For queer people around the world, the act of simply existing openly can carry stakes most people never have to consider. In the SWANA region – Southwest Asia and North Africa – including Arab, Persian, Turkish, Amazigh and Kurdish peoples, homosexuality remains punishable by imprisonment – and even capital punishment – in many countries. Legislation rooted in transphobia or homophobia often does so in the name of anti-colonialism, presenting queer and trans people as an imported Western concept. However, in many cases these laws are a continuation of a colonial legacy.
Even in the SWANA diaspora throughout the Western world, which typically provides more legal protection to LGBTQIA+ people, that mental weight doesn’t simply lift. Instead, it follows people into the cities they move to, the communities they’re part of, and into the spaces that were never quite built with them in mind. Bledi is a direct response to that gap.
Founded by Seksu — DJ, producer, and Algerian-Londoner — the collective takes its name from the Arabic word for homeland. Its mission? To provide a space to engage with the music of their homelands, dance and to be queer and SWANA safely. What began as a personal need for community has grown into one of London’s most vital underground nights. It spotlights queer artists of colour, raises money for migrant and trans communities and threads together a network of collectives from across the margins. We asked Seksu to tell us about how Bledi started, what it’s become, and why the dance floor is also, always, a political space.
A SWANA space
Seksu: I started Bledi about three years ago as a response to a lack of safe spaces for SWANA people. The reason why is I just wanted to be able to listen to Arabic music and bellydance without feeling unsafe. I was inspired by the East London clubbing scene, places like Pxssy Palace and Pride of Arabia. We host themed nights out with DJs and performances including go-go dancers, drag artists, live vocalists and belly dance.
Our mission is helped by the fact that London is one of the most metropolitan cities in the world. At Bledi we’re honored to be part of that growing historical melting pot. To be honest, Bledi’s growing in its own direction; I kind of just facilitated its movement.
Protection in real time
As an Algerian, I wanted to introduce Algerian and SWANA hospitality to the nightlife scene. I used to really think that nightlife was something more shallow. But I’ve realized working in it for three years, that you can really reproduce the microcosm of the world that you want to live in. That’s why we prioritize access, safety and welfare at Bledi.
For example, we give away free wristbands for people who don’t consent to having their photography taken. This way, people can maintain their privacy while still enjoying their club night. I also give out free lollipops to club goers, to ensure everyone has a little sweetness. And their blood sugar doesn’t drop too much.
Allyship that matters
We’ve hosted several visual artists and photographers, henna artists and charities promoting education like sexual health resources. And we’ve fundraised tens of thousands of pounds for tons of charities for migrant communities here and in France, as well as Palestine, Sudan, Congo. As well as trans charities that are based here in the UK.
We’ve managed to collaborate with Queer Bruk, the Balkan London Collective, and others representing ourselves and other marginalized communities. We’ve been so fortunate to have worked with DJs such as Kizzi, Sarra Wild, Armana Khan, Azadi.mp3 and Hiba Salameh.
The goal for Bledi is to cement its place as London’s SWANA queer night out, joining the likes of Yalla in New York, Takhnis in Barcelona and ADIRA in Berlin.
On 27th June we’ll be in Birmingham for alternative pride in collaboration with Falasteen On Film. We’ll then be returning to Dalston Superstore in East London for our classic night out. This time, the theme is CYBERBLEDI.
On 25th July we’re collaborating with Drag Down The Borders for our Cabaret Club night as part of our Trans Pride after party. I better see you there, and happy Pride!
Follow Bledi on Instagram.