4 minute read
A PLACE TO BE Tarik Elmoutawakil talks to Jaq Bayles about why queer people of colour need a safe space they can call their own
For groups of people who feel not only marginalised by broader society but also the sub-cultures of which they are a part, the need for a safe space in which they can interact with one another takes on added importance.
It was with this in mind that Tarik Elmoutawakil, co-artistic director of Marlborough Productions, set about creating Radical Rhizomes. Run by and for queer people of colour, it offers a monthly social space where people can be fully accepted within a community without having to minimise parts of themselves for the sake of another.
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So why the name Radical Rhizomes? “We wanted an organic structure that we can take inspiration from,” says Tarik. “Trees have central root systems, and branches that stem from the trunk, so there is still a kind of hierarchy when using a tree as a metaphor for community building. “I was galvanised by the description of the decentralised growth of a rhizome, embedding potential for sprawling horizontal flourishing into the name. I also wanted to include the word ‘radical’, which actually means ‘to return to the root cause’ and to address the social isolation experienced by many LGBTQ+ people of colour.” A perfect fit, then, as a title for this group which, says Tarik, is “responsive to the needs of the community, taking programming/ activity ideas from members and putting them into action.”
Two years ago, Radical Rhizomes was the first application to the Brighton Rainbow Fund that explicitly and unapologetically centres the QTIPoC (queer/trans/intersex people of colour) community that live and work in Brighton & Hove.
“We wanted people to come to our gatherings, and just experience being with other QTIPoC, in a safer, sober space that centres and validates the multiplicity of lived experiences of QTIPoC. It felt necessary to have this base on which to imagine and dream other possibilities that we wanted to see for ourselves in the world. “Once we had this base meeting we hoped that other root systems would emerge from it. People have found their own things they can do, other friendship groups have formed. “We work to make sure our events are socially and creatively enriching our community members, who are at significantly greater risk of basically all the bad things – social isolation, negative mental health issues, lack of job security, more likely to commit suicide, more likely to face workplace bullying, at higher risk of contracting HIV, greater risk of having a drug/alcohol addiction – the list is endless, and pretty depressing.” Which is why the emphasis is on lighthearted activities that allow connections and friendships to form and develop without asking too much of participants. “It’s lighthearted because, like all people, we have the right to safety, which means knowing we won’t be on the receiving end of racism or homophobia or transphobia, or any other form of hierarchical/structural oppression. Having a space where we can be lighthearted and safe is conversely a deeply profound and deeply healing experience for QTIPoC,” says Tarik.
He came up with the idea after realising that he had been feeling depressed and isolated for some time, despite working within the centre of a popular queer hub, which itself –despite his best efforts – wasn’t the safer space he’d like it to be. “People would ask me why I’d need that safe space, saying ‘we’re in Brighton, everybody loves everybody’, but racism and homophobia, transphobia are experienced regularly in Brighton, even on St James’ Street.” And he points out that often when he has attempted to socialise in public with other people of colour, there is a tendency to get harassed by white people who want to be a part of a moment that they feel they deserve access to. “It creates a new kind of problem in that you become hyper visible, and are expected to be accessible.”
Of course, Tarik would prefer that the societal situation was such that queer people of colour didn’t need a space of their own, but doesn’t see that coming anytime soon. “For that to happen it needs more work by white LGBTQ+ people to acknowledge their own biases, which is a painful but necessary process. Radical Rhizomes currently has around 100 members and in its first year the Brighton Rainbow Fund made eight events possible at different venues around the city. It has hosted creative workshops, private gallery viewings with QTIPoC artists, had a picnic, watched films and live performances, held community discussions, and hosted a games night. Group members shared a delicious meal at almost all events. Bi-monthly online meet-ups have been attracting about 25 people each time and recently they dined together over Zoom, with Tarik pointing out that “the benefits of eating well and healthily together with others have been well documented”. Radical Rhizomes looks forward to meeting new members, and welcomes all LGBTQ+ People of Colour. Radical Rhizomes meet ups are held in a causal and friendly format, making it easy for new members to join the growing QTIPoC community in Brighton & Hove.
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