BLKOUT storylab

BLKOUT NXT powered by black queer storytelling : realness unleashed

Creating Our Media, Telling Our Stories

For too long, Black queer men in the UK have been defined by others—portrayed as threats, hyper-sexualized, or erased entirely from narratives about both Black and LGBTQ+ communities. No longer waiting for change, we're taking the opportunity to define ourselves, connect with each other, and build the kind of community infrastructure that allows us to thrive.The BLKOUT StoryLab and Virtual Newsroom will create a platform where we can:

  • Tell our own stories, in our own voices

  • Build meaningful connections with each other

  • Document our experiences for future generations

  • Create dialogue that shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us

Why We Need This Now

We deserve a media platform that reflects our realities and amplifies our voices.

This is an historic moment for UK Black queer men — with many examples of ground-breaking individual success, and significant collective cultural impact, starkly mismatched by widespread loneliness, discrimination, and despair - with vital services and advocacy severely under-resourced.We are the first generation to experience equal rights on paper while remaining connected to a diaspora in which so many are not free.

We live with the legacy, while detached from the memory of the AIDS pandemic. Trauma from denial and respectability reverberate, hidden from healing liberation - the result of intergenerational ties too weak for lessons to be learned.We operate in the midst of a revolution in information and technological innovation that present exciting new possibilities for community building, together with the threat of further widening of the opportunity gap.

new content for us, by us

  • News and analysis from Black queer perspectives

  • Personal stories that reflect our diverse experiences

  • Historical documentation of our community's past and present

  • Creative expression through various media formats

  • Health and wellbeing information relevant to our lives

  • Community spotlights celebrating Black queer excellence

  • Action-oriented resources for addressing collective challenges

What Makes This Different

What makes our approach unique:

The BLKOUT StoryLab and Virtual Newsroom isn't just another media outlet—it's a community-driven platform that puts relationship-building at its core.

  • Community ownership: This platform belongs to us—Black queer men create the content, drive the conversations, and shape its direction

  • AI-augmented storytelling: Using innovative technology to help amplify diverse voices without extensive time commitments

  • Dialogue over consumption: Prioritizing meaningful conversation and connection over passive content consumption

  • Rewards for engagement: A token-based system that recognizes and values community participation

  • Multiple ways to connect: Beyond just consuming content, the platform enables real-world connections, interest groups, and collective action

how it works

The BLKOUT StoryLab and Virtual Newsroom is currently being prepared for testing. Black queer men are invited to join the BLKOUTHUB and be among the first to use these innovative tools.

for blkout members

from consumers to commissioners

Join the conversation
Become part of the BLKOUTHUB community and engage with other Black queer men around shared interests and experiencesCommission content with ease
Answer a few simple questions (taking just minutes), and our AI tools will help transform your thoughts into fully-developed contentEarn recognition and privileges
The more you engage, the more tokens you earn—unlocking access to premium content, enhanced participation rights, and real-world opportunitiesConnect beyond content
Form interest groups, organize meet-ups, or join action initiatives around causes that matter to our communityShape our collective narrative
Help build a living archive of Black queer experiences that will inform, inspire, and empower future generations

...for those working with black queer men

'hard to reach' depends on where you stand

Amplify your message
Partner with the StoryLab to engage Black queer men in effective and authentic dialogueTap into community insights
Gain deeper understanding of the needs, interests, and experiences of Black queer men in the UKBuild meaningful partnerships
Collaborate on content, events, and initiatives that serve our overlapping communitiesShare resources and expertise
Contribute to and benefit from our growing knowledge base and creative infrastructureCreate lasting impact
Join us in building sustainable community media that challenges mainstream narratives and centres marginalized voices

shaping our future together

BLKOUT Next

welcome to blkoutuk 2025

BLKOUT STORYLAB is just one element of our programme to build stronger foundations for our movement.Visit BLKOUT NXT to register to be part of shaping our future together.

there's an app for that!

download & share @blkouthub

If you are a Black queer man living in the UK, now is a great time to join the BLK OUT HUB community.The Hub includes new features and fresh content and serves as the digital heart of our move forward to BLKOUT NEXTAvailable as both a desktop and smartphone app.