What's the Tea? #7

What’s the Tea? #7 with Ford Kelly aka BLAQALIEN

Ford Kelly / aka BLAQALIEN (they/them) is a Berlin-based Afrofuturist artist, dreamer, creator, and community organizer. A gender dissident who’s work focuses on dreamscapes and exploring how futuristic imaginings of Blackness can fuel our everyday ways of being, while creating portals into the expansiveness of Blackness and the multitudes of ways in which it can be represented. For Ford Blackness is a limitless journey that extends beyond this realm. It is the vessel that transports our dreams and stories and the magic that connects it all. Their artistic vision focuses on reimagining how joy, play, rage, rest and curiosity can be powerful paths to reparations. They are the creator of the “Afrofuturist Coloring Book” series including the editions – “The Dreamscape, The Black Mystical and The Black AstroMagic” as well as “Yeye Finds Magic All Around”: A children’s storybook celebrating magic and imagination.

“What’s the Tea?” is a series of events designed by and for trans* and queer individuals to share their personal stories, inspirations, aspirations, and creative work. Centered around the concept of storytelling, the event draws on the slang term “tea” – meaning to share truth or gossip – to create a space where participants spill their own experiences and insights. Themes of transitoriness and transformation are woven through the narratives, highlighting moments that shape identity, creativity, and community. With a focus on “trans*stories” and “transitorities,” the event invites participants to engage in the transient nature of inspiration and self-expression from the guests.

“What’s the Tea?” is conceived by Faris Cucchi, Mzamo Nondlwana and Pêdra Costa and organized by VBKÖ.