You Can Sit With Us

Curation by Dhaga for Swiss Cottage Gallery, Commissioned by Camden Council’s Culture Team for South Asian Heritage Month 2024

Exhibition Dates: July 19th – August 22nd

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Where are all the Queer South Asian spaces?

In the late 80's and 90's, the Queer South Asian community in Britain came together to create their own spaces to be both Queer and South Asian amongst an increasingly racist and hostile society dominated by whiteness, and a heternormative South Asian community (1).

The Queer South Asian house parties were safe havens where South Asian's opened up their homes, to create community, forge friendships, share culture and dance (2). More than just a house party, these were life affirming spaces to navigate being Queer and South Asian (1). The iconic Club Kali, a community-club network which first began in Camden was and still is more than just a club night, it is a family who accepts you as you are (2).

What has changed since then? Although we have come along way in terms of community acceptance and integration, queer spaces are in danger - but were they ever inclusive in the first place?

Since the 2000's, LGBTQ+ venues in London have declined by 58%. Those most affected by closure have been the QTIPOC community (3). With spaces catering to QTIPOC being disproportionately vulnerable to closure (3). More specifically, there has been a major decline in LGBTQ+ venues across the London Borough of Camden (3).