Revolutionary Acts

Revolutionary Acts by Jason Okundaye is an evocative journey into the hitherto under-explored world of Black gay Britain. This magnificent work of social history delves deep into the lives of an elder generation of Black gay men, revealing a spirited community infused with courage, charisma, and humour. Okundaye masterfully reconstructs their pasts filled with dazzling nightlife, fierce resistance, political battles, as well as moments of personal loss, love, and scandalous gossip. By engaging in heartfelt conversations, he bridges the often-separate Black and gay narratives of Britain, weaving them into a cohesive, vivid tapestry.

Traversing through the decades of the seventies, eighties, and nineties in South London, Okundaye listens with rare compassion to intimate accounts and reflections. These men navigated the peak of the AIDS epidemic, built pivotal social groups, and orchestrated clandestine parties—each endeavour a testament to their resilience. They confronted and challenged societal institutions, and at times each other, all while creating a meaningful existence in a largely indifferent society. Through these honest conversations, Okundaye captures their indomitable spirit and undeniable impact on British history.

Revolutionary Acts offers a singular portrait of a resilient community, marked by the love and beauty Black men discovered amongst themselves, against the relentless winds of marginalisation and discrimination. This narrative does not merely recount past struggles but celebrates the enduring legacy of these individuals, highlighting their self-determination and the profound bonds they forged.

MENDEZ, author of Rainbow Milk, praises the book: "In this seminal work, Okundaye gives us juicy dialogue, tears and laughter, and vivid landscapes of memory."

SHON FAYE, author of The Transgender Issue, remarks: "Okundaye has done something extraordinary and made this work of vital social history seem like a late night, electrifying conversation between good friends."

LANRE BAKARE of Guardian calls it "Groundbreaking... Okundaye's research and interviews completely recast key moments in Black British history... We should be grateful that he has managed to capture a vital moment that - at so many points - could have been lost forever."

BOLU BABALOLA, author of Honey & Spice, describes the book as "Illuminating, heartbreaking, scandalous and galvanising. A crucial text not just of Black British history, but British history in itself."

TRAVIS ALABANZA, author of None of the Above, expresses: "What sung to me beyond the clear vitality within the words was its ability to make the history and lives of our subcultures so tantalising, alive, tender, playful and an addictive read. I can't wait to tell everyone to read this book."

SIMON GARFIELD, author of The End of Innocence, commends, "Jason Okundaye has written a truly valuable book: a chatty, powerful, and outrageous testament to a community of bold pioneers. As a document it's important and insightful, and as a piece of storytelling it's entertaining, lucid and compelling."

Revolutionary Acts is not merely a book; it is a vital archival record and a compelling testament to a vibrant, though often overlooked, segment of British society.