For the first time in the UK, Black and Asian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) writers and artists are coming together to exhibit, debate, and create new work.

Traditionally Black History Month has not represented LGBT culture and events. As a result out Black and Asian LGBT artists, writers and filmmakers have been excluded from mainstream events that reflect Black and Asian culture in the UK.

Fire This Time! is part of  Black History Month 2006 and aims to celebrate the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered artists of colour. It is also an opportunity for men and women of all ethnicities and genders to be enriched and empowered by their contribution.

Saturday, 21 October 2006

The day event takes place on Saturday 21st October and includes films, workshops, and debates by queer Black and Asian artists and writers.

The Women’s Library in London will host this part of the event, to be followed by a Club Night at the Great Eastern Hotel, featuring performance artists, spoken word and music.

All events are open to men and women of all genders and ethnicities.

For more details and how to book tickets, visit firethistime.co.uk

Workshops are devised to suit everyone, from those who want to start being creative to those who’d like to experiment, polish up their skills, and widen their networks. Most workshops are all day long, but a day ticket will buy you entry into all workshops, screenings, and discussions. Cheryl Dunye’s workshop will be followed by a rare opportunity to see her film Stranger Inside and be part of a Q&A. There’ll be lunchtime screenings of films by Black and Asian filmmakers, and a debate from 4-5pm with leading filmmakers Pratibha Parmar and Topher Campbell, singer-songwriter David McAlmont, Playwright Ash Kotak, and Photographer Robert Taylor.

Day Ticket: £30/22(concs): Book through The Women’s Library, 020 7320 2222
All events are open to men and women of all genders and ethnicities.

Evening: Club Night, Performance Artists, Poets, DJs
GE Club, Great Eastern Hotel, 40 Liverpool Street, EC2, 21 October, 2006, 7pm till late:
Hosted by Miss Kimberley. Opera singer, Ronald Samm, Performance Artists, Maria Mojo (aka Dyke Marilyn), Jiva Parthipan and Stacy Makishi, and poets, Andra Simons and Louise Hercules create a night of performance and poetry, followed by one of the UK's premier DJs, Biggy C.

Club Night: £7: Book through www.firethistime.co.uk/clubnight

2. Chroma is the UK's only queer literary and arts journal. Launched in 2004, Chroma publishes and promotes prose, poetry and artwork by lesbian, gay, bi and trans writers and artists. The journal aims to make each themed issue exciting in its diversity of voices and the wide range of art work it includes. See: www.chromajournal.co.uk

3. rukus! Federation Ltd is a ground-breaking enterprise dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the best in challenging, provocative works by Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered artists nationally and internationally. See: www.rukus.co.uk