inspiration

Ganvié, located in present-day Benin, is a captivating city built on Lake Nokoué. Made of wooden buildings constructed on stilts, the city stretches across the lake, forming a network of canals that serve as the main transportation routes. The brilliant architectural landscape, was designed as a defensive measure against slave raiders, offering its residents protection and security.

According to legend, with the help of a voodoo priest, a hawk and a crocodile, Ganvié was established during the Atlantic slave trade as a refuge and haven. The Tofinu peoples’ civil engineering created a natural barrier to slave traders making it nearly impossible for them to approach discreetly.

This legendary resilience, resistance, and defiance against the slave trade earned Ganvié the reputation as a sanctuary.

image of the city of Ganvie in Benin, water with colorful houses and buildings on stilts

this sanctuary

Our goal is to elevate the stories of black queer ancestors and provide a unique and engaging space to share their love, triumphs and continued lessons they wish to reveal.

The Ganvié Project, a virtual ancestor art gallery and space designed to connect black queer and trans folks to ancestors, community and experiences. With the motto of remembering, reconnecting and reimagining, this digital container is dedicated to black queer and trans people reconnecting with themselves, the natural world, and drawing from ancestral practices to reimagine new ways of being.

  • black and white photo of masc elder sitting and finishing a cigarette

    remembering our ancestors

    Explore the virtual ancestor art gallery and the stories of black queer ancestors told by their descendances.

  • two young black people laying next to each other on a bed. one is hold a yellow book called Queer Influence

    reconnecting with self and others

    Join our virtual community gatherings or workshops where we explore ways to build community and reconnect with ourselves through the lessons of our ancestors.

  • black femme with eyes closed and smiling with joy wearing a strapless black top and bright red hairband

    reimagining today and tomorrow

    Learn geneology insights to unearth your ancient gifts from your ancestors and build a future rooted in your soul’s original contract.

A young person on a boat in Ganvie Benin looking out onto the water and marshland