“What’s the Tea?” is a series of events designed by and for trans* and queer individuals to share their personal stories, inspirations, aspirations, and creative work. Centered around the concept of storytelling, the event draws on the slang term “tea” – meaning to share truth or gossip – to create a space where participants spill their own experiences and insights. Themes of transitoriness and transformation are woven through the narratives, highlighting moments that shape identity, creativity, and community. With a focus on “trans*stories” and “transitorities,” the event invites participants to engage in the transient nature of inspiration and self-expression from the guests.
“What’s the Tea?” is conceived by Faris Cucchi, Mzamo Nondlwana and Pêdra Costa and organized by VBKÖ.
What's the Tea? #6 with Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi
Thursday, December 4th, 18:00
Location: VBKÖ (Maysedergasse 2/28, 4th floor, 1010 Wien)
Our closing talk, “Bodies in Resistance. From the Canvas to the Street,” will spotlight Va-Bene’s powerful work as a multidisciplinary artivist and frontline advocate for queer rights in Ghana and internationally. Her performances and activism transform the body into a site of resistance, challenging violence, systemic oppression, and the rising threat to LGBTQIA+ communities.
Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi (Ho, Ghana, 1981), also known as crazinisT artisT, is an internationally recognized trans multidisciplinary artist. Winner of the Prince Claus Impact Award 2024 and the Henrike Grohs Art Award 2022, she lives in Kumasi, Ghana, and works through performance, ritual, and installation to challenge gender, identity, violence, oppression, and inequality.
Founder of pIAR, TTO, ORCG, and TAAN, she builds networks connecting artists, activists, and thinkers worldwide, using her body as a tool to make injustice visible and provoke change.