DENVER — From 1930s Billie Holiday to today’s Janelle Monáe, Black LGBTQ+ women have been influencing music for generations. Despite the diverse influences music has, both the national and local music industry often fail at representing artists that reflect this.
Nationally, the music industry is made up of about 63.9% men, and 73.9% white people. Accounts by local artists and fans have proven that Colorado’s music scene isn’t much different.
“I grew up in Montbello, in the east side area, and I've seen Denver change so significantly," reflects Denver poet, musician and mother Uchenna Ohaya, or “Uccch.” “It’s a place that I call home, but don't always feel at home here."
Uccch, performing artist and co-producer of Funky Fresh Friday
Uccch identifies as a Black Queer artist. Like many LGBTQ+ people of color, the music scene wasn’t the only community that has excluded her. “Identifying and becoming more part of the Queer community, I was cut off from my immediate family and that really kind of tossed me into the wind as far as, where's my community? Who is here for me?”
Over time, Uccch was able to find the perfect people to lift her up — a loving wife and son, friends and creative collaborators.
“My life has changed significantly since finding more supportive community. I feel like I've found my voice in a different space. I feel like I see myself,” she shared. “My confidence has gone through the roof.”
This shift in surroundings motivated Uccch to create spaces where others could experience the same sense of healing.
