It removes us from a mindset of fragmented individualism, thinking instead about a mutually beneficial community that we can all draw from and contribute to. Pleasure Activism, on the other hand, encourages us to turn inwards and look at ourselves as small parts of a whole. Their first book, Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds attempts to reckon with the fact that the world – and therefore activism – is in a constant state of flux, and only by understanding that can we organise effectively and efficiently. Illustration by Luci Pina maree brown is one of the world’s leading Black feminist scholars and theorists whose work is heavily inspired by Audre Lorde and the fiction writing of Octavia Butler.

I’m struck by the realisation that most of the discussions I’ve had in the activism space have been loud, and often angry (rightfully so), while adrienne’s activism is focused on doing what is best for them, their relationships and their spirit. But adrienne’s presence is so tranquil and calming, even over Zoom, that I’m immediately swept away by their softness. I’ve just finished reading their second book, Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good, and I’m set for a lively, animated discussion about eroticism, sexuality, gendered oppression and class discrimination.

When I first hop on a Zoom call with adrienne maree brown – late afternoon their time, late night mine – I am brimming with energy.

Pleasure activism brown