An estimated 1 percent of adults live with the speech disability referred to as stuttering worldwide, which translates to over 8,500 San Franciscans living with a stutter.

In partnership with SF Transit Month, Proud Stutter and Booksmith are proud to present a special event that puts a spotlight on stuttering and verbal diversity. In “Stuttering Stories Across San Francisco,” hear from people who stutter living and working in San Francisco talking about their stuttering experience and how we can all collaborate to understand that stuttering is just a different way of talking.

PLEASE NOTE: Advance sales for this event have ended, but we will have seats available at the door.

Panelists include:

Dustin Wells, MUNI Driver

Nina G, comedian

Sebastian Scala, owner of Tony Nik’s

Maya Chupkov, Proud Stutter (moderator)

Proud Stutter aims to shift societal views on stuttering where the very idea of “normal” speech is undone. By building a more inclusive and visionary narrative and effectively communicating core assumptions that will help society understand stuttering as just a different way of speaking, not something that has to be fixed – Proud Stutter’s goal is create a world where people who stutter feel safe and empowered to be unapologetically themselves.

Please note:

• Safety: ID and proof of full vaccination, including booster, will be required at the door. Masks will be required throughout the duration of the event, capacity will be limited to allow indoor distancing, and we'll have extra ventilation in place. 
• Because we’re limiting capacity, we can't guarantee we'll have space for walk-ins. The best way to ensure you’ll get a seat is to order a ticket through this link.
• If we feel it is not safe to gather, as the event gets closer, we will pivot to a virtual event and your registration will remain valid.
• Questions? Write [email protected].

About the speakers

Dustin Wells (pictured above, right) has been operating SF MUNI vehicles for over four years. Originally from rural Pennsylvania, he has lived in Virginia, South Dakota, New Orleans, Utah, and Nevada before falling in love with San Francisco. He and his two teenage daughters live in Bayview.

Sebastian Scala (above, center) is a lifelong stutterer. He graduated from SF State University. He is the owner of Tony Niks Cafe in North Beach. He is avidly involved in youth sports where he coaches baseball, volleyball and basketball. He lives in North Beach with his wife Mary, his son Giuseppe, his daughter Savona and beloved dog Chip. 

Nina G (above, left) is the San Francisco Bay Area's favorite female stuttering stand up comedian (granted she is the only one). She is also a disability activist and writer. She is the author of three books: Bay Area Stand-Up Comedy: A Humorous History, Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn't Happen and children’s book, Once Upon An Accommodation: A Book About Learning Disabilities, that helps children and adults advocate for their rights as a person with a Disability.

Maya Chupkov (moderator, pictured to your right) is Host & Producer of Proud Stutter, a podcast and advocacy organization. She is also Media & Democracy Program Manager at California Common Cause where she advocates for a free and independent press in California. Maya is a proud person who stutters and is committed to building a world where people who stutter feel safe to be unapologetically themselves.

Please note:

• Safety: ID and proof of full vaccination, including booster, will be required at the door. Masks will be required throughout the duration of the event, capacity will be limited to allow indoor distancing, and we'll have extra ventilation in place. 
• Because we’re limiting capacity, we can't guarantee we'll have space for walk-ins. The best way to ensure you’ll get a seat is to order a ticket through this link.
• If we feel it is not safe to gather, as the event gets closer, we will pivot to a virtual event and your registration will remain valid.
• Questions? Write [email protected].