The focus for Black History Month and beyond will centre on Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans+ people within the community. Here at Consortium, we will be focusing on 'Black LGBT+ Joy & concentrating on the importance of Intersectionality.'
Intersectionality - A poem, by T
A poem, written specially for us on the occasion of Black History Month, by T from one of our member groups Free2B
Black History Month Blog
Written by Camillea (they/them), Consortium's Racial Justice Engagement Officer.
“We said it, you thought it!” Just two bros on the same journey, at the different times with a lot of (T)ea to spill. #ttime #ttimepodcast
The Poetry of Audre Lorde
A self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia.
Busy Being Black on Apple Podcasts
Busy Being Black with Josh Rivers is the podcast exploring how we live in the fullness of our queer Black lives.
Akwaeke Emezi’s Art and Literature
Akwaeke Emezi’s work includes the captivating and heart-wrenching book “The Death of Vivek Oji” which comes warmly recommended by anyone who reads it.
“Their art practice is located in the metaphysics of Black spirit and uses video, performance, writing, and sculpture to create rituals processing their embodiment as a nonhuman entity/an ogbanje/a deity's child.”
Showcasing our Members
African Rainbow Family
African Rainbow Family is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender intersexual and queer (LGBTIQ) people of African heritage and wider Black Asian Minority Ethnic groups. They say:
"Black History Month means to us, celebrating the rich history and culture of Black people. It's a time to reflect more on progress made on decolonisation of Black people and unleash our potentials!"
Black Beetle Health promotes health, wellbeing and equality for LGBTQ+ communities of colour by shedding light on health disparities amongst these communities. They produce resources and signpost to appropriate services and support.
“At Black Beetle Health we think that Black history month is a time for us to reflect on the present and the future possibilities of our people. It is a celebration of our contributions to British History and part of the journey to reclaiming our history and celebrating our achievements.”
Black Out UK is a not-for-profit social enterprise run and owned by a volunteer collective of Black gay men.
They mobilise Black gay/bi and/or trans men of African descent in the UK to address shared challenges, create a platform for their voices, build networks to support their aspirations and play a more active role in their communities.
House of Rainbow works to create a safer and more inclusive community for Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) LGBT+ people of faith.
HoR provides a range of services including asylum seekers’ support, sexual health, counselling and pastoral care. The organisation was founded by Rev’d Jide Macauley.
Living Free UK supports and validates the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ Africans, people seeking asylum, and refugees.
They provide safe spaces for LGBTIQ+ Africans and people seeking asylum to meet and host a YouTube show to dispel the myths around African Queerness and mental health.
Kim Tatum is a Singer, Actress and Director of Mzz Kimberley's LIFE, a production company giving a platform to Trans people.
“BHM means to me, a time to reflect, celebrate and converse a sense of pride in what it means to be black. Remember to show appreciation for all that we have achieved, the barriers we broke, and all that we still have to accomplish. Keep our ancestors in your heart and thoughts as they paid a heavy price for us to walk on this planet. Honour our community who have changed the way we live and have achieved great accomplishments that are often neglected throughout history. It's also a time to take the initiative and explore more of our history.”
Rainbow Noir is a volunteer-led social, peer support and community action group, which celebrates and platforms people of colour who identify as LGBTQI. They provide a voice for LGBTQI people of colour in Greater Manchester and the North West.
Ubele is an African Diaspora led social enterprise bringing together community activists and changemakers and helping to build more sustainable communities.
Founder & CEO Yvonne Field says:
"The resurgence of BLM movement not only reignited a global commitment to anti-racism but also surfaced many hidden stories of Black achievement. I felt that the recognition and celebration of unsung s/heroes was one of the main unintended outcomes of the past six months and hope that the acknowledgement and celebration of Black history continues throughout the coming year!"
