ABOUT BACK CHAT
CAISO: Sex and Gender Justice in Trinidad and Tobago has partnered with Bocas Lit Fest since 2017 to organise a space to celebrate Caribbean LGBTQI+ writing and writers. This event is usually held during the Bocas Lit Fest as an evening event with music and dancing featuring a mix of well-known local and diaspora writers and performers.
We call this event “BackChat” in honour of the groundbreaking Caribbean LGBT literary readings held in New York over 20 years ago – and as a way to continue showcasing and celebrating Caribbean diverse genders and sexualities.
CAISO has a number of exciting activities in stream to continue celebrating Caribbean LGBTQI+ voices – writers and artists – throughout the year!
Stay Tuned to our socials or contact us to get involved!
BACK CHAT 2024: We Resist. We Empower. We Are Fierce. Celebrating Caribbean LGBTQI+ Voices
25 April 2024 – Programme
Introductions | Host – Jo Johnson
Community Food Drive | CAISO at 15!
– Johannah-Rae Reyes
Open Mic
- Raven (they/them) – poem
- Chinyere Brown (she/they) – poetry
Featured Performers
- Brandon O’Brian (he/him) (Poetry)
- Shivanee Ramlochan (she/her) (Poetry)
- earth (they/them) (Spoken Word)
Open Mic – Daniel Robert Blaize (he/him) – Song
Featured Performers:
- Angelique V. Nixon (she/her) (Poetry)
- Amir Denzell Hall (they/them) (Fiction and Poetry)
- Phil Thee People Man (he/she/they) (Poetry)
- Deneka Thomas (they/them) (Spoken Word)
Special Invited Drag Performers
- Ms. Kalisi – “Black”
- Mizzz Understood – “You da Father”
Curation Team
- Shivanee Ramlochan
- Johannah Rae-Reyes
- Angelique V. Nixon
- Shaden Alexander
Partner Organisations
- NGC Bocas Lit Fest
- CAISO: Sex and Gender Justice
- NovelNiche
- Trinidad & Tobago Transgender Coalition
BACK CHAT 2024 GALLERY
Celebrating Caribbean LGBTQI+ Voices
Back Chat 2023 Gallery
Back Chat 2018 & 2019 Memories
