We held a conversation between the BBC’s LGBT correspondent Ben Hunte and writer and journalist Kuchenga. Our panelists discussed race and gender in relation to architecture and space, how we can tackle LGBT+ homelessness and the need for physical trans spaces in our communities as well as the ongoing urgency for black LGBT+ civil rights. This was an online event broadcast via Zoom. Thank you to everyone that took part!
Ben Hunte
A journalist and presenter, Ben Hunte is the BBC's first LGBT Correspondent, reporting on stories surrounding sexuality and gender.
Since starting the role in April 2019, Ben has uncovered how black male victims of sexual abuse are ‘ignored’ by the government, he broke the news of HRH Prince William supporting a potential LGBT royal, and he fronted a season of coverage celebrating 50 years since the Stonewall Riots.
Ben’s digital films have been seen by millions, with topics ranging from men feeling “too ugly” to be gay, to racism within the LGBT dating scene.
As one of the BBC's youngest correspondents, Ben’s journalism has already been nominated for awards, including by the Royal Television Society, PinkNews and British LGBT Awards. In 2019 he was awarded an ‘Alumni Laureate Award’ by the University of Nottingham, where he studied a Neuroscience degree on a full scholarship.
Prior to this role, in 2018, Ben launched and presented What's New, the BBC's first TV programme and digital service for children in Africa. For more info about Ben and his work click the link below.
Kuchenga
KUCHENGA is a Black transsexual feminist whose work seeks to cleave souls open with truth and sincerity.
She has been published in many online magazines including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. She chooses to live wherever her heart leads her. She is proud to be called a ‘lady of letters’ and a ‘woman of wanderlust’.
She is currently writing a novel telling the tale of a young black trans girl from North London whose triumphant journey takes her down a path of sexual scandal, substance abuse and a mission to prove the Jamaican family legend that she is a descendant of Admiral Horatio Nelson.
In the years to come she hopes to follow in the footsteps of Marie Daulne and Johny Pitts to see if she can become a true ‘Afropean’. For more info about Kuchenga and her work click the link below.