Desire Lines

Why is the geopolitical and cultural space of the Caribbean region perceived as unequivocally homophobic in the Western-capitalist imagination? What impact do anti-colonial and emancipatory struggles have on LGBTQIA+? And how homophobic are dancehall and reggae?

Desire Lines is a long-term public artwork which foregrounds issues around queer love in the Caribbean, Pan-Caribbean, diasporas and beyond from an anti-hegemonic, decolonial and intersectional perspective. Activating different forms of collectivity and knowledge, this first iteration features contributions from Jamaica, Trinidad, London and Berlin. It combines a discursive space for learning, unlearning and dialogue with a communal space of mutual care, solidarity and celebration. Through talks, discussions, performances, screenings, radio broadcasts, informal interactions and an all-night dance party the contributors will address the coexistence of queerness and homophobia in island imaginaries with a focus on QTBIPOC (Queer, Transgender Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) practices, experiences and attitudes which unravel the conventional interpretations of gender and sexuality.

Part of The New Alphabet

• #Caribbean
• #Community
• #Dancehall
• #Diaspora
• #Emancipation
• #Gender
• #Knowledge
• #Nightlife
• #Queer
• #Sexuality