In 2015 Hakeem Kazeem, Ama Josephine Budge, and Lasana Shabazz met at the Fringe! Queer Film and Arts Fest Fundraiser. A few conversations later, the idea for The Batty Mama was born. The trio are committed to showcasing Black, queer talent in a space made for queer and trans bodies from "all Black constellations and cultural backgrounds to reclaim booties of colour." The Batty Mama is more than just a bar, it's a virtual and performance art gallery by Black, queer artists.