On June 15th the now legendary George Michael 'This is My Culture' party is coming back for it's 8th year. The party is a celebration not only of the artist's music, but the special place he holds in the queer community's hearts. The celebration is taking place on King Charles' birthday in celebration of true queer royalty at a secret location, so keep your eyes locked on This Is My Culture's social media. Profits from ticket sales will be donated to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition who are sailing to challenge the blockade in Gaza. We managed to speak to one of the organisers Stav about the party's aims and George Michael's legacy. The 8th anniversary comes with 3 key messages: 

1. An end to all British weapon deals to Israel. 

2. An end to the ‘Rwanda Plan’ and deportation of all migrants.

3. Ceasefire – cut the carbon footprint of UK support for war in Palestine and Ukraine

What is the mood within queer communities amidst the General Election and does it feel even more important to celebrate culture in the current political climate?

There is a combination of emotions, thoughts and actions, blended with a hot anticipation, solidarity, unity, amidst the division and war. As we all know, whether we admit it or not, the political landscape is dire, undemocratic, twisted and incompetent, based on profit and power. Despite this confusion and frustration, our lives continue and so is our fight to dismantle and decolonise this relentless toxicity and corruption and the world order and staus quo created by the few for the few. We, most of the LGBTIQA people, are getting radicalised more than being led to despair. We are fighting to end the complicity, the silence, the apathy and the amnesia. We are fighting to build alternative communities and make sacrifices if needs be, especially when we live in the West, a manufactured world of privilege. With this in mind, celebrating our LGBTIQA culture by any means necessary, whether it's a party, a march, a protest, a book launch, a poetry read, a banner workshop, a conversation is more important than ever. Remembering how we got here, the freedoms that we have achieved and the work that we still need to do, is fundamental and life-affirming and saving. What would you hope TIMC attendees feel at the event?

Excitement and joy for being part of something fun and unique and political and important. I would hope they feel safe and included, having their needs met and being totally represented through speeches, play and dance. TIMC is a brilliant, totally grassroots and radical gathering, which validates our existence and elevates our worth. Leaving the dark woods, there is a sense of fulfilment and camaraderie, lingering throughout the year waiting for the next party. 

What does George Michael's legacy mean to you personally?

George Michael was and is someone who used his platform of stardom to do good for his and our community, not only with his music, but also his activism and constant generosity. I aspire to his fearless and bold actions, his impeccable style and his kindness. He will always be remembered as our friend and comrade who deserved better than he was served. 

How should platforms like ours support queer communities in Pride Month and beyond?

Platforms, like Sludge Mag, for example, since they are at the pulse of journalistic veins, should keep an eye on what the LGBTIQA activities, clubs, bars, activism and bulletins and promote them equally and triumphantly. We, the queers, are swamped and very active and we do a lot of interesting happenings and gatherings for our fellow queers, paying it forward for our community. Our lives, on and off the stage deserve recognition and not assimilation through pinkwashing and heterosexual homogeneity. Our platforms honour the people before us, respect our present and build for the future generations. The essence of Pride and beyond needs bodies, hearts and souls not pieces of paper with numbers and heads of morons on them! 

Follow This Is My Culture & Freedom Flotilla Coalition

Poster illustration by Mark Glasgow

See more from Stav B here

Article by Martyn Ewoma