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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller LGBTQ+ Spoken History Archive Celebrating GRT Diversity

Available from 1st February 2021 on the RCAC website: http://www.romaniarts.co.uk/voices/grt-lgbtq-spoken-history-archive/


The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is proud to announce the launch of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller LGBTQ+ Spoken History Archive. This new online resource is the result of research carried out by the RCAC, with the support of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, and gives insight into the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals from a variety of international Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. 


This unique initiative brings to light the important, fascinating and often moving stories told by members of the global GRT LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the valuable roles that these individuals play in the rich complexity of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller life. The result is a dynamic online resource that not only documents and archives but also celebrates the intersectional heritage, culture and experiences of LGBTQ+ Gypsies, Roma & Travellers across the world. 
This timely project gives long overdue voice to the often hidden GRT LGBTQ+ stories that our community members carry with them and at the same time offers greater insight into the wider Gypsy, Roma and Traveller experience—insight which feels particularly relevant during this current period of social isolation during global pandemic. 


The interviews were carried out by Chris Lee, a lesbian feminist of Romani Gypsy heritage and Daniel Baker, a gay Romani Gypsy. Each note of their experience working of the project: 


We’ve been very fortunate that all 20 contributors spoke so openly and freely about their very personal and sometimes difficult journeys as Romani Gypsies who are LGBTQ+. I’ve learned through these interviews how important the Romani LGBTQ+ community is to many people. I’ve also realised more and more through these interviews, the wealth of talent, kindness and goodwill that exists within the community’. Chris Lee


To embark on such an intimately personal collaborative project as the GRT LGBTQ+ Spoken History Archive felt particularly poignant during these current times of isolation. The archive will be a valuable resource for many who are beginning their journey as LGBTQ+ people across the variety of GRT communities. Daniel Baker
Isaac Blake; Director of the Romani Cultural & Arts Company, said ‘This is a very personal project for me as a proud Gay Romani Gypsy. The Romani Cultural and Arts Company gratefully acknowledges the support of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture in carrying out this important work’.


Kushti Bok; be well 
Good luck and good health

Isaac Blake
Director

The Romani Cultural and Arts Company
Temple Court 
13a Cathedral Road 
Cardiff 
CF11 9HA

Tel: 02920 786 439
Mob: 07854 412 097 
Email: isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk

Skype: romaniarts 
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Visit our website at: www.romaniarts.co.uk

The Romani Cultural and Arts Company was formed in September 2009 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (No. 07005660) and is a registered charity (No.1138150). Working through the arts the Company raises funds to take community development and educational projects onto Gypsy, Roma and Traveller sites and into Gorjer and ‘country-folk’ communities across Wales.

We are a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community development organisation at heart. We are led by Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, we are about Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, we are for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. We believe that the community can be developed to become fully accepted participants in mainstream society while still retaining their distinct culture and heritage..