Desi Lesbians: The Pioneering Women

Desi Lesbians: The Pioneering Women

Queer Britain proudly invites you to join us in a ground-breaking power collaboration with South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) - the UK’s fastest-growing cultural arts and heritage platform, and DIVA - the world's leading magazine for LGBTQIA women and non-binary people.

We’ll be exploring the SAHM ‘24 theme of ‘Free to Be Me’ - as we celebrate key trailblazers who stepped up to become game-changers for the UK’s burgeoning South Asian LGBTQ scene. We’ll be delving into the personal journeys of key activists who were, and continue to be, at the forefront of shaping Brown Queer narratives in Britain.

We’ll be screening the inspirational short documentary film about Club Kali. This will be followed by engaging conversations between women pioneers - Anjum Mouj, DJ Ritu MBE, Savi Hensman, and Rita Hirani - with time for audience Q&As too. Enjoy complimentary house chai served by Dishoom as you interact with our esteemed panelists.

Discovering Kali - 25 years of the Legendary Club

The Legendary Club Kali, London based club for LGBTQ+ people of South Asian heritage shares its significant cultural history over its 25 years reign. Through the eyes and voices of its founders, performers, and attendees from all over the world, we learn what Club Kali means to them. This documentary gives a rare glimpse into the South Asian LGBTQ+ scene.

2023 | Director: Matt Mahmood-Ogston | Producer: Rita Hirani | 40 mins

Panellists:

Anjum Mouj is a Trustee of Queer Britain, the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum. She is also a Board Member of Imaan, a charity that ensures no LGBTQI+ Muslim person in Britain feels excluded from their family, faith, or communities. Anjum is a trainer and management consultant specialising in Domestic & Sexual abuse and EDI. She is currently a Lead Trainer working with the NSPCC and Red Snapper Learning, developing and delivering courses focused on safeguarding adults and children and child protection. Anjum was a former Director of London Black Women’s Project, a national Domestic and Sexual Abuse project supporting women and girls fleeing violence and abuse. Anjum is driven by activism, justice and equality, and has written numerous articles.

DJ Ritu MBE is a trailblazing broadcaster, turntablist, radio/podcast producer, and the voice of global music show ‘A World in London’. Ritu's career includes the BBC (22 years), tours in 35+ countries with her bands Sister India and The Asian Equation, and performances at world-renowned venues and festivals. She helped pioneer the ‘90s Asian Underground and Bhangra scenes, and Co-Founded cult label Outcaste Records. Ritu is a Rough Guides CD compiler and journalist, a European World Music Charts Panel member, and sits on the Mayor of London’s Music Board. She Co-Founded ‘Hoppa’ - UK’s first ever SWANA club night, and the world’s longest-running Bollywood club nights - ‘Kuch Kuch Nights’ (24 yrs) and ‘Club Kali’ (29 yrs).

Savitri Hensman (Savi) is an anti-racist, LGBTQ+, feminist, disability, and human rights activist and writer. A worker at London’s Black Lesbian and Gay Centre from 1985-94, she was active too in seeking greater justice and inclusion at local level - including Haringey Lesbian and Gay Sub-Committee in the ‘80s - and in faith communities. She also works in health and social care involvement. Savi was born in Sri Lanka.

Rita Hirani is a Social Entrepreneur and Psychologist with 40+ years professional experience in the charity sector: specifically social justice; domestic abuse; mental health; and wellbeing. She is a Co-Founder of Club Kali Network, and established other pioneering services including: the National LGBTQ Domestic Violence Helpline; the first Resettlement & Outreach Programme for Refuge; Camden Safety Net - working with the police, perpetrators and survivors of domestic abuse; and was part of the launch of Childline at the BBC on ‘That’s Life!’ with Esther Rantzen.

Tickets:

We are committed to making our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. To do so, we offer 4 types of tickets

• £ 5 Tickets: The suggested donation amount for a ticket.
• £ 10 Tickets: An option to donate a little forward for those who can't.
• Set Your Own Price: This option allows you to set the amount of your donation for a ticket. If you would like to donate a little less or a little more then you can do so.
• Free: If you need a free ticket for any reason, no need to contact us, just select this option when registering.

If you have any questions or any accessibility requirements that we should be aware of, please email Katie at [email protected].

Queer Britain is a registered charity and entry to the museum collection is completely free for everyone.

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