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WELCOME TO THE BLKOUTUK BLOG
We created the BLKOUT_UK BLOG as a space for us to think, shout, show off, curse, celebrate, laugh, reflect and share. Our own space to hear and be heard, beyond the empty rhetoric of ‘representation’ or ‘clout’, Black queer men, if you’ve got something you want to say to other Black queer men, this is the platform!
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READ: KNOW YOUR PLACE?
Together with members and friends we explored the past, present and future of Black queer spaces in London, with online and in person events over LGBT+ History Month. Here’s what we learned … #makingspaceforus
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READ: RENAISSANCE? THE TIME IS NOW
When asked what obstacles exist for those seeking to create Black Queer spaces at our ‘A Place For Us?’ event last month, Akeil from Queer Bruk stated simply, ‘We have to turn up for each other’. If we believe that a Black queer renaissance is possible, it seems to be a basic requirement. Here are some suggestions of things we can do, starting this week. The time is now.
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LONG READ: A RENAISSANCE OF OUR OWN?
Is 2023 when we start to be at the centre of our own narratives, creating spaces in our image and in response to our needs? Are we ready? Join us online for part 2 of our #placeforus conversation at 7pm TONIGHT Feb 15 link.outsavvy.com/aplaceforus
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EVENT: A Place for Us? Black, Queer, Where?
What is it that we pass along to them or do they, too, need to start from scratch? Joseph Beam, Making Ourselves From Scratch, Brother To Brother Sexile is the latest descriptor I have seen for the phenomenon. The enduring attraction of the city to the ready-to-cross-boundaries queer person. There are versions of this story […]
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LISTEN: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY
When we forget that the way it is, is not the way it has to be, we give up our power over the future Have your say on how Londoners can hold their police service to account
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TAKE PART: In My Mind Conference Correspondents
Be one of our UK conference correspondents Contact us to join the online conference live, or sign up to view the recorded proceedings
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WATCH: INVESTMENT IN US – a community accelerated
At the start of Black History Month, we are looking forward. Making history, taking action. Take 10 minutes to reflect with us on what the future could hold as we set out our vision for the future – the BLKOUT Community Accelerator
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EVENT: VOICES @ IN MY MIND 2022 FOCUS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OLDER LGBTQ+ POC
On the 7th October 2022, Antoine D Craigwell will open the 8th ‘In My Mind Conference’ on the mental health and wellness of LGBTQ+ People of Colour. This year, the focus is on older SGL people.
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GALLERY: PASTORAL PICNIC PLEASURES
Check out the picnic pics from last Sunday’s pastoral pleasures in London’s Regent’s Park. Beautiful People! Next Sunday our parklife continues as we celebrate at UK Black Pride. See you there!
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ENTER: TRY THE BLACK EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE THIS AUGUST
The Black Experience is a unique summer camping experience for and by Black bi, gay and/or trans men over 25. Recognising it’s been a tough year for many they’re offering opportunities to join the fun, apply for support or enter a competition to win a 50% newbie discount
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EVENT: BLKOUTSIDE – SUMMER PICNIC 31 JULY
Revealed . . . the best dressed theme for our summer picnic. Get into it! Come and do it in the park with us on 31st July
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Long Read: Counted As Warriors?
50 Years of Gay Pride matched by 50 years of failure among movements for racial justice in the UK to see that none of us are free until we are all free
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CELEBRATE: ARISE SIR ISAAC
Congratulations, Sir Isaac Julien! Well deserved recognition of your contribution to film and visual arts, thank you for the ongoing inspiration
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UPDATE: SHOP BLKOUT RENEWED
This Pride Month, say it with your chest! Check out the new SHOP BLKOUT and celebrate Black British Queer lives while raising funds to support BLKOUTUK’s mission #makingspaceforus
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EVENT: HARD PRESSED PANEL @ BRUNCH: POWER EDITION
In small ways and large, we can do different than society tells us – especially when society fails us with a depressing regularity. Applying a radical imagination to our situation means being willing to change what may appear to be insignificant in practice; rejecting them because they reinforce systems that we intend to dismantle
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LISTEN: LOVE MANY WAYS/HARD PRESSED
At Black Men Who Brunch in April, we celebrated the arrival of Spring by adopting the theme of ‘Love’ as inspiration for our discussions and activities. Listen in to the powerful discussion from the #HardPressed panellists, and check out the Love Many Ways playlist
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EVENT: GET AWAY, TAKE UP SPACE & EXPRESS YOURSELF
After what has been a(nother) challenging week for social justice in the UK, it is a pleasure to be able to share with you some exciting, good news. A get away Those of you who have been able to resist the lure of foreign travel today, if you are anything like me, will be largely […]
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LONG READ: A DREAM NO LONGER ON MUTE
The future of BLKOUT_UK Consultation opens NYD and lasts all of January. Here’s your chance to show us how Black queer men can continue #makingspaceforus
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READ: THE DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
BLKOUTUK marks 2021 #JosephBeamDay with a special edition of Hard Pressed and an open call to Black Queer Men to share their views
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Read: CLIMATE & RACIAL JUSTICE REQUIRE AN END TO GASLIGHTING
One of the many lessons we can take from the past couple of years is how we begin to deal with the persistent gap between the rhetoric about racism and the reality of persistent racist practice that leads to worse outcomes for Black people. Whatever the gap, Black Lives STILL matter
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LISTEN: PEARL’S MIXTAPE STORIES 1 – YOUNG LLOYD
We’re collating a mixtape with a song for each year since Pearl’s dooors closed in 1981 that filled dancefloors on London’s Black queer scene. ‘Mixtape Stories’ hears directly from community members about the tunes that they remember, and the memories they evoke.
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VIEW: PEARL’S GOES WEST – THE START OF HOMECOMING
A great start to #PearlsReturn – the pics and a smartphone video from the ballroom uprising in Brixton Market – Pearl’s Goes West
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REPORT: IN THE PICTURE
CLICK COVER TO READ THE REPORT
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self-care: breathe846.org – reclaim time from racism
One month since the police killing of George Floyd, we invite you to reflect, re-focus and recharge – racism is exhausting, racism is traumatic, at breathe846 choose from the 10 ways to take control, relax and breathe – all especially designed by our partners for you.
Black queer men: write, film or photograph for BLKOUTUK.com