The black LGBT community unite and inspire at groundbreaking event.
"On 28th March 2009 in Manchester, a group of black lesbian, gay and bisexual people came together to make a difference."

That’s how Dennis L Carney (Black Gay Men’s Advisory Group, Black Connections) described this first ever event to highlight some of the issues faced by black LGBT people across the North West, hosted at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation in partnership with Ajamu X of rukus! Federation

In a day full of fascinating, heart-warming and inspirational stories local black LGB’s discussed the challenges faced within the Northwest and shared ideas on how to take things forward.

Co-organiser for the day Ajamu X has been active within the black and LGBT community for almost twenty years. He talked about his life growing up in Huddersfield and shared his photographic and documentary work.

Another filmmaker, Sandi Hughes - Liverpool’s self-proclaimed ‘foremost black, lesbian pensioner’ - showed a selection of  unique  histories of Liverpool’s gay scene from the 1980’s to the present day.

Dennis L Carney grew up in Hulme, Manchester and moved to London in 1982 to ‘come out’ as a black gay man. In the mid 80’s Dennis was elected Chair of the Black Lesbian & Gay Centre Project (BLGC) and established the UK’s first black gay men’s discussion group Let’s Rap.  Dennis had much to share with the group and encouraged those assembled to motivate others to  continue to promote the rights of black LGBT people: "If it could be done in the 1980’s with very little resources we can do it now in Manchester."

Throughout the day the group were reminded that the black queer community has been hugely influential in everything from politics to music and yet there is much to be achieved to gain acceptance and that sense of belonging. It was clear to all those assembled that other LGBT organisations and black groups should also be taking forward the challenge to support those who are missed because of their sexual orientation or race.

Clearly the needs of both black gay women and black gay men are not being addressed and the idea of going to clubs was highlighted as an important way for organisations to meet hard to reach black LGB’s. One person who has been doing just that is Claud Cunningham , DJ & Club Promoter at  Black Angel. This was the first night to bring R'n'B, Hip Hop, Soul and Old Skool to the North West gay scene and it has since travelled the country.

Andrew Prince is Director of Outburst UK and founder and editor of UKBlackOut.com. At the event Andrew spoke about the need for the UK's black LGBT communities to work together." We seem to be very insular as a community, we work in little pockets and don't branch out to support each other. You might have one group from one city not knowing what another group is doing or even that another group exists. The reason for coming here today was to network and see if we can get something going across the UK."

Rounding off the day were Khalil Anthony, educator, artist, singer/songwriter, and dancer and Michelle Sakim, multi-talented poet, storyteller, songwriter rap artist and music producer. They both gave special performances to help celebrate the achievements of all those gathered and to motivate and inspire for future developments in this area.

The entire event proved a fantastic opportunity for all to support the Lesbian and Gay Foundation's support and social group for black LGBT people - Black North West - which was recently voted the best black/minority ethnic group or organisation in Britain in the Pink Paper Readers Awards.

The group, now in its fifth year, evolved as a result of a group of black people stating that they felt isolated within both the black and the gay community and wanted to meet others who had similar experiences, who they could relate to and to form new friendships. The group offers an opportunity for people of colour to meet in a safe, non-judgemental space, make new friends, and receive specific information, advice and guidance; whilst also engaging in social activities and other events. The group meet on the first Friday of every month at  LGF’s base  on Princess St, Manchester  from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

Dates for your Diary

• Black North West, LGF Manchester- 7.30pm Friday April 3rd.
• Outburst UK Pride 2009 festival launch, Good Friday, 10th April 10pm-late. All White dress code. Tickets £10.London. For more information, click here.
• Black North West, LGF Manchester- 7.30pm Friday May 1st
• Black Angel, The next special night will be taking place at Mint Lounge, a funky underground club in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on 24th May. For more information, click here.
• Black North West, LGF Manchester- 7.30pm Friday June 5th
• Outburst UK Pride festival Saturday 27th June. For more information, click here.
• Black North West, LGF Manchester -7.30pm Friday July 3rd