AMIT CHADDA (HE/HIM)
Amit is a singer songwriter and performer from south London. Through his songs, he shares his journey of self-discovery and identity as a queer, British Indian and tells stories of love, loss and hope.
THEODOR (TED) BROWN (HE/HIM)
MUCHEMI ELVA WANYEKI
Talking about my identity has always been a weird subject. Growing up queer in a multicultural family, I have struggled to know where I feel most comfortable. But with time, I question myself less about where I belong and simply try to exist in the present moment and enjoy what life has to offer.
JAWADAT BASHORUN (SHE/HER)
Unapologetically Queer.
Finding my identity was a journey fraught with challenges. Growing up in Nigeria, I never realised I needed to carve out my own identity. I was content being whatever my parents wanted me to be, believing that was enough. My perspective began to shift when I moved to India to pursue a nursing degree. It was there that I first felt the need to understand and embrace my true self, a realisation that did not come easily. I was ashamed of my desires, labelling them as sins. How could I ever accept this part of myself? The real transformation began when I moved to the UK. The years of mental health struggles and self-doubt pushed me to confront my inner demons. I fought against the shame and cultural taboos surrounding my queer identity. I decided to abandon the expectations placed upon me and the future my family envisioned, choosing instead to embrace my true self. Today, I stand unapologetically Queer AF. My identity often clashes with traditional views, with some dismissing it as a Western influence. But if my existence is considered a sin, I love this sin. If it’s seen as a curse, then I welcome this curse with open arms. This so-called curse has become my source of strength and happiness, especially when I am with my beautiful girlfriend. This identity is my sanctuary, and I choose to embrace it forever. I founded a community to support people like me and to create visibility and awareness around being African and Queer, I also work with an organisation supporting LGBTQI+ in cancer care and I’m a photographer and through my art, I express this journey of self-discovery and acceptance, celebrating the power and beauty of living authentically.
RYANN VILLANUEVA (HE/SHE/THEY)
I would say to little Ryann to come out earlier coz your family will accept you no matter what and it gets easier. Just be you!!!