ABOUT BACKCHAT
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!
BACKCHAT 2025: Queer Resilience.
Celebrating Caribbean LGBTQI+ Voices
1 May 2025 – Programme
Introductions | Host – Jo Johnson
Open Mic
- Megan – poetry
- Mauby Man – comedy set
- Alex – fiction
Featured Performers
- Tamara Ali – poetry
- Velvet – poetry
- Andre Bagoo – poetry
- Angelique V. Nixon – poetry
- Yesha Townsend, Bocas Special Guest Writer – poetry
- Ms Kalasi – drag performance “Reflection”
- Daniel Blaize – song “Braddaps”– live music
- earth – performance “d mountain doh call fuh no reason”
Collaborators (dance and music) – riki and bvncsan - Linzey Corridon, Bocas Special Guest Writer – poetry
- Shivanee Ramlochan – poetry
- Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Bocas Special Guest Writer – prose
- Lesley-Ann Wanliss, BackChat Visiting Writer – fiction
- Yasmine DuBois – drag performance “I am Here” & “This is Me”
Special Invited Drag Performers
- Mizz Understood
- Ms. Kalisi
- Yasmine DuBois
WATCH BACKCHAT 2022
Celebrating Caribbean LGBTQI+ Voices
BackChat 2025 Gallery
BackChat 2024 Gallery
BackChat 2023
BackChat Memories
