Bushwick Safe Space Celebrates Queer Haitians
Boston Chery, a Haïtian DJ and community organizer, founded “Konsa” a year ago as an event dedicated for queer Haitian people in New York City. Konsa aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Haitian community to celebrate their culture and identity, they said.
For decades, Caribbean immigrants have made New York their home. According to the Migration Policy Institute, New York has the second-largest Haitian immigrant population in the U.S, following Florida. Recently, the Trump administration decided to shorten Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 100,000 Haitian immigrants.
At their event a few weeks ago, the venue was decorated with Haitian flags and blue-and-red-themed decor, reflecting the national colors. Chery and their co-organizers prepared the space before taking over as DJ. By 1 a.m., the bar was at full capacity, with attendees enjoying Haitian music.
Laïny is from Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean, covers immigration in New York City with a focus on its intersection with LGBTQIA+ rights.