Dark Matter x Fane Presents: A Celebration of Black Trans and Queer Voices
Spend an evening in the company of three trailblazing authors as they explore their contributions and the impact of their work on today’s literary landscape. Chaired by journalist and historian, Paula Akpan, this unique event promises to be a joyful and deeply enlightening dive into their experiences and their writing which spans - poetry, YA, mystery and literary fiction.
The event will be followed by an opportunity to ask the authors your own questions and the chance to get your books signed. Continue your evening in the foyer of Brixton House, with a live DJ set by GIN and a specially curated selection of books available to purchase from local bookseller Round Table Books.
Paula Akpan is a journalist and historian. Her work mainly focuses on blackness, queerness, social politics, and our relationship with technology. She is currently writing her first book, When We Ruled (2024), tracing the lives and legacies of 12 African queens and warriors who contributed to the shaping of the continent.
Dean Atta is an award-winning Black British author and poet whose works have received praise from Bernardine Evaristo and Malorie Blackman. His novel in verse, The Black Flamingo, about a Black gay teen finding his voice through poetry and drag performance, won the Stonewall Book Award, and was shortlisted for numerous further prestigious awards.
Kuchenga Shenjé is a writer, journalist, and speaker with work on many media platforms including Stylist, British Vogue, and Netflix. She has contributed short stories and essays to several anthologies, most notably It's Not OK to Feel Blue (And Other Lies), Who's Loving You, and Loud Black Girls. Her debut novel The Library Thief will be published in April 2024.
Michael Donkor was born in London, to Ghanaian parents. His first novel Hold was longlisted for the Dylan Thomas and shortlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prizes. He is a frequent contributor for outlets including The Guardian, TLS, and The Independent. His newest novel Grow When They Fall will be published on the 14th of March 2024.
This event is presented in partnership with Dark Matter and Brixton House.