The Counter Narrative Project (CNP) is once again honored to partner with the Alliance Theatre, on Fat Ham. As an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of Black queer men, the themes of the play: queerness, masculinity, fathers and sons, and violence, all resonate deeply with our work. Our hope is that this play inspires brave conversations, and our shared commitment to expanding hearts and minds results in social and narrative change. 

So many of us have taken a journey not unlike the character Juicy in the play. In him we see both the cruelty and comedy of life. Perhaps we might, especially growing up in the South, have carried the weight of secrets and shame on our shoulders. And this shame, not unlike Juicy’s father, haunts, harasses, and compels us. But as this stunning play reveals: salvation isn’t just assimilation, it’s also defiance.  And even in our darkest moments, we can arrive at the most healing truths by meeting the absurdity of life with the unflinching acceptance of who we are. 

Though we may be marginalized by racism, homophobia, and toxic masculinity, we still have our dreams. And as long as we can dream, we can survive.

The significance of a play like Fat Ham, in this historic moment, cannot be overstated. The need for daring artistic works like this one, offers both a reflection of our times, and blueprints for how we can resist.  At a time when anti-LGBTQIA+ violence runs rampant, the spread of racism, homophobia, and transphobia, persists, and efforts to censor, marginalize, if not criminalize dissenting voices seems to gain strength; The Counter Narrative Project (CNP) stands firm in our commitment to visibility. We publish The Reckoning, a digital publication elevating Black queer voices; we train advocates and organizers on storytelling strategies; and through partnerships like the wonderful and enduring friendship we have with the Alliance Theatre, we support works like Fat Ham which offer not just an artistic experience, but a defining cultural moment.

Charles Stephens

Executive Director

The Counter Narrative Project