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BEYOND LIVE The regular Instagram Live stream series that celebrates trans lives worldwide ) Beyond, a grassroots community-led group initially set up as a regular, transfronted event, was due to relaunch in March 2020. However, as the pandemic hit, the organisers were forced to temporarily pull the plug on event organising and took to the internet to create an online platform for trans, non-binary, intersex and gendervariant (TNBI+) folk to find a sense of community connection during the lockdown.
On March 23, Beyond launched a regular Instagram Live stream series, inviting TNBI+ people and allies to be interviewed on the live stream to talk about how they’re doing in isolation/lockdown, projects they’re focusing on, giving them the opportunity to offer words of love and solidarity to the community at this time as well as engaging with audiences and with a live Q&A.
and be who they are. Our individuality is what makes us unique. With our uniqueness, we also all have our own stories to tell.”
MORE INFO I Follow Samo on Instagram: @ mister.samo ) To support the project, visit Samo’s
crowdfunding page: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/seed-funding-artproject-celebrating-transbodies?fbclid=IwAR2LYuPHIDKM7B5SCsa9bn wD2QGzldZFH6UbkZsUh4hdylesY_1BWP2-ql0
“We believe that it is so vitally important, especially during these challenging and isolating times, for our community to stay connected and have some much-needed distraction and fun. What started as a Brighton-based initiative soon became popular all over the world. Speaking to some of our viewers, we were told of some of their difficult living conditions, some in lockdown with unaccepting family, others completely isolated and alone and there were some in between homes. The effects of Covid-19 have certainly affected some of the most vulnerable among us and the project has benefited us as much as we hoped it would benefit others. It was a way to channel our passion to support our community, a way to create personal structure, to have informative discussions with people across the TNBI+ spectrum and to raise awareness and visibility of their experiences.” The series is ongoing and since launching they have interviewed actors, models, artists, performers, comedians, authors,
professionals and members of the community. Guests have included Leo Sheng, Rain Dove, Asifa Lahore, Theo Germaine, Juno Dawson, Ryan Cassata, Chris Mosier, Jordan Gray, Peppermint, River Gallo, Seven Graham, Courtney Act, Carmen Carrera, Amrou Al-Kadhi, Joseph Harwood, Yvy DeLuca, and so many more wonderful and inspiring guests. Phoenix Ivy Roots, from Ontario, Canada, says; “Beyondbrightonuk live streams have helped me feel less alone during the pandemic as someone who lives solo. The time, effort, connections, meaningful conversations, advocacy and heart put into it keeps us connected and has changed my life forever. I never thought I'd get to meet people across the world who validate me as a non-binary person, and who I feel so close to. We are chosen family, which means the world to me.”
MORE INFO ) Beyond live streams started daily and as the lockdown eases they will be airing several interviews a week at 7pm BST. Look out for updates and guest announcements. I @ beyondbrightonuk
