KUNTHUG

I feel like the need for self expression started it all. We were all a group of artists and people who needed a space to showcase their art and to showcase some self expression, that’s how it all started.

Marte Gastaldello: You are one of the founders of the first queer occupied space in your hometown, Tirana. I think that such realities have a great potential for the role that they play in the growth of our community. I’d like to know more about what started it, the kinds of events you hosted and what was special about it. And ultimately, were you able to find that same energy after moving to Milan?

Kunthug: I feel like the need for self expression started it all. We were all a group of artists and people who needed a space to showcase their art and to showcase some self expression, that’s how it all started. We all as a community needed a safe space where we could just go do our stuff, meet new people and change for at least the tiniest bit the boring daily routine of Tirana. We started small with some clubs like book club, queer club, music club and it just expanded from there. I even miss it just by thinking about it because it was the best time of my adolescence. It’s sad to think that the government takes the he public spaces always for granted. Unfortunately I’d have to say that in Milan it’s very hard to find like a strong sense of community. People seem so caught up on their personal lives and often find it hard to show some vulnerability. I see milan as a business city, people just work.

MG: You’ve been living here for more than a year now, I feel like you have got to know the city quite well. What are the places and events that make you feel more at home here? Are you happy with what you’re doing now or is there some new project you would want to focus on more? 

K: uu that’s a tricky question. I’d say Milan is a relatively cold city. As much as I have wandered around I feel like Milan lacks a lot of queer spaces and public spaces to begin with. I think I enjoyed the queer parties over the course of last year but recently it’s been just pessima studio :>

MG: We’ve known you as a DJ for quite some time and I was so surprised when you told us you used to do drag shows there. Thinking about it, though, you still play a lot with your looks and appearance. Where does your obsession with fashion come from? Would you say that curating your appearance has become a big part of your identity?

K: yes!!! well I’d say it all started as a rebellion. A rebellion from the daily normative stuff that had been pushed at me by society, school, family etc. I think that was my first strongest way of expression. I like balancing and playing with my “feminine” and “masculine”. I guess the hard part is balancing but everyday I figure out more about myself. in albania where i grew up i never had seen anyone wear skirts or put makeup and br super expressive. it felt like i was the only one, and i was. I know hearing that now sounds unbelievable but trust me Albania still has a lot to process. I also really enjoy dressing up, it’s all like a game, getting into the character, mayne today I wanna be a cunty teacher, maybe tomorrow a 12yo boy it’s all for fun, so why not play with it and just experiment.