an archive project aimed at black lgbti in the uk gets underway

By Esau Mathope

June 2, 2005: Black African gay people in the Diaspora are finally saying they want to present their stories as they are, not the way they have been portrayed largely through other people's eyes.

In an attempt to proactively address this challenge, Rukus Federation (Ltd) will initiate an archive project called Queens Jewels in the UK. The project's primary objective is to collect and exhibit memories and experiences of this sector in Europe. The first stage of this project is earmarked to commence during the Pride month of June.

"Through others we have been seen as victims, sensationalised and even fetished. Our lives can not be separated from either Gay nr Black experiences. We inhabit a unique position in history and this show highlights that," said Ajamu of Rukus Federation.

Queen's Jewel also aims to create towards a discourse of what has helped define black LGBTI culture in the UK. For the first time, assembling and displaying printed materials, magazines, pamphlets, flyers, posters and club memorabilia will be made available for public display. The materials have been collected from individuals, activists, DJs, club promoters, writers, artists and magazine publishers from within and outside black LGBIT communities.

"In the early days the Black press and the gay press ignored the Black gay presence and still see it as a minority interest. The struggle for visibility continues and the Queens Jewel is part of that struggle as it celebrates and testifies to the experiences of [black] LGBT community, putting us where we belong: in the centre of the Frame," said Topher Campbell, of the organisers, Rukus Federation.

The organisers have mentioned that Queens Jewels is the first phase of a long term project that will eventually become a permanent living archive of the black LGBTI experience in Europe. For information about the exhibition opening, please call Ajamu of Rukus Federation on 07813 823 095 or Topher on 07855 278 795 or email them on info@rukus.co.uk