Beyond Belonging: Community Potluck, Book Launch & Discussion
About this Event
Hosted by:
Mai-Anh Vu Peterson (co-author)
Karlie Wu (Britain’s East and Southeast Asian Network)
Eddie Kim (Community organiser and owner, Gomo Kimchi)
Beyond Belonging brings together research, oral histories and community perspectives to explore East and Southeast Asian presence, identity and political organising in the UK. Rather than asking what it means to “belong”, this book explores how communities are built, sustained and transformed.
What to expect:
- Casual, community conversation around some key themes in the book
- Sharing food while exploring the complex work of community building and the parameters that shape who feels empowered to participate
- Readings from the text and other influential works, with options to purchase Beyond Belonging
- A chill, cosy evening in community
This event is free but ticketed, as spots are limited. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your spot ASAP so that we can reallocate.
This is an event open to all - you do not need to identify as East or Southeast Asian in order to attend. We welcome open-minded folk with an interest in community building and liberation work!
Agenda:
5pm Doors
5.30-6.30pm Community meal
6.30pm Readings & Facilitated Discussion
7.30-8pm Close out
This event centres around a community meal and the connections to be made while sharing a table. While contributions are not mandatory in order to join, we would be immensely grateful if you are able to bring a dish or some snacks to supplement our offering. Sharing food is one of the oldest ways of building relationships. If you do bring food, please ensure that all allergens are clearly labelled. Cutlery, bowls and serving utensils will be provided.
Participation in the discussion is encouraged but not mandatory.
Accessibility: The space is on the ground floor, and is fully accessible via Burns St roller shutter entrance (door width 2m), with one accessible toilet. If you have specific access needs, please contact Mai-Anh directly with questions.
Community Agreement
We want this launch to be a welcoming, respectful and enjoyable space for everyone attending. Beyond Belonging is a book about community, identity and collective organising, and we hope the event reflects those values.
By attending, we ask everyone to help create an environment where people feel able to participate, listen and share their experiences.
Be respectful
Everyone comes with different backgrounds, identities and experiences. We encourage curiosity and generosity in conversation, even where there is disagreement. Please engage with ideas rather than making assumptions about individuals.
One person at a time
Help make space for different voices. Avoid interrupting, and be mindful of how much space you are taking up in discussions. If you tend to speak often, consider stepping back to allow others to contribute. If you tend to stay quiet, we hope you'll feel welcome to join in if you'd like to.
Respect people's identities
Please respect the names and pronouns people use. Avoid making assumptions about someone's ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability, immigration status or other aspects of their identity.
Personal stories stay personal
Some conversations may touch on sensitive or personal experiences. Please treat what others share with care and confidentiality. We encourage you to "share the learning, not the person" unless you have their permission to identify them.
Zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment
We will not tolerate racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, xenophobic or otherwise discriminatory language or behaviour, nor harassment, intimidation or abusive conduct.
Photography
Photos may be taken during the event for future publicity. If you would prefer not to appear in photographs or videos, we will make sure there is an easy way for this to be signalled to our volunteers.
Food
This is a community potluck. If you're bringing food, thank you! Please label ingredients or allergens where possible. Equally, please don't feel any obligation to bring food in order to attend, as everyone is welcome.
Looking after each other
If something happens that makes you uncomfortable, or you witness behaviour that doesn't align with this agreement, please speak to one of the organisers. We will listen, take concerns seriously, and work with those involved to find an appropriate response. In serious cases, we reserve the right to ask someone to leave the event.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
