Carlo | Award-winning writer and poet, PR | Co-founder of Quintessential and Queer | Author of From My Lips to Hers and Dear Caffe Pelle | Hobbies; poetry, swimming, long walks, rom-coms | Kenya
Instagram: @carlokui and @quintessentialandqueer
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
Quintessential and Queer. I created a company that supports queer writers in Kenya. I collaborated up with another brilliant writer. By promoting this beautiful form of art, we uplift the community as a whole.
.
.
2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
This grand dream of sharing our work came to a kind of halt since the pandemic happened. The pandemic disrupted our connection to the world and each other. I also felt quite depressed from the isolation from friends and family. Including loss of multiple income streams have left me very strained financially.
.
.
3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
To have more safe and inclusive spaces, and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists. To display their work and learn from all over the world but mostly in reference to Africa and Kenya.
.
.
4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
That we all continue to suffer the devastating effects of COVID19. Through loss of lives and leaving so many homeless and highly traumatized. The stigma of isolation and homelessness for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized people.
.
.
5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
My mother, who is a teacher by profession. She teaches us all to be fun, proactive and to love ourselves always. These life lessons have molded me into the woman I am.
.
.
6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
No matter the question, no matter the uncertainty, the answer is always love. Stay authentic to your loves.
A few more questions about the current situation (covid-19, lockdown, black lives matter protests, politics, finances, mental health, health, and so much more):
7) THE WORLD HAS BEEN CHANGING DRAMATICALLY IN RECENT MONTHS, HOW ARE YOU COPING?
Life has been hectic for me. I was in the process of a transition when the pandemic hit. The first couple of months rather went by but now that we are slowly returning to a kind of normalcy, it has gotten worse. Sometimes I am tempted to shut down when it gets too hard. I am coping by learning to ask for help, by practicing constant communication with myself and yoga and meditation have really centered me. Professionally, I am taking this opportunity take on new learning platforms, to distract myself, and to equip myself with tons of new skills, like coding and languages.
.
.
8) WHICH CHANGE HAS AFFECTED YOU THE MOST / HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU PERSONALLY?
As an artist, I am affected by lack of physical activities and events. In these spaces, we receive remuneration for performances. Additionally, we are able to sell our merchandise. We also meet clients in physically spaces for commissions.
.
.
9) WHAT ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE MOST?
Same as 4