"In 2008 I was featured on Channel 4 in Young Black and Gay.

In this short film I talk of my experience as a black gay man living in London."

Hi I’m Dean Atta and I am 24years old.

I am of Jamaican and Greek-Cypriot origin, born and raised in North West London.

I lived for 3 years in Brighton whilst at the University of Sussex where I obtained a degree in Philosophy and English. Whist there I was openly gay President of the African Caribbean Society and a Black Students Representative on the Student Union Council.

Since graduating I regularly tour primary and secondary schools delivering anti-bullying workshops for No Outsiders and Schools Out, on homophobic, racist and sexist language and behaviour. I use poetry and drama games as a medium to explore these issues with young people in a fun and effective way.

By profession I am a writer. This year I have been published in Flight: An Anthology of New Writing, with a piece entitled Granny’s Kitchen, about a young black gay man suffering domestic violence at the hands of his closeted lover.

I was commissioned by rukus! Federation to write one of the Mangina Monologues, a sexy dynamic brand new play that explores the exciting mix of race sexuality and manhood, performed at the Soho Theatre this February.

I have set up my own production company to put on my latest production, Scratched Out – The Urban Musical.

This is about six young people from an inner-city estate who all have ambitions of making it in the music industry.  The story takes place during the course of one evening at a pirate radio station and a club. As the records spin, the drama unfolds revealing the soundtrack to a night that will permanently change the lives of these six characters.

It is a brand new production. I wrote the lyrics to the music which is a mix of R&B, hip-hop, classical and grime.

The subject matter of the musical covers issues that are relevant to young people and are delivered in an eye-catching and creative way that they can relate to. The themes of Scratched Out  and the personal stories of the featured young artists (singers, rappers and poets) in the cast are highly inspirational and positive, and their aim is to channel this across to the audience in an empowering and uplifting message.

In 2008 I was featured on Channel 4 in a Three-Minute Wonder entitled Young Black and Gay. This has been aired twice in a prime time slot and has also received thousands of views online. In this short film I talk of my experience as a black gay man living in London.

I am a founding member of queer, alternative FYi Radio station. We recently recorded a black gay special called Black Out, featuring the writer of Wig Out!, Tarell Alvin Mccraney.

In recognition of my work over the past year I won the prestigious Black LGBT Community Arts Award 2008.

I feel very nurtured and encouraged by a number of people within the LGBT community, namely Topher and Ajamu at rukus! Ryan Haynes and everyone on the at FYi Radio, Ralph Hutton at OOT and the guys at the Black Gay Men’s Advisory Group (BGMAG), Elizabeth Atkinson at No Outsiders and Sue Sanders at Schools Out.

Of course there are many others, who may not want to be named here, but have supported me over the years, both personally and professionally.

Dean & Family

I never base my friendships on sexuality; I have friends from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and of all ages. However, the common element amongst all my friends is an open mind and an appreciation for the artistic side of life.

My partnership with Richard Hale on Scratched Out has proved that; he’s a straight, white guy from the suburbs and I’m a black, gay guy from inner-city London, but we came together through a love of music to create something that will hopefully cross the divides of class, race and sexuality.

 I live with my mum and my little sister. They both came with me to the Black LGBT Community Awards ceremony and were very proud to see me collect an award. My mum has always been very supportive of my career in the arts and my choice to be open about my sexuality.

In my spare time food is a big passion of mine. I love going to restaurants or being cooked for, especially by my Greek or Jamaican grandma. I also spend a good few nights a week going to a play, movie, gig or open mic night.

To all of you readers out there, I encourage you to be proud of who you are and your personal achievements, but do not be too proud to ask for help when you need it. I would have never gotten to where I am if I had tried to do it all by myself.

http://www.myspace.com/deanatta
Facebook Search: ‘Dean Atta’

http://www.myspace.com/scratchedoutthemusical
Facebook Search: ‘The Urban Musical’