Features / queer art
Kiki Bristol on representation, uncomfortable conversations and its final ever event
Kiki Bristol was created in 2017 as a space to celebrate, centre and champion queer people of colour, going on to inspire the formation of other trailblazing groups in the city including the founders of Bristol’s ballroom community and Bristol Queer People of Colour Socials.
But an event on Thursday will be Kiki’s last gathering.
‘To Read: A Night of Black Queer Literature’ takes place at the Royal West Academy of Art (RWA) and is set to be a night of renowned authors and performers sharing works from the perspective of queer people of colour.
is needed now More than ever
The lineup of artists include award-winning poets, authors and performers, such as Travis Alabanza, whose book None of the Above was listed in TIME Magazine’s top 100 books of 2023, Dr Okechukwu Nzelu and Jackson King.
Micro-aggressions and a lack of representation across Bristol’s nightlife led to the creation of Kiki Bristol – photo: Alice Hendy
Facing micro-aggressions and seeing only a handful of other queer people of colour across Bristol’s nightlife motivated its founders to create Kiki Bristol.
“A lot of people mentioned they didn’t feel they belonged in Bristol’s queer spaces and venues,” said Kiki’s Myles-Jay Linton, speaking about the collective’s foundations.
“In Bristol, there’s a willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations.
“When Kiki Bristol started, we were very clear about championing the experiences of queer, trans and intersex people of colour. It was great to see how supportive the community was.”
Kiki Bristol aims to platform art and creativity – photo: Vonalina Cake
The collective has always platformed art and creativity, showing audiences film, dance and writing, with a focus on ensuring the group’s target audiences take up space unapologetically.
Myles told Bristol24/7 that having attendees see shared lived experiences is vital and queer people of colour’s voices are not always as amplified as others within the LGBTQ+ community.
The artists speaking at the group’s final event are from diverse backgrounds bringing “a rich cultural experience” for attendees. Some of the work the artists will read has never been shared with the public before.
Speaking about the event’s impact, Myles went on: “I think there’s something powerful about hearing written work being read, especially by the authors. It’s a rare and powerful opportunity.”
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Members of Kiki Bristol struggled to balance their working lives with the voluntary work they do the group.
It was for this reason that Myles said he wanted audiences to realise the importance of supporting similar grassroots organisations, adding that funding would allow these groups to build a vision for the future beyond hosting individual sporadic events.
“We want people to come to our final event and reminisce on all of our past Kiki Bristol events. It’s an opportunity to socialise, connect and listen to music.
“It’s also an amazing opportunity to hear from inspiring queer, Black artists. That feels like a great way to round off our work here in Bristol.”
‘To Read: A Night of Black Queer Literature’ will take place on Thursday at the RWA.
For tickets, visit www.rwa.org.uk/products/to-read-a-night-of-black-queer-literature. Follow Kiki Bristol at @kiki_Bristol.
Main photo: Vonalina Cake
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