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Deep Dive: Black Nations/Queer Nations? (1995)

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Black Nations/Queer Nations?
This documentary chronicles the March 1995 conference on lesbian and gay sexualities in the African diaspora. It features prominent figures such as Essex Hemphill, Kobena Mercer, Barbara Smith, Urvashi Vaid, and Jacqui Alexander, who discuss the economic, political, and social situations of diasporic LGBTQ+ individuals. The film captures the discussions surrounding Black and queer identity, the limitations of Black nationalism, and the presence of homophobia in Black communities. The documentary also connects contemporary black gay media production to popular culture. It references works like Isaac Julien's 'The Attendant' and Jocelyn Taylor's 'Bodily Functions' to emphasize the significance of the conference for Black lesbians and gays. The film serves as a vital record of this historic gathering and its impact on the community.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Essex Hemphill and other influential activists.
  • •Find out about Black nationalism's impact on LGBTQ+ lives.
  • •See connections between culture and black gay media.

Did You Know

•The documentary features discussions from a March 1995 conference.
•Essex Hemphill and Kobena Mercer are among the featured speakers.
•The film has a runtime of 59 minutes.
•It addresses the shortcomings of Black nationalism in relation to LGBTQ+ issues.

Perfect For

Black LGBTQ+ historyCultural studiesActivism in the diaspora