The world has a complex history with queerness and it has complicated how LGBTQIA+ PoC people navigate various spaces. Often narratives of violence, discrimination, stigma, and misrepresentation are part of the daily experiences of a majority of the community. Moreover, structures such as colonialism, religion, and legislation have made it difficult for members of the community to just be who they are. The creation of safe spaces that welcome LGBTQIA+ PoC are a welcomed and wonderful relief.
Here is a list of LGBTQIA+ organisations that have created places of safety and celebration for LGBTQIA+ PoC in Africa, as well as the African diaspora:
The first legally recognised transgender district takes space on six blocks in the southeastern neighbourhood of Tenderloin in San Francisco, USA. It was founded by Aria Sa’id, Honey Mahogany, and Janetta Johnson in 2017.
The space has been created to inspire economic advancement, leadership development, and community for trans people. The atmosphere is designed to celebrate and affirm the ongoing presence, resilience, contributions, and culture of trans people.
13. Harpies
The first LGBTQIA+ strip club in the UK was established in 2019. Harpies features dancers across a spectrum of gender and sexualities, with a spotlight on transgender strippers. The hope for this establishment is to be a beacon of light for love and sex for all trans identifying people and their admirers.
The purpose for the space founded by Lucia Blayke and Jeanie Crystal is to empower trans people and put money back into their community.
12. The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Colour Network (NQTTCN)
NQTTCN was created to transform mental health for QTPoC.
The digital seeds of the network were initially planted in 2015 by Erica Woodland. In 2016, the network physically manifested itself in California, USA by creating actual spaces for the community and providing resource and skill sharing, training and leadership development through local and regional meetings, and national convenings. The site has a mental health fund dedicated to providing financial support for QTPoC.
11. Black Remote She
This website launched by Jasmine T Jacobs is a progressive system of job sharing for Black, queer, trans, and non binary womxn, and allies.
The job opportunities shared are from companies, organisations, and employers committed to maintaining safe, equitable, and inclusive work environments.
10. Exist Loudly
Notably in 2019, the organisation created Queer Black Christmas, which is an annual celebration of the Christmas holiday that prioritises Black LGBTQIA+ youth living in the UK that are estranged from family, experiencing homelessness, or living in temporary accommodation.
9. FEMMEPREMACY
This monthly queer dance party exists to centre Black femmes of colour and the people that love them.
The foundation of this space is built on the rejection of mainstream beauty standards. Radical acceptance of raw beauty, “be it ratchet or refined”, is celebrated at these events to remind every participant of “the power with each twerk, sip, and hair flip.”
The event was founded by Shayna Janelle in 2014. It is hosted in New York City, USA, and alongside parties, FEMMNEPREMACY hosts workshops and other events for the community.
8. BBZ (Bold Brazen Zamis OR Babes)
Put simply this space is for “those of us who feel drained by Babylon and need a likkle revival to wade through all the f*****y”.
Founded by Tia Simon and Naeem Davis, BBZ is the ever-evolving curatorial and creative production collective of seven queer Black artists born, raised, and based in South East London with roots in nightlife and clubbing culture.
Their work prioritises queer womxn, trans folk, nonbinary PoC through physical and online platforms. They explore experiential practices with interactive installations, sound, poetry, film, photography, group shows, and more. They provide services such as DJing, art curation, cultural consultancy, effective partnerships, event production, and visual and audio content.
In essence, their work is structured to challenge institutionalised behaviours in order to diversify and include the LGBTQIA+ PoC community, and democratise access to public institutions.
7. Pxssy Palace
Pxssy Palace prides itself on being intentional with catering to the needs and wants of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community when they are at a party. You can expect to see a taxi fund, gender neutral toilets, and even a sanctuary for those who need to take a breather from the party. They also have a buddy system and are wheelchair accessible. Their thoughtfulness is truly endless.
The value of a home cooked meal is priceless. Considering the global hunger crisis and food insecurity that Black trans, non binary, and gender nonconforming people experience, Ianne Fields Stewart founded this project in New York City, USA.
Since 2018, the Okra Project has been freely distributing delicious and nutritious home cooked meals that are culturally specific to the community. The project also provides services such as meal preparation, food delivery, monetary support, and mental health funds.
Navigating the world as a Black trans womxn has been riddled with multilayered experiences of violence and hostility.
Devin Michael Lowe founded a team in New York City, USA, in 2019 that access safer travel options for Black trans womxn. The fund provides financial and material resources needed to ensure a sense of safety and wellness for this community.
Black queer art matters and deserves to be treated with rigorous standards, critique, and respect thus the creation of a digital art collective and platform that celebrates marginalised artists has been warmly welcomed.
Founded in 2015 by Mars and Sage Adams, Art Hoe Collective has grown in members and contributors. The inclusive and accessible digital space showcases and elevates art created by QTPoC.
The platform has made microgrants accessible for artists during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist with projects and living expenses.
Important Note: The inclusion of space spaces in Africa comes with great caution due to the severe persecution of LGBTQIA+ people on the continent. However there are safe spaces, specifically in South Africa, that make themselves public:
3. Pussy Party
Initially founded in 2016 by Phatstoki and Rosie Parade as a monthly party and series of DJ workshops, Pussy Party has grown to be a collective of queer and womxn DJs that occupy noteworthy spaces in the club culture of Johannesburg, South Africa.
The collective encompasses a sustaining community of artists and ‘party girls’ of all genders. They are a body-positive, pro-pleasure movement that prioritises radical self-love and freedom of movement, centred around nightlife and club culture.
This culture redefining, norm shifting, proclamation on Johannesburg’s nightlife scene draws inspiration from the film, Paris is Burning, and creates a place to celebrate the city’s queer people in a safe space.
Founded by Zane Lelo Meslani in 2018, Vogue Nights Jozi is an inclusive movement for dance, music and fashion.
This collection of curated and inclusive experiences is designed for queer people and allies to connect, celebrate, and dance in rainbows in Johannesburg.
With an outdoor movie experience, brunch, and a sundowners event, founder Landa Willie strives to create moments of joy for the LGBTQIA+ community.