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Podcast exploring Black Queer joy to launch
“Times have been tough for Black folks everywhere,” says Sharifa Whitney James.
“It’s time to talk about our joy and how we survive and thrive on this dusty island!”
The Black Queer Joy podcast will centre members of the Black, Queer community and be a place to share happiness, connect and heal.
is needed now More than ever
“I was toying with the idea just after the Colston statue went down,” says Sharifa, a freelance community worker, activist, speaker and facilitator.
“Colston came down, the systems are failing, it was time for new voices to rise and their stories to be told.”
She has set up a GoFundMe to help buy equipment, pay an artist for a jingle, and have a logo designed.
Sharifa (centre) in conversation with Travis Alabanza (left) and Edson Burton (right). Photo: gal-dem
When the fundraiser hit its original goal in less than 24 hours, Sharifa raised the amount she hoped to make so she could pay guests and compensate her time spent editing.
“Listeners can definitely expect laughter, honest conversations, somewhat educational, getting to know the UK’s Queer Black community of creatives better, a healing space, comforting like a strong, warm hug, dynamic conversations around identity,” says the 33-year-old.
The first episode will come out by March 2021 and Sharifa hopes it continues to gather momentum.
If it does, she will be able to use extra money made to support projects that work with Queer Black people – especially young people and elders.
Main photo: Sharifa Whitney James
Read more: ‘Being a queer person has struggles in the wider world but Bristol is a mini haven’
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