Fatt Projects – formed by Adam Carver aka Fatt Butcher – is planning a series of “raucous, joyful and radical queer accessible sober social dance parties” under the name MOBILISE, which will culminate in the “creation of a co-devised public space processional performance which will lead the 2022 Birmingham Pride Parade, as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival”.
Their aim, explains the Fatt Projects website, “is to create a safe, accessible, and sober space for LGBTQ+ people to dance, socialise, and build their confidence.”
As part of this project, they have recruited six people from Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community who will form the community and accessibility steering group.
“The steering group will be instrumental in advising the project staff, advocating for the needs of our communities, and ensuring our events are as accessible as possible to the widest range of people.”
The steering group includes:
Bally Singh (He/They), who loves getting involved in whatever they can to ensure they represent people like themselves as they didn’t see or hear anyone like themselves growing up in the media.
Emma (They/Them), a seasoned campaigner and activist fighting for our liberation, but with a specific focus on disabled people’s liberation… As “a proud fat, ageing, genderqueer bisexual drag performer” they work to increase the visibility of disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Maren Hancock (She/Her), also known as DJ Betti Forde, who has over 25 years of experience programming cultural events within anti-oppression oppression frameworks, including participation in steering committees and queer cultural collectives.
Owain (They/He), a working class, queer, transmasc and neurodiverse event organiser, recovering artist and carer. In 2019 they set up the party and community Temporary Cruising Zone and previously ran the DIY education project Queer Day School.
Sundi (They/She), an entertainer and educator based in the black country. Their work is centred around inclusion and accessibility in education and their performance skills include live singing, comedy, dancing and cabaret.
Ursala Khan, a counsellor and outreach worker within the third sector. They are completing their Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and have had experience working in the NHS, the voluntary sector, schools, and universities. They are particularly passionate about social justice issues in their research.
For more information about Fatt Projects, MOBILISE, and the steering group, CLICK HERE
Lead Pic Credit: Emma Jones