ABOUT
For and By Black Queer Men
"Without community, there is no liberation"
Core Mission
BLKOUT is the Black Queer Men's Liberation Collective. We host gatherings, build space for dialogue, and create community-owned technology for the health, wealth and happiness of Black gay, bi and trans men across the UK. Through local chapters, cooperative membership, creative events, shared learning, and digital media, we turn connection into individual well-being and collective power — owned by and accountable to the people we serve.
Fair Creator Compensation
As a Community Benefit Society with asset lock, any profits are reinvested in the community. Creators receive fair compensation at rates agreed through democratic governance. Creators have a say in where 75% of profits are reinvested: mutual aid, diaspora support, and creative enterprise.
Democratic Governance
One-member-one-vote community governance with transparent decision-making processes. No corporate board overrides - community decisions are technically binding.
Transparent Leadership
True to our values of transparency and accountability, we believe you should know who's behind BLKOUT and what drives our work. Leadership isn't about hierarchy—it's about responsibility to the community.
Dr Rob Berkeley
Site Editor & Creator
Award-winning busybody and recovering academic, Dr Rob Berkeley leads the development of BLKOUT Media. He was director of the racial justice think-tank, Runnymede Trust (2009-14) — the youngest director in its fifty-year history — before a stint at the BBC advising on media strategy and audience accountability. He chairs the Doc Society Charitable Trust and serves on the boards of Stanley Arts (SE25) and the Black Boy Joy Club CIC; formerly he served on the boards of Stonewall, the Baring Foundation (as Vice-Chair), and Riverside Studios. A writer and researcher, his work appears in The Guardian, The Independent, and short-form documentary. Rob was awarded an MBE in 2015 for services to equality and human rights.
Why we share this: Transparency builds trust. You have a right to know who makes decisions that affect your community experience.
Accountability: Questions, feedback, or concerns can be directed to the community governance processes or through our democratic decision-making channels.
🌟 Our Transparency Commitments
- • Open-source platform development
- • Public financial reporting for Community Benefit Society
- • Democratic governance processes with community oversight
- • Regular community feedback sessions and accountability check-ins
⚖️ Accountability Mechanisms
- • Community governance board with elected representatives
- • Annual general meetings open to all community members
- • Transparent decision-making processes and community voting
- • Clear channels for community concerns and feedback
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PRACTICES?
Transparency is fundamental to liberation. If you have questions about any of our practices, policies, or technical implementations, we're committed to providing clear answers.