For many LGBTQ+ communities, June honors and recognizes the impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history. However, for the Black LGBTQ+ community, that celebration starts Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., the birthplace of the Black Pride Movement, and marks the kickoff of Black Gay Pride celebrations across the U.S. and throughout the Black diaspora.

The Black Gay Pride movement, which began in the early 1990s, emerged as a response to the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the Black LGBTQ+ community.^1,2 It aimed to create a safe and affirming space where Black LGBTQ+ individuals could spotlight and discuss issues unique to their experiences.³ Today, Black Gay Pride celebrations are an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Black community, offering a platform to celebrate the unique intersectionality of being both Black and LGBTQ+.⁴

Black Gay Pride not only commemorates the contributions and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ individuals but also fosters a sense of unity and belonging. By highlighting this community’s unique challenges and triumphs, Black Gay Pride events play a crucial role in promoting community well-being. As these celebrations continue to grow, they offer an inspiring reminder of the strength and vibrancy of the Black LGBTQ+ community, encouraging ongoing advocacy and support for future generations.

To find a Black Gay Pride Celebration near you, click here.

Resources

• https://therapyforqpoc.com/
• https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/search_results
• https://africanamericanbehavioralhealth.org/
• https://blacktrans.org/