Velvet-Club Connecting Lesbians & Bi-women around the World

As part of 2013 Black History Month, Bisi Alimi Consultancy and The Quest for Gay Men present, We live in a diverse world where we all have different traits, beliefs and life stories that make up our human identity and how we perceive ourselves, and each other. A crucial part of that identity and the accompanying narrative is on the issue of race, culture and sexuality. The picture of the LGBT community that is often presented by the media and other social commentators is one of homogeneity and inclusion, and highlighting any prejudice or discrimination - particularly on the grounds of race is very quickly seen as divisive and a non-issue. We all have multiple identities through which we are perceived and interact with the world. However, it is easy for those looking in on the LGBT community to reach the conclusion that we are all pretty much the same and only have the one identity; afterall that is how stereotypes are formed and how prejudice thrives. Being gay does not mean that most of us go on Pride marches or hang-out around Old Compton Street or Vauxhall or that we all have a six-pack, an eye for fashion and go on frequent fabulous holidays! Being gay also does not automatically mean that the person is white and being black, does not by default mean that the person is straight and homophobic. Many still find that LGBT culture is not inclusive, with many minority ethnic people feeling excluded and invisible on the scene. There is prejudice in all areas of life, it is part of our human nature, and the LGBT community is no different - its time to talk about the elephant in the room! The Rainbow Intersection A dialogue about Race, Culture & Sexuality in Modern Britain brings together a panel to discuss and debate a subject matter that is all too quickly swept under the carpet by the LGBT community. Confirmed panel includes - Elly Barnes, Robert Berkeley, Omar Kuddus, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Helen Belcher and Paul Burston. The event will be hosted by Nigerian journalist and broadcaster, Funmi Iyanda. Topics to be explored include: Invisibility of minority ethnic origin LGBT role models; on the scene and within the media Online dating and racial preference Prejudice and racism within the LGBT community How the LGBT community can be more inclusive Programme Arrival/Registration (6.30pm) Welcome (6.45pm) How the journey of black gay men differs from their white counterparts (Bisi Alimi, Principal Partner, Bisi Alimi Consultancy) Deconstructing Gay Culture Perceptions vs. Reality ( Ade Adeniji, The Quest for Gay Men) Panel debate and discussion Closing message Reception (8.45pm - 9.30pm in the Wilkins Haldane Room) Event Supporters Runneymede Trust Gay Star News University College London Stonewall

Tickets : £ 5/10 Tickets

Address : University College London, Cruciform Building
Gower Street
London