaoke bar in Seattle. In addition to the seven screens that show the karaoke lyrics, there will be ASL interpreters on the stage to ensure inclusivity for all attendees. Signers of all levels are welcome (21+!)

Kellie from Visually Speaking points out that karaoke is inclusive by nature: “seeing the lyrics to favorite songs on the screen is … a form of access, particularly for those with hearing challenges.” Having lyrics available on screens means that more people can enjoy music in a communal setting, which can be such an empowering and exhilarating experience.

Sing-A-Raoke is an opportunity for members of the ASL community to connect—Kellie says that former Visually Speaking students often ask where they can practice signing after they completed their classes. This event is also meant to be a safe and welcoming environment for both disabled and queer folks. In Kellie’s words, gathering in such spaces allows us to “uplift each other as humans.”

Event details
Day: Thursday, February 15th
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Place: The Crescent Lounge (@crescent.lounge)
1413 E Olive Way, Seattle

Visually Speaking offers both online and in-person beginner ASL classes. They also have classes intended for the LGBTQ+ community specifically.