What does it mean to be Filipino and queer?
Join us for a conversation exploring the experiences of being both queer and Filipino, and the ways our cultural and queer identities can intersect and shape how we understand ourselves.
We’ll be joined by Sarah Cosgriff, who will share their own journey of exploring their cultural and queer identities and the connections they have found between the two.
Sarah will also introduce some of the histories and experiences of queerness in the Philippines, including stories from their family podcast, Queer Cuz.
There’ll be time to discuss and reflect together through a series of prompts. You’re welcome to share your own experiences of being queer and global majority, or simply come along, listen and take part in the conversation.
About the Speaker
Sarah Cosgriff (she/they) is a freelance science communicator and asexual advocate. They have a background working in equity, diversity and inclusion in education, with previous roles at the Institute of Physics and the Association for Science Education, and Schools OUT. With their cousins, Sarah created the family-orientated podcast Queer Cuz, which explores queer Filipino experiences.
Sarah immigrated to the UK as a child with their Filipino mother and Australian father. Their school experiences were impacted by Section 28, a law which prevented schools from talking about LGBTQ+ people, and Sarah was one of the few people of colour in their school. At age 31 they came to realise they are queer, and identifies as asexual and non-binary. As asexuality is a lesser known and understood sexual orientation, Sarah does asexual advocacy work in workplaces, education and healthcare, and co-founded the international network, Aces in STEM.
Important Information:
We want this event to be accessible and welcoming.
If you have any access requirements or would like to discuss access before the event, please contact Julius or Delila at esa.northeast@gmail.com. You can let us know what you need without having to disclose a diagnosis or explain your circumstances.
Safer Spaces Policy
Taking Part:
There will be opportunities for group discussion and sharing personal experiences, but you don’t have to speak or share anything you’re not comfortable with. You are welcome to listen, participate in other ways, or step out of the discussion if you need to.
There will be a break half way through the event.
Content:
The event will include discussion of queerness, identity, race, culture and experiences of discrimination, as well as references to Section 28 and experiences of LGBTQ+ exclusion.
Photography?
For safety purposes, only organisers of this event will be able to take photographs. At the start of the even you will be asked whether you want to be in photos or not.
Food and Drink
Us organisers do not provide food or drinks but you are encouraged to purchase food and drink at the Earthlings cafe.
Getting Here
The event will be held at the Earthlings: The Healing Cafe, 94 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR.
The event is organised by Delila and Julius from ESA.NE (East and Southeast Asians North East)- please email us if you have any questions: esa.northeast@gmail.com