Read on Twitter
My first reaction was to repost this with the words ‘LOL, BYE’
But I think it’s really important to provide context and specificity.
Birmingham LGBT has some work to do. https://twitter.com/shoutfestival/status/1361325820590096385
But I think it’s really important to provide context and specificity.
Birmingham LGBT has some work to do. https://twitter.com/shoutfestival/status/1361325820590096385
To be honest I feel as if I've been goaded into making this statement, not in the least because I genuinely wanted to make positive change to this organisation, to this city,
and actually left, because this decision wasn’t the one that was being made while I was in position.
and actually left, because this decision wasn’t the one that was being made while I was in position.
Which makes me feel a little bit like I'm being gaslit.
To be a black voice in an organisation that is inherently white is not easy, and to be visibly black and queer in the world as it is even worse. To have to navigate that struggle inside a organisation like Birmingham LGBT
To be a black voice in an organisation that is inherently white is not easy, and to be visibly black and queer in the world as it is even worse. To have to navigate that struggle inside a organisation like Birmingham LGBT
Is impossible
If Birmingham LGBT is evolving and looking inwards to try and fix It’s issues, then I applaud them. I just wish it hadn’t taken me leaving for that to happen.
If not, We need to start questioning intent.
If Birmingham LGBT is evolving and looking inwards to try and fix It’s issues, then I applaud them. I just wish it hadn’t taken me leaving for that to happen.
If not, We need to start questioning intent.
There are plenty of amazing people working at Birmingham LGBT doing the work, this is not about them, but rather about the structure and antiquated cultures that exist in the organisation.
Queer arts and culture has power, any marginalised community can benefit from engaging in the arts in order to externalise trauma, provide community and create safe welcoming spaces.
I’m not sure that Birmingham LGBT knows the value of SHOUT, nor is it best placed to produce SHOUT as it currently is.
I hope this spells the beginning of some deep learning for Birmingham LGBT and SHOUT Festival, so this will be the last time a black member of staff leaves because their voice isn’t being heard.
This decision is the right decision. But the fact is, that to get there, it cost me my job.
I think it’s also important to recognise the good that Birmingham LGBT does for our community in terms of their health snd wellbeing. Birmingham LGBT is necessary in the second city.
But I cannot, and will not sure on my hands silently and not provide the transparency needed to make sure that the work being done in the organisation is not just performative.
Sure = sit
