“To the Black boy in love with another Black boy, be patient with yourself. Be patient with him, They don’t teach this kind of love.” - Ivan Nuru

When I was 16 years old, I was kicked out of my home after my family found out I was gay. It was a difficult and traumatic time for me because I felt like I was alone. I navigated the world being Black and Queer and somehow I made it out alive, but many are not as fortunate. I remember the feeling of hopeless back then, and many Black and Brown queer, trans, and gender non-conforming people still feel like this everyday. 

I want to create a video project that would remind people who feel this way that they are not alone and healing is possible. 

SOFT: A Love Letter to Black Queer Men is the newest project from Director and Choreographer Kemar Jewel. This visual love letter uses contemporary dance to help Black Queer men heal from trauma, connect as a community, and serve as a reminder to be SOFT with themselves and each other. The money collected for this project will go towards paying Black and Brown queer people for their performance and creative work on this video. Support artistry, queerness, and healing by donating to this GoFundMe

Photo Credit: Aaron-Michael Sobers