At the Criminal Queerness Festival, the celebration of queer stories from around the world continues to make an impact. Homosexuality remains criminalized in over 60 countries, pushing the struggle for acceptance and visibility to the forefront. Adam Odsess-Rubin, the visionary behind the National Queer Theater, established the festival in 2019 to provide a platform for playwrights from countries where queerness can lead to imprisonment or worse.
The festival, now in its fifth year, showcases plays that amplify these silenced voices. This year's lineup includes 'She He Me' by Raphaël Amahl Khouri, the groundbreaking Arab transgender play; 'The Survival' by Ugandan playwright Achiro P. Olwoch; and 'Waafrika 123: A Queerly Scripted Tragic Rise to African Fantasia' by Nick Hadikwa Mwaluko, exploring queerness in Kenya. The works, previously presented in limited capacity due to the pandemic, now return in full force.
She He Me sheds light on the intersection of identity and tradition, challenging societal norms in the Arab world. Meanwhile, The Survival narrates the harrowing experiences of a young Ugandan woman navigating the complexities of surrogacy in a hostile environment. And Waafrika 123 delves into the complexities of love and tradition in East Africa, defying the notion that queerness is nonexistent.
For many artists like Olwoch, the journey to the festival has been wrought with fear and censorship. Having fled Uganda due to persecution for her work promoting LGBTQ rights, Olwoch found a safe haven at the festival. Her play, which originally faced censorship and threats in Uganda, now takes center stage in its complete form. The festival serves as a beacon of hope for artists like Olwoch, providing a platform free from fear of persecution.
As the festival unfolds, it serves not only as a celebration of queer art but also as a call to action. The struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals globally are a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. Through platforms like the Criminal Queerness Festival, Odsess-Rubin envisions a world where LGBTQ rights are no longer a distant dream but a reality.
In a world where queerness is criminalized and silenced, the festival stands as a testament to resilience and creativity. As attendees witness the power of storytelling in the face of adversity, they are reminded of the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. The fight for equality continues, and the Criminal Queerness Festival remains at the forefront of this battle.