29/03/2024
Last Thursday, just after ShoutOut had aired on several of its home stations, listeners could tune in on Mixcloud to the latest in a series of ongoing Faggamuffin Bloc Parties, organised by a collective of LGBTQIA+ people of colour in the London area. The transmission was made on Mixcloud, whose live streams have led to a flowering of independent and grassroots broadcasting by bedroom and home based DJs throughout the free world. The organisers of the Faggamuffin Bloc Parties say "Get ready to dance your heart out as renowned DJs from London come together to create a unique experience and close LGBTQ+ History Month, this is for us to get together and just have a cute kiki....Enjoy yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you groove to Dancehall, Soca, Calypso, Reggae and more. This hybrid in-person & livestreamed event will be filled with energy and goody vibes.". On the decks were TrYb, Gawd X and MC Taboo amomgst others. The use of the word "Faggamuffin" has a long heritage amongst LGBTQ+ people of colour, especially from the Caribbean. As early as 1993, the pioneering LGBTQIA+ Channel Four Magazine programme "Out on Tuesday" showcased underground parties of gay men, lesbian women, bisexual and transgender of a Caribbean background enjoying "fagga" nights, where latest reggae dancehall releases were played. The online "Faggamuffin" nights can be enjoyed by people in their own homes, via the internet Mixcloud platform, and allows networking and solidarity. Long may they continue.
