RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2023
Kitoko Mai
Kitoko Mai is a queer, Black, non-binary, disabled, multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and facilitator with a penchant for developing socially conscious work that draws from lived experiences. Their work is rooted in anti-oppression, accessibility, and femme aesthetics. Their most recent work, in which they were a co-writer, lead performer, and co-producer, Thriving: A Dissociated Reverie, was selected for screening as part of the shorts program at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Kitoko is also a member of the Literal Bimbo’s collective, creating DIY zines by and for sex-workers. Kitoko has also produced several independent theatre pieces and they currently have scripted and unscripted TV projects at different stages of development. You can learn more about them at https://www.kitoko.ca/ or follow them on instagram at @kitokomai.
Learn More
After an extensive search and interview process, 20 individuals were invited to participate in the Virtual Cohort of RespectAbility’s 2023 Entertainment Lab taking place August 14 – September 21, 2023. This 6-week Lab aims to develop and elevate the talent pipeline of disabled entertainment professionals working behind-the-scenes in television, film, and streaming, while connecting them with industry professionals and creatives. Participants include people with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health, other disabilities, and multiple disabilities ranging in age from the 20s through the 50s. The Lab is a recipient of The Roddenberry Foundation Impact Award and is made possible with support from The Harnisch Foundation and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Charitable Trust.
