BLKOUT UK
a MANIFESTO
BLKOUTUK.COM
last updated november 2022
OUR MISSION
We mobilise gay/bi and/or trans men of African descent in the UK to work together to address shared challenges, create platforms for our voices, build networks to support our aspirations, and enable us to play a more active role in the communities of which we are part.
WE HAVE LEARNT
THE EVIDENCE
In The Picture, is a community-led research project, funded by a grant from the Mayor of London, the field research was undertaken in November 2019, the report (completed during the global pandemic lockdown) was released a year later.
We had become exasperated by the lack of publicly accessible data about our collective experiences - an absence only matched by the unfounded confidence with which service providers told us we were being catered for. Opportunities to include Black queer men have been squandered - e.g. we were left out of the Government Equalities Office National LGBT survey, ignored by the Race Disparity Unit and subsequently the PM's Commission on Race Equality and Disparities.
BLKOUT_UK built on skills and insights among Black Queer men in London to deliver this research, to produce a baseline of data that enables comparisons to be made between the needs/experiences of Black queer men with those of other Londoners, and facilitates project evaluation
9/10 Black men in London always have someone to call on to socialize or for company; Only 2/10 Black queer men reported the same
1 in 6 Black Queer Men in London believe that if we come together, we can change our city; 1 in 2 Black men believe the same
1 in 5 Black men in London feel that they very strongly belong to their neighbourhood; 1 in 20 Black queer men felt the same
OUR AMBITION DEFINED
Improving quality and effective use of data/research
Making mental health a community priority
Celebrating difference, championing solidarity
Digital, creative and physical spaces for liberation
WE ARE
Welcoming
We are building our community; it is relational, dynamic and constantly becoming, it is not now, nor has it ever been, any more pure, fixed or static than its members
Enough
We are the leaders and followers we’ve been waiting for, there is no perfect moment in the future in which we will be ready to pursue our salvation
Not all the same
We are all equally valuable and all able to contribute to our movement: our differences are a strength
WE BELIEVE THAT
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
We prize collaboration over competition and believe that sharing the problem-solving process can create value above and beyond the direct solution e.g. skills, ownership, networks, and habits of solidarity
Our glass is half full
We start from what's strong rather than what's wrong. We invest in and grow the assets we hold, both individually and collectively, through sharing access, networks, knowledge, and skills, and working collaboratively
The time is now
We believe that prevention is both better and easier than cure. We seek to be responsive to the needs and ambitions of our peers in ways that challenge patterns of disregard and create cultures of care and support
WE UNDERSTAND
Unresolved trauma has a real impact in our lives
As a result of the impact of trauma in our lives we make space for healing and build communities of care
Justice and solidarity take work
None of us are perfect (yet). We would rather call our brothers in than call them out
No one is free until everyone is free
We seek to be allies, partners, and accomplices in struggles for freedom and justice. We recognise that a threat to justice anywhere jeopardises justice everywhere.
WE PRACTICE
Accountability
We operate transparently and share equitably. We are accountable for our actions and expect others to follow suit
Learning
We invest in learning from the past. We evaluate, document, and archive our work as legacy to our future and share our learning as a contribution to broader movements for justice
Joy
We create radical change via, inclusive, joy-filled spaces in which we can be our best selves
*click above to discover more about the background to the principles and how BLKOUT members are encourgaed to act on them
BUILDING ON EXPERIENCE
Our priority now is to build resources, capacity, and partnerships that help to refine and deliver a vital, innovative programme of investment in skills, relationships, and community assets, that will support Black Queer men to unleash their talents, creativity and generosity, as we come together to address shared challenges, offer mutual aid, raise platforms for dialogue and healing, and build the personal and collective resilience to confound the inequalities, silences, and fears that have constrained our potential.
BLKOUT HUB
Co-creating a digital village where we can connect, access relevant and timely services, build relationships for resilience and joy.
BLACK MEN WHO BRUNCH
A monthly event, carving out space for our growth, our connections, and our joy - a glimpse into the possible and inspiration for the future - learning, self-care, networks, arts, culture and fun - by us and for us.
IN THE PICTURE
Our groundbreaking, community-led, research project (published Nov 2020) comparing access to our capacity to address the barriers to the potential of Black Queer Men from across London, with a focus on 'community', public policy, social cohesion, and belonging
BLKOUTUK.COM BLOG & SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Live since 2016, the BLKOUTUK website has nearly 250 articles, profiles, reviews, or event reports. It hosts our online shop launched in 2021 selling a range of BLKOUT merchandise - it has reached over 100,000 visitors.
Across LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, we reach over 20,000 each month
#makingspaceforus community-led research
