STILL HERE STILL QUEER

Based in Redfern, BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation is the peak Aboriginal community-controlled organisation for Aboriginal Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBTQ+SB) Peoples and Communities in NSW.

BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation Launches Street Campaign to Raise Awareness and Vital Funds

 

Sydney, NSW, Australia – 20 May 2025

 

BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, a Redfern-based not-for-profit working towards improving the lived experience of First Nations LGBTQ+SB people, today announced the launch of a dynamic street campaign aimed at increasing public awareness and raising much-needed funding support.

 

The campaign, titled “STILL HERE STILL QUEER”, will see images and messages celebrating First Nations queer individuals in a guerrilla marketing style across Sydney City and the Inner West. Members of the public will be able to learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+SB experience and the impactful work of BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation.

 

One of the community members featured is Thomas Bevan, aka 2Joocee, a celebrated entertainer and proud gay Kija man.

 

“First Nations LGBTQ+SB are here, always been here and will always continue to be here” 2Joocee said in a view shared by so many.

 

The 3 week STILL HERE STILL QUEER campaign leads into National Reconciliation Week (NRW) – (27 May to 3 June) and the beginning of the International Pride Month (June) which serves as a meaningful reminder of First Nations LGBTQ+SB belonging in both spaces.

 

“Our street campaign is a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with our community and share the messages of the people we represent. Visibility matters, we’re here 365 days a year and every donation, big or small, makes a real difference in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+SB individuals and strengthens our communities” said Jessica Johnson – Chief Executive Officer (interim).

 

Donations raised through the “STILL HERE STILL QUEER” campaign will directly support the future work of BlaQ through advocacy and empowerment and improve connection and access for BlaQ members.

 

We believe this campaign offers a powerful opportunity to highlight the crucial work being done by BlaQ to support Aboriginal LGBTQI+SB communities.

 
 

Profiles

Jasmin Sarin / Kamilaroi and Jerrinja (She/Her, Lesbian) @jskooridesigns

Jasmine is a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman from NSW. Born and raised in Wollongong (Dharawal country) as well as South Coast in Nowra (Jerrinja and Yuin country) and has family connections to Coonabarabran (Kamilaroi country). Jasmine is also a Rescue Qualified Firefighter with FRNSW, a lover of good food, rugby league, an award-winning artist. “My artwork predominantly features bright and bold colours. The narratives behind my artworks are often linked to the way we connect, the way we come together, and how we grow as community.”
 
Thomas Bevan AKA 2Joocee / Kija (She/He/They, Gay) @2joocee 
2Joocee has established themself as an eminent figure in the entertainment and cultural sectors, merging their profound artistic talents with their advocacy for diversity and inclusion. A distinguished Faboriginal MC, singer, and host, 2Joocee’s vibrant presence and dynamic performances have captivated audiences across Australia’s premier events, including Midsumma, Yirramboi, Melbourne Fringe, and Sydney World Pride 2023. Hailing from Broome, Western Australia, and now residing on the lands of the Kulin Nation, their work transcends mere entertainment, embodying a commitment to visibility and representation for First Nations and queer communities.
 
Wendall French aka Felicia Foxx / Kamilaroi, Dunghutti (She/He/They, Queer) @iam_deadly_feliciafoxx
Starting their drag career at 16, Felicia Foxx set out to inspire youth to be their most charismatic and authentic selves. Using their platform to inspire others, Felicia continues to break down barriers, smash stigmas and create awareness for Indigenous and queer rights.
 
Bee Cruse Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri and Yuin-Monaro (She/Her, Lesbian) @beecruse
Born of Aboriginal, American Indian and Chinese descent, Bee Cruse is a Cultural Storyteller. Her family come from the Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri and Yuin-Monaro people of NSW, and she is currently writing and directing her first documentary ‘The Cruse Kinnection’ (working title) on the ancestry of her American Indian blood.
 
Sami Doku, Warumungu, Wombaya (She/Her, Trans Woman)
Sami was born on Gadigal Country (Sydney), her late mother Cecilia Cummings was one of many Aboriginal people taken from their community to Palm Island of Queensland. Her bloodlines connect her to Warumungu/ Wombaya country. She has recently returned from Darumbul land in Rockhampton to join BlaQ. Sami has been heavily involved in BlaQ from its inception and is a strong advocate for solid representation of LGBTQIA+ mob as a vital part of collective community wellbeing. “Knowing there is a space now where people can come and feel a sense of belonging and family is really amazing. BlaQ is a space where all are welcomed and that warms my heart.”
 
Dylan Hoskins, Dunghutti, Bundjalung, Gumbayngirr (He/They Gender nonconforming Queer, Gay) @itshaede
Dylan Hoskins is a curator of connection through music, story, and space. Their journey into arts, culture, and community work hasn’t followed a straight line, but rather an unfolding. From the grind of hospitality floors to the listenings required in advisory roles. With a foundation in music and a lived understanding of the transformative power of art, Dylan has pieced themselves into some of the country’s most compelling cultural, art and music offerings. Whether shaping soundscapes for DarkLab’s Dark Mofo, holding space for mob at VIC NAIDOC events, or sitting at the table in arts and music advisory groups, Dylan brings care, curiosity, and cultural responsibility to everything they do. Their work resists neat categorisation. It’s about presence, about place, about people. At its heart, this is a story of a person creating spaces where creativity can breathe, where community can gather, and where art can be a form of truth telling.
 
Jaleel Jarrett, Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr (She/Her Lesbian/Queer) @leel89
Jaleel Jarrett is a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman with strong family connections to Ballina and Nambucca Heads. She has worked in the Marketing and Communications sector for 7 years and is now bringing that knowledge back to her community. Jaleel has always been an out and proud lesbian. Her family members have been known in the LGBTQIA+ Sydney community for many years and she prides herself on being in the First Nations LGBTQIA+ community.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

“STILL HERE STILL QUEER” is a three-week street campaign launched by BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation to raise public awareness about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+SB communities and to raise vital funds for BlaQ’s ongoing work.

The campaign will run from 20 May to 8 June 2025.

You will see campaign collateral of strong proud First Nations LGBTQ+SB people throughout Sydney City and the Inner West using guerrilla-style marketing methods, also across our socials with additional resources available on the BlaQ website.

The campaign is strategically timed to lead into National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and the beginning of the annual International Pride Month (June). This timing highlights the belonging and importance of First Nations LGBTQ+SB people within both spaces.

Brief biographies of everyone in the campaign will be featured on a dedicated page on the BlaQ website, including their social media handles and information on where you can learn more about them.

You can support the campaign by:

 

Donating: Look for QR codes on campaign materials that will direct you to BlaQ’s donation page: blaq.org.au/donate.

 

Spreading Awareness: Share information about the campaign on social media using the hashtag @blaqmobs.

 

Learning More: Visit the BlaQ website and connect with us.

Funds raised through the “STILL HERE STILL QUEER” campaign will directly support the future work of BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation and help sustain our operations. We have several short- and long-term goals to support our members, from hosting cultural gatherings, and advocacy and referral services, to the provision of community transport to help drive community around and bring mob together and eventually being able to offer housing solutions.

Members of the media are invited to contact Jake Simon (admin@blaq.org.au) to arrange interviews and speak with BlaQ.

BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation is a registered charity and member of the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations committed to empowering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+SB community through innovation, inclusion, understanding and advocacy.

LGBTQ+SB is an inclusive acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, plus Sistergirl and Brotherboy (specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).

BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation works towards the improved well-being of First Nations LGBTQ+SB people through various initiatives focused on support, advocacy, community building, and cultural understanding.

You can contact BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation via email: admin@blaq.org.au

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Acknowledgement

BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future. We acknowledge and pay special respects to our LGBTQ+SB mob. We honour their legacy in everything we do.