New York City Black Gay Pride Kicks Off
Brooklyn's People of Color in Crisis (P.O.C.C.) has always been my favorite community based organization. I say "favorite" in the sense that I think P.O.C.C.'s approaches to mobilizing black gay men around HIV/AIDS prevention are truly unmatched. The agency's heightened and geniune committment to the most marginalized members of the black gay community, such as members of the house-ball community, is one thing that I think really distinguishes it from most other community based organizations.I've always felt "at home" with the P.O.C.C. crew: Director of Services Michael Roberson is my "gay father" and ballroom co-conspirator, Executive Director Gary English has always been a wise role model, Serette King is an old friend from college, and George Yates and Edward Brown are always a kiki. I had the pleasure of working with POCC in various contexts since 2003, and "Pride In The City" has always been my absolute favorite black gay pride celebration.
This year's theme is "Love, Power, and Pride." It all starts tonight (Tuesday) at SPLASH in Chelsea, which is the first of a week long series of "official" kick-off party events. On Thursday, Nathan Williams will be hosting the annual awards ceremony and concert at the Brooklyn Marriott.
*This year will feature a special tribute to Harmonica Sunbeam with performances by some of the house-ball scene's favorite "pageant girls" such as Stasha Mugler, Raquel Balenciaga, Tyra Mugler, and Jasmine Milan. Karamo, of MTV Real World fame will also be co-hosting/performing. Chantal Moore is the official concert artist. The entire thing is FREE, so folks get there early!
Also on Thursday, you'll find plenty of new york's bourgie-boho black gay mafia at Luke and Leroy as well as a heavy dose of ballroom mini-ball madness at The Clubhouse in Harlem (dont even think about getting there before 3am).
On Friday, the annual "BlackOutArts" event will be held at the trendy Tribeca Performing Arts Center. And then you have the much-anticipated black gay return to Club Mars 2112 on Friday night. Dont forget about the picnic in the park on Saturday afternoon, the "Deja Vu" party on Saturday night and then the (IN)famous beach party in Brooklyn on Sunday. Its going down! I'll see you tonight at SPLASH.
This year's theme is "Love, Power, and Pride." It all starts tonight (Tuesday) at SPLASH in Chelsea, which is the first of a week long series of "official" kick-off party events. On Thursday, Nathan Williams will be hosting the annual awards ceremony and concert at the Brooklyn Marriott.
*This year will feature a special tribute to Harmonica Sunbeam with performances by some of the house-ball scene's favorite "pageant girls" such as Stasha Mugler, Raquel Balenciaga, Tyra Mugler, and Jasmine Milan. Karamo, of MTV Real World fame will also be co-hosting/performing. Chantal Moore is the official concert artist. The entire thing is FREE, so folks get there early!
Also on Thursday, you'll find plenty of new york's bourgie-boho black gay mafia at Luke and Leroy as well as a heavy dose of ballroom mini-ball madness at The Clubhouse in Harlem (dont even think about getting there before 3am).
On Friday, the annual "BlackOutArts" event will be held at the trendy Tribeca Performing Arts Center. And then you have the much-anticipated black gay return to Club Mars 2112 on Friday night. Dont forget about the picnic in the park on Saturday afternoon, the "Deja Vu" party on Saturday night and then the (IN)famous beach party in Brooklyn on Sunday. Its going down! I'll see you tonight at SPLASH.
sounds like a week full of hot events will definitely be back next week to read the recap
Posted by
C. Baptiste-Williams |
8/02/2006