Hundreds of same-gender-loving black men from various points in the U.S.A. recently gathered in Knoxville, Tennessee for a weekend of fun, frolic, fellowship and festivities.  Gay men were there from the states of Kentucky, Illinois, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and of course Tennessee. The celebration was sponsored by an organization called Brothers United Knoxville. Brothers United Knoxville is an organization made up of – but not limited to – black gay men.  According to their mission statement, they are organized to “serve the need of same loving gender sex, by providing them advocacy, information, resources, and confidential support.”  They are a chapter of the Tennessee parent group, Brothers United.  For more information on the organization, go to http://www.brothersunited.com .

Friday’s activities included a wine and cheese soiree followed by an evening of club-hopping and dancing.  On Saturday, there was a fun-filled cook-out and feast followed by an exciting volley ball tournament.  The evening’s finale culminated with the Grand Ball which featured more dancing and feasting.

There was a cultural side to the weekend of partying and play.  Displays were on exhibit at the cookout and at the ball.  These pictorial and printed displays told the story of Brothers United and their outstanding contributions to the world of arts, entertainment, health care, and general well-being of the black gay community.  Also on exhibit were the literary works of Frank Leon Roberts, Marvin K. White, G. Winston James, and Lisa C. Moore.  The dynamic works of photojournalist Greg McNeal were also on display.

Gay men of all ages and from all walks of life were in attendance.  It was a weekend exhibiting a lot of love, compassion, self-respect, and pride.  It is an annual event and would definitely be a worthwhile addition to any gay man’s agenda for 2008.

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