The Somali word BAXSAN translates to ‘the emancipated one’; it is a symbol of freedom. Freedom from the confines of societal expectation and homogenous experiences.

BAXSAN is a group of artists and community facilitators who have been meeting on a monthly basis since 2018. Born out of shared frustrations about the lack of support for Black and/or Muslim LGBTQI+ people in London, later expanding to the UK. It was born with the intention to build a support system for very much neglected groups; to create connection, community and art through shared lived experiences.

1. Ace Spectrum Communities
2. All LGBT+ Communities
3. Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities
4. Intersex/Variations in Sex Characteristics (VSC)
5. Non-UK Residents
6. People of Faith
7. People over 50
8. People with disabilities
9. Women
10. Young People