OUT OUT: Redefining What It Means To Be Inclusive

A new event in Teesside is redefining what it means to be inclusive, creative and unapologetically yourself

Event OUT OUT, founded by Kea Eloise, a trans woman embedded in the local art and drag scene, is committed to changing Teesside into a more inclusive place.

OUT OUT is a celebration of queer artists, performers, and allies, creating an inclusive space that resonates with the Teesside LGBTQ+ community.

The event was born from this desire to showcase the work of local queer artists.

Kea said: “"I wanted to showcase queer artists and allies within the local art scene"

"A lot of venues in Middlesbrough say they are inclusive, but they fail to broadcast that inclusivity. Especially with today’s political climate, I fear it's needed more than ever to showcase minorities on a pedestal.

“As a trans woman myself, I struggle at times feeling comfortable in certain spaces and that’s why I wanted OUT OUT to feel super inclusive.”

The First OUT OUT Event

The first OUT OUT event was an art exhibition at Pineapple Black, which featured a range of art from local artists, capturing the essence of the raw and hard reality of being queer, whilst avoiding the use of rainbows or making it feel ‘overt’.

In collaboration with artist Bobby Benjamin, Kea selected artists that would work well within the space at Pineapple Black. Selected artists showcased art of all kinds: clothing, install, floor and wall art.

The success of the OUT OUT exhibition at Pineapple Black sparked interest from local drag queens about creating a new club night event.

Kea said: “Once the first event was over, I immediately got approached by the queens to do a rave or club night, that planted the seed in my head, and I decided to go further with that idea.”

The Next OUT OUT Event

OUT OUT will host its next event at Disgraceland, in Middlesbrough. A venue that Kea feels is the perfect fit for her vision.

She said: “It is MASSIVELY important to me that OUT OUT is an inclusive space regardless of venue.

"I chose Disgraceland for the next event because I have been there frequently and after having close conversations with the owner Jane, I thought it would be perfect.”

The upcoming event will focus more on music and the art of drag and performance. and the goal is to create an atmosphere that feels both euphoric and authentic to the queer experience.

Kea said: “A rave but make it authentically queer as possible.

“I want punters feeling they’ve just strolled into 1980’s Berlin.

“I chose Middlesbrough to host the event because I was born and bred here and deep-down Middlesbrough has the potential to be an artistic hotspot, but as of now the scene is slightly underground unless it’s funded by the arts council. The messages I want to spread through my event are UNITY, LOVE and APPRECIATION.”

Headlining the next event, DJs Poor Spice and Vision are close friends of Kea.

 “I have a huge appreciation for their work and what they bring,” said Kea.

“Which is why I want them to be a part of OUT OUT’s first club event, to make the experience as close to my heart as possible.”

The Future for OUT OUT

Kea has big plans for the future of OUT OUT, with discussions with Bobby Benjamin about more events in the future. Hopefully reaching further connections in Newcastle and the North East.

As the local community continues to carve out safe space for self-expression in Teesside, OUT OUT is a reminder that celebrating minority voices is needed now more than ever.

You can find out more about OUT OUT by going to their Instagram page.