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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…
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READ: THE ROAD TO THE FUTURE
The close of 2024’s LGBTQ History Month is a good time to reflect … there remains work to do to join the dots, so that we can resist the erasure of Black folk from LGBTQ histories, and LGBTQ folk from Black histories.
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invitation to clubland
How can we create sustainable, affirming, and transformative spaces that enable us to live our best lives? AN INVITATION TO CLUBLAND is our proposal for funding and partnerships that will make space for us to connect, create and care 2024-2029
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READ: Visibility, vulnerability, and individualism (part two)
Audiences have a role to play in theatre beyond consumers, it is one of the distinguishing features of the art form. Merely noting our discomfort, using outrage to avoid facing our trauma, blaming the artist for ‘washing our dirty linen in public’, or heading for the exit and the uneasy comfort of temporary safety, feel…
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READ: Visibility, vulnerability, and individualism
One man’s journey to selfhood, Jackson’s play recounts the tale of Usher, a Black queer everyman writing a musical about a Black queer man writing a musical. A Strange Loop does what great theatre can – connects its audience to the characters’ humanity, and through them, helps us to understand our own humanity better.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Read: CLIMATE & RACIAL JUSTICE REQUIRE AN END TO GASLIGHTING
At COP26 there was much discussion of the short-term sacrifices required for global gain. If we fail to shift taken-for-granted paradigms, we will find our resources depleted and our humanity at risk. Whether persistent racism or climate emergency – it’s beyond time to end the gaslighting.
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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
Download the report of BLKOUT’s 2021 community led research project ‘In The Picture’
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Event: Black Gay Pride Worldwide
Global Black Gay Men Connect (GBGMC), in partnership with Grindr, are hosting a global virtual Black Gay Pride Event on Friday 10 July 2020.
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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.
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View: Best of the BLM LDN Protests
Resist. Relate. Unite – Black Lives Matter London June 2020 Gallery and report
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Read: We see you and your Black life matters
International attention is focused on the ways in which racism kills Black people; at the hands of police or as a result of the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has an impact beyond the individual experiences of tragedy for Black people. Here sexual violence adviser, Calvin Stovell, reflects on the impact he has already…
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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…
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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
Black queer men: write, film or photograph for BLKOUTUK.com