The Journey of Escarpin Productions:

Escarpin Productions was born out of a passion for creating inclusive spaces for the queer community. Benjamin, a dedicated member of RFSL Umeå, recognized several pressing issues through his experiences producing exhibitions like "Queer by Queer" in 2023 and organizing drag shows and open stages during Umeå Pride:

Lack of Safe Spaces: There was a significant absence of safe spaces in Umeå and the broader Västerbotten region where queer individuals could freely express themselves and feel supported.
Platform for Queer Artists: Benjamin observed that queer artists lacked a platform to showcase their talents and grow within the community. This gap limited their opportunities for artistic expression and recognition.

The turning point came after a successful pride event in September 2024, which included an open stage and a drag show at Kajscenen in Väven, where nearly 400 tickets were sold out. The overwhelming response from both artists and supporters made it clear that there was a deep thirst for events like this in Umeå. This realization sparked the idea for Escarpin Productions—a project dedicated to producing vibrant shows, engaging workshops, and diverse queer events to promote inclusivity, celebrate art, and foster community building.

With Escarpin Productions, Benjamin aims to address these issues by creating a platform that not only entertains but also empowers queer artists and fosters a sense of belonging within the queer community. The project supports events like Club Bisous, which is just the beginning of a broader vision to establish a recurring celebration of queer culture in Umeå. As the political landscape shifts, the need for safe spaces and community support becomes ever more urgent and important. Escarpin Productions is committed to providing these spaces and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

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