Hear from the founder of the
newly-opened community space.
In Conversation with:
QUEERCIRCLE
For many, the summer months are a time to celebrate. July means Pride is in full swing; its glittering parades and vibrant street parties bring brightness to pavements, and, as cities burst into colour, we find our spirits lifted.
This year, however, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the messages behind the Pride festivities. Visibility, inclusivity, and community come to mind: a showcase of queer creativity, and a reminder that love is for all.
Enter QUEERCIRCLE. The new LGBTQ+ charity sits at the intersection of arts, culture, and social activism, offering a holistic environment to celebrate queer identity in all its forms. As part of our ongoing commitment to equality and diversity, Anthropologie will be donating to support the space directly.
It’s an exciting time for the charity which recently opened its doors in North Greenwich. There, we sat down with founder Ashley Joiner to talk everything from drag to climate change, and why elevating queer voices is so vital to the charity’s cause…
This year, however, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the messages behind the Pride festivities. Visibility, inclusivity, and community come to mind: a showcase of queer creativity, and a reminder that love is for all.
Enter QUEERCIRCLE. The new LGBTQ+ charity sits at the intersection of arts, culture, and social activism, offering a holistic environment to celebrate queer identity in all its forms. As part of our ongoing commitment to equality and diversity, Anthropologie will be donating to support the space directly.
It’s an exciting time for the charity which recently opened its doors in North Greenwich. There, we sat down with founder Ashley Joiner to talk everything from drag to climate change, and why elevating queer voices is so vital to the charity’s cause…
Why is it important that we carve out safe, cultural spaces for the LGBTQ+ community?
In the last decade, we’ve seen 60% of LGBTQ+ spaces close. It’s crucial that we reclaim those spaces; they’re where we find ourselves, connect with others, establish friendships, and build our families. They’re places to rest and share joy, and as a marginalised group, it’s incredibly important to have access to such environments.
In the last decade, we’ve seen 60% of LGBTQ+ spaces close. It’s crucial that we reclaim those spaces; they’re where we find ourselves, connect with others, establish friendships, and build our families. They’re places to rest and share joy, and as a marginalised group, it’s incredibly important to have access to such environments.
QUEERCIRCLE is kicking off its programme with two new projects: a solo exhibition by Michaela Yearwood-Dan and an archive show, “The Queens’ Jubilee”. Would you be able to tell us about them?
We’re very proud to mark our opening with such exciting projects. The solo exhibition by Michaela Yearwood-Dan is a ground-breaking exploration of self. I co-curated “The Queens’ Jubilee” with Stuart Feather. He was part of the gay liberation front – the first group to publicly demonstrate for LGBTQ+ rights – and the archive charts the development of drag as a form of social action.
We’re very proud to mark our opening with such exciting projects. The solo exhibition by Michaela Yearwood-Dan is a ground-breaking exploration of self. I co-curated “The Queens’ Jubilee” with Stuart Feather. He was part of the gay liberation front – the first group to publicly demonstrate for LGBTQ+ rights – and the archive charts the development of drag as a form of social action.
The centre’s first year of programming is focused on the word “ecology”: could you share a little bit more about the meaning behind this?
We wanted to elevate the voice of the LGBTQ+ community on one of the most pressing topics of today: the climate crisis. Our artists will be addressing this theme in some way, from land injustice to pollution and public health.
We wanted to elevate the voice of the LGBTQ+ community on one of the most pressing topics of today: the climate crisis. Our artists will be addressing this theme in some way, from land injustice to pollution and public health.
What are some of the challenges currently facing the LGBTQ+ artistic community, and how is QUEERCIRCLE working to resolve them?
In recent years, we’ve seen cuts to arts education and vital mental health services – even a reversal on the Gender Recognition Act. There’s a real urgency to create a programme that supports our community on a holistic level.
In recent years, we’ve seen cuts to arts education and vital mental health services – even a reversal on the Gender Recognition Act. There’s a real urgency to create a programme that supports our community on a holistic level.
How can allies work to support the queer community (not just for June, but all-year round)?
The needs of LGBTQ+ people vary from person to person, so I’d say start on a personal level. Reach out to your friends, ask what they need, be there in whatever way is best for them. Also, research and support LGBTQ+ charities – you can always donate to QUEERCIRCLE!
What’s next for QUEERCIRCLE?
We’re at the beginning of our journey, but we’re very excited about what’s to come. We have three exhibitions a year, so expect to see plenty more fantastic work. Me, personally? I’m looking forward to seeing how the community takes ownership of this space.
To read more about the charity, or to donate directly, click here.
The needs of LGBTQ+ people vary from person to person, so I’d say start on a personal level. Reach out to your friends, ask what they need, be there in whatever way is best for them. Also, research and support LGBTQ+ charities – you can always donate to QUEERCIRCLE!
What’s next for QUEERCIRCLE?
We’re at the beginning of our journey, but we’re very excited about what’s to come. We have three exhibitions a year, so expect to see plenty more fantastic work. Me, personally? I’m looking forward to seeing how the community takes ownership of this space.
To read more about the charity, or to donate directly, click here.