WHAT IS THE CYPHER?
“A cypher is a circle, a sigil, a code, a mystery, a sacred trust, a group of MCs rhyming in relay, a ring of dancers, an easy place for conversation and growth…”
– LoriKim Alexander
We focus on transformation – creating and holding generous and joyful vegan space for Trans* & Queer Black and Indigenous folks. We are a Black femme-focused and led QTBIPOC formation with the goal of forwarding Black Trans and Queer liberation with food, gender and environmental justice. This is an intergenerational, multi-experiential space that pushes past the status quo to embrace African ancestral ways of knowing from a diasporic lens. This formation holds Black space as sacred and necessary for survival – Black Trans* & Queer space even more so.
WHO IS OUR WORK FOR?
Our work centers Black Indigenous femmes who are transgender, intersex and gender-expansive. We are Trans* & Queer Black femmes creating space for any of us in this glorious spectrum commonly known as LGBTQIA+.
We know and we understand that a femme can be anyone, no matter their gender identity or orientation, who has a feminine gender expression. Fam, femme knows no gender!
THE WHY BEHIND OUR WORK
We come from the edges of the margins to build this Cypher. A molotov cocktail of wildflower seeds cultivating knowledge in a way that’s more of a discussion than a directive – a street corner conversation.
A body of work and mastery that includes our traditional Indigenous, ancestral African philosophies that were so radical that they were dubbed myth by the embedded anti-Blackness of patriarchy. That is where the vegan principles we work under spans from, that is the memory that our work aims to stir in our peoples.
LORIKIM ALEXANDER (she/we/us/our)
Jamaican born and world bred, I have dedicated my life to working for social and environmental justice, specifically organizing around centering justice for other animals, earth and Trans* & Queer Black and Indigenous peoples.
I use my lived experience with work I’ve done in biology, anthropology and environmental education in a synergistic way to forward Black liberation. I just want to see alla unu in de woods!
Beyond that, I see veganism as a central platform for reconnecting with our ancestral realities, food justice and combating environmental racism to galvanize the struggle to liberate all oppressed beings. So, I organize on a lot of fronts.
My essential work though is building dis yah Cypher. Unu coming? Circle Up beloveds.
SHARING OUR GRATITUDE
Our work is made possible through the excellence of our community.
In addition to our funders and sponsors, we would like to recognize some the people who have supported The Cypher over the years.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and for the vital skills, perspectives, and resources you bring to our shared table.
Our work is made possible through the excellence of our community.
In addition to our funders and sponsors, we would like to recognize some the people who have supported The Cypher over the years.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and for the vital skills, perspectives, and resources you bring to our shared table.
BRENDA SANDERS
Brenda is the founder and Executive Director of the Afro-Vegan Society, a nonprofit that provides education, resources, and support to marginalized communities transitioning to veganism. She is also the co-founder of Thrive Baltimore, Vegan SoulFest, and the co-owner of The Greener Kitchen.
Brenda also hosts the podcast ‘Food & Justice‘, which looks at all aspects of the food system and ways in which it can be improved globally.
Brenda is the CEO of Plant Bliss Foods, which strives to make delicious, plant-based eating the norm.
CHRISTOPHER SEBASTIAN
Christopher Sebastian is a journalist, technical writer, and adjunct lecturer focusing on food, politics, pop culture, media, and animals. He teaches news writing for social media, social media criticism, and mass communication.
You can learn more about Christopher’s work by visiting his Instagram at
VALÉRIE DÉUS
Valérie Déus is a Brooklyn-born and Hatian-raised poet. She is also an ArtBlock artist, creating multiple projects such as the We/Here zine and radio show Project 35. She also developed programs for Filmworth’s Cinema Lounge, which is the longest running film series in Minneapolis.
You can learn more about Valérie’s work by visiting her website at
https://www.valeriedeus.com/
RAINEY CRUZ
Rainey is a queer, Caribbean-born artist/writer/creative with a Western miseducation in journalism and advertising. They currently reside on Lenapehoking where they explore intersectional threads across people, platforms, and subcultures. Check them out at https://www.brujxworld.com/
MILLER
Miller is the founder of The Miller Consulting Group, drawing from his lived experiences to help people find their voice in an ever-changing world.
Miller focuses on possibility models of collaboration, people-first workplace wellness, and the creator economy.
You can learn more about Miller’s work by visiting their website at
https://thankyoumiller.com/
J. SCALES
j. scales is an accomplished sound designer and soundscape artist, and had their own solo show in Capital Fringe. A certified breathologist and sound healer, J is continually finding nurturing and compassionate ways to assist marginalized segments of the Black Queer community as we heal from within.
You can listen to j’s work by visiting their website at
www.soundcloud.com/j-scales
KATO LUJAN CAMACHO
Kato Lujan Camacho is an ongoing collaborator with The Miller Consulting Group, as well as the founder of his own consulting firm.
Kato focuses on the intersections of Indigeneity and neurodiversity, exploring ways in which we can expand our understanding of professionalism.
You can learn more about Kato’s work by visiting his website at