Fambo strengthens a sense of belonging for queer families

A new one-day contemporary queer arts festival for families, Fambo, launches in Redfern on Saturday

Jenn Blake and her son and performer Radha La Bia ahead of the inauguration of the contemporary arts festival for families Fambo. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

The colour and diversity of contemporary queer culture should not be an adults-only affair, according to Jenn Blake the artistic director of Sydney’s inaugural Fambo queer arts festival for families.

Blake said historically a lot of queer culture was contained in adults-only establishments or at night but, with a little help from artists like Radha La Bia (aka Shahmen Suku), she is bringing queer culture into the sunshine with a series of workshops, activities and performances led by LGBTQIA+ artists to celebrate the queer experience through creation, participation and play.

Performer Shahmen Suku as his alter ego, Radha La Bia will perform as part of Fambo. Picture: Tim da Rin

“There is so much to enjoy and celebrate about the LGBTIQA+ experience and very little opportunity for children and families to connect and participate together in experiences which ultimately validate our identity and strengthen our sense of belonging,” Blake said.

La Bia will lead a banana-powered educational workshop immersed in a jungle of banana trees.

While artist Nicole Barakat will facilitate a wild woven colour cave and Black Divaz star Josie Baker will share her favourite children’s stories. There will also be a vogue class and heaps small party by Heaps Gay.

Fambo, 107 Redfern, Saturday September 29, 10am-6pm, full program + tickets fambo.com.au