Today we celebrate four years! ItsQwere started in 2018 with an open conversation salon in San Francisco. [Image: San Francisco Pride 2018]
🎈 Four years ago on this date, a gaggle of queerdos met up to discuss what pop culture and media representation looks like from the perspective of Black and Brown folks. Though from different backgrounds and experiences, we all agreed that queer representation, as it was, left much to be desired.
⚡️In the years since, we've seen an uptick in out-proud queerness on the big screen, streaming services, magazine covers, podcasts, award shows, red carpets, book shelves, etc.
🙏🏾 But is representation enough, though? What is representation without systemic changes? What is representation if the major gatekeepers are still white? What does representation matter if the profits aren't benefiting the communities the art is made to represent?
💫 I don't have the answers to these important questions, but I know that ItsQwere spaces are created for and by Black and Brown folks, and allies who support our mission.
Keep up with us on Instagram @ItsQwere
🌈 Since day one — April 25, 2018 — the mission of ItsQwere has been to uplift and highlight the voices of people who've been historically overlooked and overshadowed in mainstream. We’ve always been here, and finally, we’re becoming more visible.
💥 ItsQwere is a limitless abstract social space for folks who believe in the power of JOY and the value of COMMUNITY (emphasis on UNITY).
🥳 Whether through social media, our events, newsletters, or whatever, the hope is that you are inspired and uplifted by these efforts. Hopefully somewhere along the way ItsQwere has made you smile and feel seen.
🥂 We've done a lot in the last four years, and even though it's Monday morning, I'm still raising a glass (of iced tea) to many more years and collaborations to come.
✊🏾 Thank YOU to everyone who's supported, participated, performed, read, shared, created, or anything-ed with us. Without you, there's no this.
Thank you for believing. 🌎