Keeping it 100, or K1 for short, is a Black guy-into-guys peer discussion group. To participate, email Robert at r.alsberry@maxottawa.ca or contact MAX via email, phone, or social media for more details.

K1 is open to any cis, trans, gender non-binary person who identifies as gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, or other same-gender-loving identities. 

While we centre masculine perspectives, Black women and femme folks are always welcome to join our discussion. 

We use Black to be inclusive of African, Caribbean, Black, Afro-Latino, Afro-Indigenous, biracial, mixed race, and other members of the African diaspora.

Currently, K1 is meeting the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in person at the MAX office. Announcements will be made in the case of special meeting times or locations.

K1’s goal is to provide a welcoming environment to talk about issues that affect Black guys into guys. For many of us, we often feel we have to be chosen to be Black or Gay/Queer/etc. 

At K1, we can bring our whole selves, meet new people, and discover ways to take care of ourselves.

We talk, share, laugh, and learn from guest facilitators and speakers and amongst ourselves. We cover a wide range of rotating topics in a group-led discussion. Topics are decided upon by the group.

New members are always welcome. We know that it can be challenging to attend something for the first time, but we make all efforts to make people feel welcome and appreciated.

• The resiliency & improved self esteem i get from being a k1 member has been immeasurable.
• K1 has given me a space to connect with, and received validation for common experiences as a black gay man.
• K1 has been a space where I come to meet new queer folk and engage in enriching discussions and have some clean fun. 👌🏽
• K1 has been a reliable support system for Black queer folks in Ottawa. In these times stability is paramount for everyone!
• K1 has open the door of knowing black queer people in Ottawa.
• K1 is a great way to learn and grow in your surroundings and community as well as socially.
• K1 has been my social bridge to Canada
• This is a space to celebrate and affirm your Queerness and Blackness in Ottawa.
• J’aime participer à K1. Je me sens en famille.

K1 does take place mostly in Engish, although many people who attend are bilingual or Francophone. We welcome people to express themselves in their language of choice and we translate amongst ourselves. 

If you’d be interested in facilitating in French, don’t hesitate to reach out.

It was started in 2016 by Black gay and queer men who wanted a regular day and time to talk and learn amongst themselves. It was a pilot project that has become a regular part of MAX programming.