User:Aguerrero22/sandbox

I plan on adding a more in-depth explanation of what Kiki gatherings are, where they came from, when they originated and where they originated. I also want to add a section of their impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

"Kiki" (alternately kiking or a ki) is a term which grew out of Black American gay social culture, and is loosely defined as a gathering of friends for the purpose of gossiping and chit-chat.3 This term originated from the black drag community and it simply means gossip or a good time.5 It is not more than a gossip circle comprising of you and your best friends 1. The term was popularized by The Scissor Sisters’ 2012 hit song “Lets Have a Kiki” In this song, the word “kiki” is described as “a party for calming all your nerves.”2 This particular type of social gathering is focused on promoting gender nonconformity, racial diversity, and sexual openness. 3 The term was further popularized by the 20117 documentary by the same name4

Kikis serve an important role in the LGBTQ+ community and the queer communities of color. Kikis are not like any other social gathering, this one in particular has its focus on a safe space for racial diversity, gender inclusion and other types of queer minorities. Although there are a lot of spaces that are safe for gay people, most of them cater to gay cis white men and they leave little room for sexual and race minorities. These minorities that do not always feel like they belong or are welcomed in a space, can form a kiki among their friends or attend a kiki in their local community and meet other minorities. This space can be a safe space where they can meet other queer people of color that also do not feel safe in spaces that cater gay white cis men.
 * 1) Jacobs, Greg. “'Lets Have a Kiki'.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 2 Feb. 2016, www.huffpost.com/entry/lets-have-a-kiki_b_1793448.
 * 2) Administrator, postbulletin. “Connect with a Range of LGBTQ+ People at Weekly Kikis.” Post Bulletin, Post Bulletin, 9 Jan. 2020, www.postbulletin.com/magazines/507/connect-with-a-range-of-lgbtq-people-at-weekly-kikis/article_66809864-30c8-11ea-90b2-bb71965d571d.html.
 * 3) Micone, Sandy. Kiki. 16 Oct. 2020, www.dictionary.com/e/slang/kiki/.
 * 4) Williams, Robert. Ikea Hosts Virtual 'Kiki' on Instagram to Support LGBT Inclusion. 13 Aug. 2020, www.mobilemarketer.com/news/ikea-hosts-virtual-kiki-on-instagram-to-support-lgbt-inclusion/583433/.
 * 5) Bennet, Taylor. “Scissor Sisters Interview.” Time Out, Way Back Machine, 21 Oct. 2016, web.archive.org/web/20121021211142/www.timeout.com/london/feature/2687/scissor-sisters-interview.