CONNEK JA
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ABOUT

About

Connek JA is a grassroots organization and resource center that provides networking and socialization that connects queer Jamaicans within and outside of Jamaica, fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion through programming, offers financial and educational information, and advocates for changes in policy for the queer community in Jamaica and beyond.

Our goals are:

  • To connect queer people and allies in and outside of Jamaica through events in Jamaica and NYC.

  • To maintain a transnational presence as a traveling resource center with programming in Jamaica and NYC.

  • To collaborate and harness resources for organizations in Jamaica doing non-profit work to support the LGBTQIA+ community there.

  • To support the ever growing liberation movement in Jamaica for queer people while centering joy and community.

Our Connek Ja programs:

  • The Doll Ball Ja: The Doll Ball provides a safe space for queer Jamaicans and all attendees/ allies to celebrate the legacy of ballroom culture, be apart of the growing ballroom culture in Kingston and center community synergy for a more liberated queer Jamaica!

  • Connek Care Packages: This project is all about sending real life tangible products like, clothes hormones, gender affirming clothing, hygeine products, to queer and trans jamaicans.

  • Connek Workshops: A collection of skill sharing classes to harness education for queer Jamaicans in Kingston.

  • The Connek Trip: A curated, in-person trip for international guests to connect with the queer Jamaican community through activities, excursions, and engagement with local queer activists, artists, and organizations, fostering deeper, lasting connections between visitors and Jamaicans.

Board of Directors

Neon Christina (he/him) - Executive Director/ Co Founder

Born in Long Island, NY Christopher Udemezue aka Neon Christina has shown at a variety of galleries and museums, including the New Museum, Queens Museum of Art, PS1 MoMa, Bruce High Quality Foundation, and Envoy Enterprises. Udemezue has recently utilized his Jamaican heritage and the complexities of its desire for connection, tragedy through personal mythology, and public lynching, as a primary source. As the founder of the platform RAGGA NYC, he completed a residency with the New Museum titled, "All The Threatened And Delicious Things Joining One Another", in June 2017. RAGGA NYC is a party and platform run by artist Neon Christina that has received press from the New Yorker magazine to Art Net.com. Working with the likes of PAPI JUICE, Juliana Huxtable, YES YES YALL (Toronto) and The New Museum; RAGGA has stormed NYC nightlife with a much needed queer Caribbean flavor.

Chaday Emmanuel (they/ them she/her) - Executive Director/ Co Founder

Born and living in Kingston, Jamaica, co-founder of @Connekja & @Sapphicja. Chaday is an entrepreneur majoring in Digital Media Production & event production. Always striving to provide people with safe spaces and opportunities. Connekja is a Queer resource center co-founded by creative director Chaday Emmanuel, that has worked with some of the best of Kingston Jamaica’s queer talent scene. Just last year Connek held Jamaica's first official ball at Hope Gardens. Connek highlights love and tolerance no matter what the event has continued to have successful, safe events working with local venues to build ties throughout the community. Chaday has worked in film in different aspects from Art Direction, BTS, and in the last few years acting in minor roles for HBOs 'Get Millie Black' and a major role in Hulu and Disney Plus Upcoming '1000 Blows'

Staff

Executive Assistant - Neochea

Event Producer - Daniel

Production Manager - Shelly Williams

Program Coordinator - Kyym Savage

Social Media Coordinator - Emani Edwards

2024 - 2025 Team

Savannah - Executive Assistant

Alexandrea - Ambassador program coordinator

Kwela - Ambassador program coordinator & Care package program coordinator

Elida - Care package coordinator

Steph - Development coordinator

Jojo - Development coordinator

Sharna-Kay - Marketing Officer/Social Media coordinator

Danielle - development and assistant

Press

Diotima: A fashion ode to the Caribbean (Connek JA mention) - Jamaica Gleaner
Marrying Two Missions: Support & Celebrate Queer Artists And Trans Women Living In Jamaica - Love Injection Magazine
Singer Shenseea mentions CONNEK -
Teen Vogue
”An Exploration of LGBTQ Jamaican Identity—and Lots of Food” - Feature on Connek
- Advocate Magazine
”CONNEK is redefining what it means to be queer and Caribbean” - Feature on Connek
Topical Cream
CONNEK Team in the Pride issue of Pride JA Magazine -
Pride Magazine