Creating Community and Joy: Meow Mixxx Collective Centers Black Women Who Love Women

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

What began as one man’s desire to create community has evolved into one of Birmingham’s longest-running spaces dedicated to Black women who love women.

Founded in 2005 by Christopher “Devan” Cummings, Meow Mixxx Collective was born after Cummings noticed a lack of spaces specifically centered on Black lesbian women.

“When I came to Birmingham, I did not have a lesbian friend in the world,” Cummings said. “I would go to events and have a great time, but none of my people were there.”

Originally from Gadsden, Cummings spent much of his childhood moving with his family because of his father’s military career. After visiting Birmingham while promoting a production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, he decided to make the city his home in 2002.

At the time, Black LGBTQ+ spaces were limited, and many social gatherings were male-dominated. Recognizing a need for women who love women to have a place of their own, Cummings began researching organizations around the country. He stumbled across the name “Meow Mix,” once used by a club in New York City, and adopted it for the community he hoped to build.

Through a friend, Cummings was introduced to the late Antonio Minniefield, owner of Amani Raha, who embraced the vision and offered his venue free of charge.

“He told me he had a lesbian cousin who didn’t have what I was trying to offer, and he wanted her to have it,” Cummings said. “So, he gave me his space.”

Beginning with first-Sunday gatherings, Meow Mixxx Collective grew into a community rooted in safety, joy and belonging.

“It is my belief that Black women are among the most neglected and mistreated women,” Cummings said. “Then you add being queer, and there’s additional abandonment, hate and abuse. I knew this was the right thing to do.”

A Black Queer Women’s Space

Over the years, Cummings has remained steadfast in protecting the organization’s mission.

“This is a Black queer women’s space,” he said. “If men are present, it’s because the women have allowed them to be there. If the women are uncomfortable, then they can’t come.”

More than two decades after its founding, Meow Mixxx Collective continues to create opportunities for fellowship through monthly events and retreats. This year, the organization introduced its inaugural “Pride in Motion” weekend, held after Central Alabama Pride festivities.

The three-day celebration featured dancing, bowling and hiking — activities chosen not only for physical movement, but for what Cummings calls the “movement” of preserving community.

“Especially with everything that’s going on right now, this is about making sure women who love women have a space dedicated to them,” he said. “A place where they can experience Black girl joy, uninterrupted and unashamed.”

Cummings partnered with BeM Black Pride and Lesbians in Color, organizations led by longtime collaborators Crystal Lee and Andra Minor, to help bring the weekend to life.

Another initiative, “Market After Dark,” highlights Black women entrepreneurs. Vendors have included authors, skincare makers, jewelry designers, and wellness professionals, creating opportunities for women to support other women-owned businesses in the community.

The collective’s calendar stays busy year-round. July will bring “Cookout After Dark,” complete with card games, music and food, while August will spotlight local comedian Asia Simone. One of the organization’s most anticipated events, Lit Weekend, returns Oct. 1-4 in Pine Mountain, Georgia. According to Cummings, last year’s annual gathering attracted 73 women.

Though many view him as the face of Meow Mixxx Collective, Cummings prefers to remain behind the scenes.

“You seldom see my face,” he said. “I’m always trying to push the women forward. I want it to be about them.”

He has also become a resource for emerging organizers and promoters, often directing them to women within the Meow Mixxx community rather than positioning himself as the authority.

“This community is much bigger than what I ever thought it could be,” Cummings said. “I never did this for money. Since 2005, I’m still charging $10 at the door. That’s unheard of.”

After 21 years, his focus remains unchanged.

“To the community, I just want to say thank you,” he said. “Thank you for allowing me to sit back and watch you all grow.”

Stay connected with Meow Mixxx Collective Experience on Instagram @the_function_bham, on Facebook @MeowMixxxCollective, and on TikTok @meow.mixxx.collective.