By Chris Alston, President-Philadelphia Black Gay Pride & Lee Carson, President- BGMLC (PGN Contributors)
From April 26-29, the black gay scene in Philadelphia will be on fire! These dates mark the eighth annual Philadelphia Black Gay Pride celebration. The theme is “Your Community, Your Life, Your Pride” and the lineup this year is like no other! Philadelphia kicks off the season, with black pride celebrations in over 36 other cities following.
Black prides provide a much- needed space for black GLBT individuals to convene in an environment for us, created by us, that is free of the oppressions of racism from the gay white community and the homophobia we sometimes face in the black community.Black gay pride also gives us the space to honor our ancestors, mentors and teachers who have paved the way for us to have the freedom to be who we are and to even have a gay pride, moreover one that focuses on the lives of black GLBTs.
Many people are unaware of Philadelphia’s rich black gay history. During this year’s pride celebration you can learn more about this history through the cultural exhibit “A Journey in Pride: Reflections of Philadelphia’s Black Gay History.” The exhibit, coordinated by Kevin Trimell Jones, will feature audio clips, photographs, clothing, art and other items dating back to the 1950s.
While pride features exciting parties, it’s also about learning from each other, supporting one another and expanding our knowledge on how to improve our health and well-being. The Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council, Philadelphia Black Gay Pride and the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition will convene a townhall meeting at 6:30 p.m. on April 26 to discuss a plan to work toward the eradication of HIV among black gay men. On April 28, improving our health and wellness will be addressed via a daylong series of workshops.
For the socializers, no need to worry — pride will offer plenty of social events to keep you engaged. The official pride opening reception will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. April 27 at the host hotel, the Crowne Plaza, 1800 Market St. Later that night there will be several men’s and women’s parties around the city. On Saturday, there will be several opportunities to socialize, including a lesbian basketball tournament from noon-4 p.m. and Soul Cinema Cafe, featuring movies and documentaries relating to the black GLBT experience, from 4:30-10 p.m. During the film festival, COLOURS will debut a documentary written, filmed and edited by young adults about the lives of GLBT adolescents of color in Philadelphia, highlighting their challenges and resiliencies as a community.
Saturday evening brings the Legends Awards Ball and Dinner from 6-9 p.m. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s amazing program, the ball will be remixed Philly-style, honoring local GLBTs and allies who have made and continue to make immeasurable contributions to Philadelphia’s black GLBT community. Also on Saturday, there will be a speed-dating event for ladies only from 7-10 p.m. and several parties around town catering to different segments of the GLBT community.
Black gay pride will close with an Interfaith Brunch from 9:30 a.m.-noon on April 29 at the Crowne Plaza and the closing expo from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year’s black gay pride celebration is going to be an amazing experience and live up to its vision to “Educate, Uplift and Unite.”
It is in the spirit of Joseph Beam, Essex Hemphill, Nizah Morris, Hal Carter, Jamil Burton, Kenny Bullock, Aignee’ Diamond and countless other black GLBTs who lived in Philadelphia and have paved a glorious path for us, that we will celebrate our lives, history and future during Philadelphia’s black gay pride this year. We welcome all, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity, to join us in this celebration.
Originally published in the Philadelphia Gay News © 2007