We are excited to present a dynamic panel discussion on Queer Nightlife, exploring the vibrant world of London's late venues through an LGBTQ+ lens. Our panellists' diverse range of experience and employment means this is sure to be a fascinating conversation, relevant to both those who work in nightlife and those who simply enjoy it.
Our host for the evening is professional dancer Leila Davis, a pole dancer, instructor, and stripper who has been a vocal advocate in the fight against exploitation in her industry, and who has worked for brands such as Nike and Savage X Fenty.. Leila has not only carved out a successful career for herself but also created opportunities for other marginalized individuals to thrive. As the director of Blackstage, a ground-breaking show spotlighting pole dancers of color, Leila has been instrumental in providing a crucial platform for POC performers. In an arts industry plagued by exclusion and harassment of queer and Black individuals, and at a time when sex workers' livelihoods are increasingly threatened, Blackstage sets the bar high for the treatment of pole dancers and serves as an inspiration to the community.
The panelists are Auntie Maureen, Lasana Shabazz, and FJ.
Join us to be part of the conversation, ask questions, and contribute to fostering a more inclusive and celebratory space for all.
Host - Leila Davis
Auntie Maureen
Auntie Maureen is a theatrical DJ and queer vintage music curator known for unearthing hidden and forgotten stories through sound. They have performed at various events including Tate Britain's Queer Britannia, Wallace's Look OUT, and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern's Big Bingo Show. They combine LGBTQIA+ historical research with music curation and have collaborated with organizations like The National Trust and the Metropolitan Archives. Auntie Maureen has also made diverse and inclusive contributions to festivals such as Wilderness, Latitude, and Camp Bestival, showcasing their unique and tailored performances.
Lasana Shabazz
Lasana Shabazz is an interdisciplinary performance artist whose work delves deep into identity politics, deconstructing ideas of race, sexuality, class, and gender, queering the norm of what is considered acceptable by mainstream and popular culture. Their work incorporates theatre, dance, spoken word, visual art, music production, makeup, costume design and construction. They work in art galleries, theatres, arts festivals, museums, educational institutions, ablack, queer and QTIPOC (queer trans intersex people of colour) art spaces nationally and internationally.
FJ
FJ is a Chinese-born London-based visual artist, theatre maker, and socially engaged art practitioner. FJ, as a diasporic queer person, uses art to examine her identity, homeland, and queer body, raising thought-provoking questions. She is a co-director of Drag Up, a project that explores alternative forms of drag performance. Through her work, she challenges traditional notions of drag and seeks to redefine its possibilities.
This event will take place in our bar, which is wheelchair accessible and has disabled toilets.