Have you ever thought of queering Chinatown? Have you ever made your own zines? If you are interesed in both things, you should definitely come to this workshop.

The workshop is for crafting a dialogue between queer and Chinatown, which seems to be an “unusual" idea and intriguing way to break stereotypical representations regarding gender and cultural identities. It could be a place for having fun and making freinds-an ideal practice for building a community.

First, queer-feminist activist Pei will introduce a little history of zine-making and its impact as a grass-root medium for self-expression and social/cultural activism. Following the brief instruction of making zine, it is your time to create zines, and share your unique storytelling by displaying them. Denden will conclude with a short introduction of the heritage of Chinatown, keeping those fascinating memories in our mind...

Important:

Language: Mandarin.

How we define Chinatown in this workshop: It refers to any Chinatown across the UK. It can also refer to an area near Chinatown, such as Soho in London, which is just one street away from Chinatown.

Participants: Mainly for Chinese LGBTQ+ and allies living/or who have lived in the UK, but all welcome as long as you can understand Mandarin and identify yourself as LGBTQ+ or Sexual and Gender Minority. No experience required.

Hybrid: People can join 1) online or in person 2)at University of Edinburgh or in 3) LSE Campus, London. Places limited.

After the workshop: We might launch an online exhibition to showcase Zines created by participants. We will ask your permission if this is planned. Don’t feel pressured.

Facilitators:

Pei (she/they) is one of the initiators of the Chinese-speaking LGBTQ+ community Queer Squad and currently studies Film, Theatre and Media Studies with a focus on independent Sinophone queer/feminist cinema. She is devoted to LGBTQ+ social activism, feminism, and anti-racism with interdisciplinary approach of moving image and (sub)culture. Currently, she is organizing events with topics on gender/sexuality, identity, and critical socio-political discussions in Germany.

Denden (she/her) is a history student and passionate about ESEA LGBTQIA+ culture, history, living conditions and especially women’s rights. She has established ESEA Queer Society at the University of Edinburgh in late 2021.

Qiuyan Chen (she/her) is a London-based activist and artist. She is a LSE Gender alumni and established Queer China UK after realising the intersectional invisibility of the Chinese LGBTQ+ community.

Qianlin Wang (she/her) is a filmmaker and recent UAL LCC graduate. She is passionate about using the camera to improve the visibility of marginalized community.

Want to make friends and explore new things? Join us!

Organizers: Queer China UK, University of Edinburgh ESEA Queer Society and Queer Squad.

Supported by LGBT Consortium and Community Fund.

Workshop: Queering Chinatown through Zine Making