Presented by Lavender Evolutions & Cliterion Collection.

Bursting with the colorful street style & music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, RAFIKI is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” – but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, Kena and Ziki must choose between happiness and safety.

Initially banned in Kenya for its positive portrayal of queer romance, RAFIKI won a landmark supreme court case chipping away at Kenyan anti-LGBT legislation. Featuring remarkable performances by newcomers Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva, RAFIKI is a hip tale of first love “reminiscent of the early work of Spike Lee” (Screen Daily) that’s “impossible not to celebrate” (Variety)!

LAVENDER EVOLUTIONS is a collective of Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color cultivating spaces for celebration, healing, and community in the DMV, Piscataway land. Drawing inspiration from queer history and community collaboration, Lavender Evolutions has been organizing an eclectic mix of programs to bring Queer People of Color together since the summer of 2022. Instagram: @lavender.evolutions

CLITERION COLLECTION: A film series centering dÿke and trans representation in cinema. Selections by resident they/thems Lu & Mary.