A Punch Below The Belt

Wrestling Religious Homophobia in the African Diaspora

Afro Rainbow Austria

 

Are you LGBTIQ+ and welcomed by your community of origin as well as the majority of society with open arms? That’s fabulous! Often, however, the opposite is the case: in the diaspora community, coming out is almost impossible. As much as in overall society, structural racism is also ever present in the LGBTIQ+ scene. This will be combatted in a live fight during WIENWOCHE.

Four pillars connected with ropes simulate the wrestling ring where fighting for a society without homophobia and racism will take place. The Fearless Freedom Fighters (consisting of Christian Reverend Jide Macaulay, Islamic scholar Ishmael Omumbwa Ondunyi, and Henrie Dennis, founder of the host organisation Afro Rainbow Austria) will face the Cunning Conservatives (in the person of actor Patrick Bongola) – carefully watched by referee Djamila C.A. Grandits.

Diaspora communities can provide protection and empowerment. Yet, they can also be repressive and violent: for example, when large parts of a community are devout and conservative, and one of its members dares to come out. The performative discussion ‘A Punch Below the Belt’ is not solely aimed at the African diaspora, however. Also Vienna’s LGBTIQ+ scene will be sounded out for any racist structures within.

Rounding up the evening, after homophobia and racism have been settled with a final ‘bear hug’, there will be a live studio analysis – much in the style of major sporting events – to discuss the previous match.

Concept and direction: Leni Wiebach and Henrie Dennis for Afro Rainbow Austria
Performative discussion: Ishmael Omumbwa Ondunyi, Reverend Jide Macaulay, Henrie Dennis, Patrick Bongola, Djamila C.A. Grandits
Graphic design: LIGA: graphic design

Photo credit key visual: (C) LIGA: graphic design