Queer Utopia are Bringing More LGBT+ Events to Nottingham

You have a new upcoming project which aims to connect Queer creators across the city, could you explain a bit more about why you wanted to do this? 
I wanted to create the Motherboard and use events to promote the community, in reaction to how little queer spaces we have in the city. Compared to other cities of similar size, we have a huge Queer community in Notts, yet very little options for events. For example the genre of Drag has grown increasingly in the last few years, however for members of the Queer community who may not be interested in drag, there are not many other options for events. Also, for me personally, I wanted to grow the social community. Growing up it was very difficult to find similar friends and make connections, and so this gives likeminded people the opportunity to meet and create a directory of others they can work with in the community.  

Why is it so important to have a sense of community? 
A lot of Queer people don’t realise what they miss out on until they experience it. So certain Queer people may have only been part of groups with little to no Queer people involved. This can lead to a lack of ease and comfort which can be really impactful. Also, I feel there is a conception that Queer people want to completely assimilate with general society, but that can be really hard sometimes. For example, certain members in the community, such as people of colour, trans people, or those with a disability, are at higher risk of being excluded. They need greater safety, and that can be found within the community of other Queer people who understand them. We can’t pull up the ladder behind us when certain members of our community are advancing, we need to bring everyone up together.  

What impact has the Queer Notts Zine had so far? 
The Zine has been really great so far and reached different groups in Notts. I have really enjoyed interviewing people and giving them a voice to tell their stories. I get the sense they are really happy and appreciate being seen and heard, especially some younger members of the community. I can also see the long term impact the Zine will have, as the University of Nottingham has recently approached me asking to add the pieces to their periodical archives, which is really cool to see Queer pieces taking up their space in history! 

How can people get involved in the events and be part of the motherboard? 
The Motherboard is still in the beginning stages however we have around 30 creators from all over Notts on there and it is growing daily! The point of having this is so that marginalised groups and individuals can be found here and when there is an event or someone needs a contact, they can be recommended. Nottingham has a really dense community of Queer people as found by the census, and so it’s really great to see a place for them to be found and connect. Also, I will add, queerness isn’t a forward-facing identity as much as being a POC or woman, and so the importance of having a directory or program for them, cannot go unnoticed.  

How do you hope the events you host will impact the Queer community in Notts? 
As mentioned, I think it will give a space for like minded individuals to meet but on top of that, other events I plan on hosting I think will have a different effect. For example, I am looking into hosting a collaboration with the Nottingham Sexual Health Services. I think this will be really important as during school, sexual health is usually seen through a heterosexual stance and much of the important conversations for Queer people are unspoken. So, I think this will impact the community in a more educational way and will help break stigmas surrounding Queer individuals. 

You’re hosting a launch party on the 15th of April at the Mimm studio, could you just explain what people can expect? 
Yes, this event is going to be a loft party of sorts, with DJ’s playing chill RnB, Funk and disco. It will be great to chat and meet with more people in the community especially at such a great venue! With that I just want to thank The Phlexx Mimm Collective who have consistently provided mentorship and support, and are funding this launch at their venue! It's great to see such established businesses in Notts, carve out a space for Queer events and I hope it will continue that way.  

@queerutopia_events