A conversation with Delovie Kwagala Aka Papa De and Matthew Nwozaku Aka Matthew Blaise

Queerness in Africa: A conversation with Delovie Kwagala Aka Papa De and Matthew Nwozaku Aka Matthew Blaise

Seminar Room 11, St Anne’s College

Tuesday 5 March 2024, 12pm - 1pm 

Free but registration required.

The existence of queer communities in Africa is frequently overshadowed by anti-queer legislation designed to control, injure, and foster an atmosphere of bigotry across several African nations. This reality prompts urgent discussions on combating such laws, transforming societal norms, liberation and advocating for a future where queer communities in the Global South enjoy safety, visibility, and inclusion in national discourses. We invite you to an engaging conversation with Matthew Blaise and Papa De as we delve into these pressing issues and strive towards fostering a supportive community together. Speakers will share experiences of their activism and ideas of collective liberation in a space of open dialogue.

Speakers:

Delovie Kwagala Aka Papa De (they/them)

Delovie Kwagala, known affectionately as Papa De, is a prominent figure in the realm of LGBTQ+ activism and arts in Uganda and across Africa. Renowned for their profound commitment to advocating for the rights and visibility of queer individuals, Papa De's work transcends traditional activism, blending it seamlessly with creative expression to challenge societal norms and foster a culture of inclusivity and understanding.

With a background deeply rooted in storytelling and visual arts, Papa De leverages photography and narrative to illuminate the lived experiences of queer Africans, often focusing on themes of love, resilience, and the quest for dignity in the face of adversity. Their art serves not only as a form of resistance but also as a powerful tool for advocacy, aiming to shift perceptions and promote a more accepting and diverse society.

Papa De's influence extends beyond his artistic endeavors, as he actively participates in workshops, talks, and panels both within Africa and internationally, sharing insights and fostering dialogues that highlight the urgency of LGBTQ+ rights.

Matthew Nwozaku AKA Matthew Blaise (they/them)

Matthew Nwozaku is a dynamic visionary at the forefront of transformative social change. With a rich background in LGBTQ+ advocacy, art curation, and community building, their work has left an indelible mark on young people across Nigeria and beyond.

As the Executive Director at Obodo, a youth-led non-profit furthering the normalization of queer experiences and narratives in Nigeria, Matthew has spearheaded impactful campaigns and community-driven initiatives that bridge the gap between art, technology, and philanthropy. Their role in the #EndSARS movement, the #QueerLivesMatter and the #EndHomophobialnNigeria campaigns, spotlighted police brutality and ignited a nationwide discourse on systemic change and intersectionality. Through strategic social media mobilisation, they amplified the voices of young queer Nigerians, sparking a wave of demand for justice and accountability.

Matthew's impactful advocacy has garnered remarkable recognition, including the MTV EMAS 2022 Generation Change Award, SOGIESC Activist of the Year Award 2021, Dazed100, The Future Awards Africa 2020 nomination for Leading Conversations. Matthew's pioneering efforts are evident in their inclusion in NATIVESON's 2020 list of 101 Black Gay and Queer Men Who Made Global Impact and international publications like Vogue, Bloomberg, Time. As a dynamic panelist and keynote speaker at esteemed conferences like AfricaNXT, Women Deliver 2023, The ILGA Conference, they amplify queer African narratives globally, inspiring progressive discussions and visibility.

Matthew's work encapsulates the true essence of advocacy-transforming obstacles into stepping stones for progress. Their contribution to the struggle for social change exemplifies their determination to create a world where young people can thrive without fear of discrimination.

This event space is wheelchair accessible.

Intersectional Humanities, African Languages, Literatures and Cultures Network