Revolutionary Acts

“[...] those of us who work to recover the stories and memories of our elders are as much historians and researchers as we are emergency workers.”

— page XI

Title: Revolutionary Acts
Author: Jason Okundaye
Published: March 2024

In this landmark work, Jason Okundaye meets an elder generation of Black gay men and finds a spirited community full of courage, charisma and good humour, hungry to tell its past – of nightlife, resistance, political fights, loss, gossip, sex, romance and vulgarity. Through their conversations he seeks to reconcile the Black and gay narratives of Britain, narratives frequently cleaved as distinct and unrelated.

Tracing these men’s journeys and arrivals to South London through the seventies, eighties and nineties from the present day, Okundaye relays their stories with rare compassion, listening as they share intimate memories and reflect upon their lives. They endured and fought against the peak of the AIDS epidemic, built social groups and threw underground parties; they went to war with institutions (and with each other) and created meaning within a society which was often indifferent to their existence.

Revolutionary Acts renders a singular portrait of Britain from the perspective of those buffeted by the winds of marginalisation and discrimination. It is a portrait marked by resilience and self-determination, inspired by the love and beauty Black men have found in each other.

Discussion Questions

1. In Revolutionary Acts Jason Okundaye emphasizes how Black gay history is often erased or sidelined. How does the book reshape mainstream narratives of Black British history and LGBTQ+ history?

2. The book presents six different men’s experiences. Was there one story that resonated with you the most? Why?

3. The book challenges the idea that Blackness and queerness exist as separate or conflicting identities. How do the men in Revolutionary Acts navigate these dual identities, and did any of their experiences challenge or reinforce your own perspectives?

4. How does the setting of Brixton shape the stories in Revolutionary Acts? Did the book change or deepen your understanding of Brixton’s history and its significance in Black British activism?

5. The title Revolutionary Acts suggests that love, community, and defiance can be political acts. In what ways do the men’s relationships, activism, and social lives challenge oppression?

6. The book suggests that small, everyday moments — holding hands in public, finding joy in community, even gossip — can be radical acts. Did this change how you think about activism?

7. The links between Black activism and LGBTQ+ rights, including moments of solidarity are evident throughout the book (such as the Mangrove’s role in both Black activism and Gay Liberation marches). What can we learn from these connections today?

8. Much of the book is based on recorded conversations. How does this format affect your reading experience? Do you think oral history has a unique power compared to other forms of historical writing?

9. Okundaye acts as a bridge between generations. Did reading the book make you reflect on the importance of talking to elders in your own community or family? What kinds of stories do we risk losing if we don’t ask these questions?

10. The second half of the book celebrates Brixton’s gay clubs, underground parties, and even cruising spots. How does nightlife function as a form of community-building and resistance in the book?

11. The book does not shy away from the devastation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but it also highlights resilience and support networks. How did the men’s experiences with the crisis shape their lives and activism?

12. Revolutionary Acts does not present a simplified or idealised view of Black gay communities; it explores disagreements, exclusion, and even betrayals. Did this complexity make the book feel more authentic? Were there moments that surprised you?

13. From The Voice’s backlash against Justin Fashanu to the lack of Black gay representation in mainstream narratives, Revolutionary Acts highlights the power of the media in shaping public perception. How do you see these issues playing out today?

14. The book touches on moments of deep solidarity but also tensions, such as betrayals within the community, conflicts between activists, and the weaponization of HIV status. What does this say about the realities of activism and movement-building?

15. What’s Missing? Okundaye chooses to focus on six individuals, but Black gay history in Britain is vast. Were there any topics or perspectives you wished the book had explored further?

Further Reading

When Black gay London came out:
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/black-gay-london-brixton-jason-okundaye-revolutionary-acts-b1144043.html

Race Today archive chronicling lives of black Britons to launch online: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/02/race-today-archive-chronicling-black-britons-lives-launches-online

Gripping series celebrates the unsung heroes and untold stories of Britain’s HIV epidemic:
https://www.thepinknews.com/2021/12/01/we-were-always-here-podcast-hiv-marc-thompson/

Revolutionary Acts Review:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/feb/29/revolutionary-acts-by-jason-okundaye-review-bringing-black-gay-history-to-life