Growing up with gal-dem

For the fourth episode of Growing Up with gal-dem, we hear from cultural curator and founder of BBZ, Naeem Davis. Naeem tells us about the LGBTQI+ spaces that helped to shape their identity growing up and how they were inspired to curate spaces that were even more inclusive. We hear about how a trip to San Francisco was a pivotal moment for adopting the term ‘queer’ and how this has influenced how they define themself.

Naeem shares a text they sent a soon-to-be girlfriend, who they chased in the hope of being in a ‘normative’ relationship. Naeem guides us through the importance of maintaining independence in relationships and how pushing boundaries in love is something to be celebrated.

Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here.

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In this episode of Growing Up with gal-dem, we speak to actor, writer, producer and creator of Chewing Gum Michaela Coel. Michaela reads an old blog post from her days in drama school where she reflects on the idea of "taking the note" as a young actor, as well as the limited roles that exist for black women on screen.

Michaela also speaks to us about her experience of being spiked and how this informed her new drama; I May Destroy You, which is available to watch on iPlayer now.

Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here.

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After moving to London from Singapore, artist Elizabeth Gabrielle Lee was shocked by the everyday discrimination and sexualisation she faced and quickly realised that many other East Asian women either had been through or would experience similar issues. This inspired her project Xing - a photography book that explores how East Asian women move through the world. Through collaborating on creative projects, Elizabeth explains the strength and beauty she has found in forging interracial friendships and the solidarity that came with them.

Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here.

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Kicking off the series, gal-dem speaks to Candice Carty-Williams, author of best-selling novel ‘Queenie’, about continuously being labelled the strong friend and family member. After the death of a close friend in her early twenties, Candice discusses her battle with depression and anxiety, and the pressures facing in the context of her Caribbean upbringing. We hear about the tools she has used over the years to enhance her mental wellbeing and set boundaries and how they inevitably influenced her when writing her hit novel.

Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here.

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Theatre maker, producer and artist Travis Alabanza speaks to gal-dem about the idea of confessions, shame, and their introduction to queer spaces. They discuss the confidence that came with embracing their inner freak and how a pivotal moment at 17 have shaped who they are today.

Find transcripts and show notes for all of Growing up with gal-dem here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.