ABEG Makes Space for Queer and Trans African Communities
ABEG is a collective dedicated to celebrating queer and trans African identities. Comprised of the trio Simi O., Crystal S., and Olu D., they weave together community gatherings through music, food, and art. From their debut event “Kiss Me I’m Nigerian” in 2023, to their recent BBQ at JADE Bar in Bushwick and their phenomenal The Lot Radio appearance with Lagos-born rapper Deela, their journey is one to watch out for. With more events planned for the rest of 2024, ABEG continues to inspire and unite those around them. The interview delves into the collective’s history, their relationships with one another, and the future they have planned.
Courtesy of ABEG.
What is the story behind ABEG and everyone’s connection to each other?
Simi: Olu and I are best friends, and we came up with the idea for ABEG during dinner sometime last spring. I was working on my master’s thesis, which explored Nigerian diasporic identity. As part of my research, I interviewed three Nigerian women based in NYC who were all so lovely—and straight. While there are amazing parties and collectives geared towards Africans, as well as queer Black Americans and Caribbeans in NYC, there were no queer/trans African-centered collectives to be seen.
I sat with how much I needed a queer/trans African community in NYC and chatted with Olu, who very much felt the same way. We had our first picnic in summer 2023, and the rest is history. Earlier this year, we pulled Crystal in—we’ve known each other for a long time, so it’s a natural collaboration.
For anyone wondering, “abeg” is Nigerian pidgin slang that means “please”—I feel like most Africans know what it means.
Crystal: I’ve known Olu and Simi for years, and before the pandemic, Olu would host African potlucks and gatherings at their apartment. I met so many sweet and kind folks there who I’m still friends with to this day. When the pandemic hit, everything changed, including these cherished get-togethers. As a Nigerian, my cultural identity is incredibly important to me, so I’m grateful to have reconnected with a vibrant community of queer African individuals through ABEG, most of which I wouldn’t have met without it.
Courtesy of ABEG.
ABEG’s Instagram states you are a “place for queer & trans African baddies,” what is the story behind that statement, and how is that reflected in the work that you do?
Simi: All of our events and gatherings are catered towards queer, trans, and gender nonconforming Africans, which we wanted front and center on our IG to make clear who this is for.
Crystal: It’s crucial to designate a space as queer, trans, and gender-expansive because not all spaces today are safe or welcoming for us. Explicitly identifying a space as such ensures it is intentionally supportive and inclusive of our community.
As an African collective based in an international city such as New York, how does that affect your work politically and culturally?
Crystal: New York is known for being a melting pot of people from diverse backgrounds. Although the population is expanding rapidly, this growth doesn’t always reflect the rich cultural tapestry and historical contributions of New York’s immigrant communities, including those from Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Our goal is to highlight and honor the deep and multifaceted heritage that has shaped the city, ensuring that the stories and experiences of its diverse residents are recognized and celebrated.
Simi: Exactly! In NYC, we have a special opportunity to bring Africans together from every corner of the continent since, well…we are all here! We are very mindful of the fact that the three of us are Nigerian, which ultimately is a cultural hegemony hence overrepresented, so we always want to make clear that we want all queer and trans Africans to come through to ABEG—there’s space for all of us here.
Courtesy of ABEG.
How do you see ABEG connecting with Africans outside New York/America? What overlaps or differences are there?
Crystal: Lately, we've been uncovering a growing number of queer African collectives around the world, all established to provide a community space for African and diasporic individuals. We are excited about the opportunity to connect with and collaborate with these groups to create a strong international network of support and solidarity.
What are your future goals and dreams for ABEG?
Crystal: To organize and curate festivals, conduct both in-person and virtual workshops, and travel to perform in South America and Africa.
Simi: I want ABEG to live beyond any event or gathering we organize—I really just want people to know each other. Olu said that they’d love for Africans who come to ABEG to become a real community to each other, so much so that people could perform traditional roles in each other’s queer weddings (I cried when they shared that with me—it’s true)!
What’s coming up next at ABEG?
Crystal: Look out for our special programming on October 4th. We got something special for y’all!
Simi: And if you’re a queer/trans African in NYC and want to join our group chat, please DM us at @abeg.nyc.
Courtesy of ABEG.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
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