by Kali Robinson
What's up yall. So in the down time I have had over winter break, I have be studying up on qtpoc, trans-activism, and the transman/transwoman experience. In my exploration I found this dope collective operating out of Brooklyn, aptly named Bklyn Boihood.
So I first encountered this dope group watching this episode of First Person (First Person is dope as well btw - check out their stuff).
In the video above Kristin Russo interviews Ryann Holmes and ask questions about his experience as a QTPOC and as a member/founder of Bklyn Boihood.
So the thing that caught my interest with Bklyn Boihood was the space that they were offering to QT men of color. As a queer man of color myself, I resonated with Ryann's experiences as a queer man of color and I was really attracted to what Bklyn Boihood offered.
The groups hosts talks, throws parties, hosts events, do photoshoots, have their own calendar and even have their own book. (I really want to read it. But the way my bank account is set up . . . sike I'm still going to buy it soon as I get the guap.)
I especially like this guiding principle of Bklyn Boihood which can be found on their website:
"We believe in our inalienable right to be fly as shit. Since the beginning of time black and brown folks--especially those of us not accepting/living on the conventional spectrums of gender and identity have been fly. We believe in that. We invest in it. It is a core part of how we show ourselves love and provide personal affirmation. Fashion, for us, is part-politic, part-storytelling and part-survival." - Bklyn Boidhood Guiding Principles
They're lit.
What I most appreciate about Bklyn Boihood is that they speak to the dangers of being a QTPOC and specifically a QT men of color. They actively challenge misogynist, oppressive cishet, and patriarchal social norms and structures while at the same time offering a space where bois can be bois. Definitely check the bois out more on their website.
And let me know @ krobinson17@amherst.edu if you guys would be interested in having Bklyn Boihood out to have a talk with HHC. I'm definitely interested. Happy New Year and Happy Holidays yall.
Love and Hip Hop Always,
HHC
