In less than four months, the city of Newark, NJ, will be home to the Newark-Essex Pride Week Celebration!

Sakia Gunn

This momentous event signals a turn in a city that has received increased attention in local and national media outlets because of the brutal murder of Sakia Gunn, a 15-year old same gender loving (SGL) female, at the hands of a homophobic adult male perpetrator. Since Sakia's death in 2003, the SGL community of Newark has attempted to strengthen its presence and maximize its voice.

Many organizations have put their hands to the plow including the Newark-Essex Pride Coalition (NEPC), which held its first Pride Week celebration in 2004. NEPC made history in 2007 when the rainbow flag flew high over Newark's City Hall as Honorable Mayor Cory Booker and Central Ward Councilwoman Dana Rone honored and celebrated Newark-Essex Pride Week.

This year we are planning, once again, to bring together the many faces of the SGL community–and its allies–during a week of celebration, advocacy, empowerment, and excitement in the city of Newark. We realize, however, that we can not accomplish this task without the help of partners.

Thus, I am soliciting your support. We are presently in conversation concerning sponsorships with large corporations and foundations; however, we are in need of funds for start-up costs. We have turned to you because we know that you are committed to social justice, human rights, and advocacy for the SGL community.

Please consider donating any amount! No amount is too small. Your donation will be tax deductible and we will include your name on our donor's list.

All checks should be made out NEPC's not-for-profit fiscal agent and community partner, The Prevailing Family, Inc., and NEPC Pride should be written on the memo line.

All checks should be mailed to:

Newark-Essex Pride Coalition c/o The Prevailing Family, Inc. 104 Norwood Street Newark, NJ 07106-1912

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this letter! Many thank for considering becoming a partner with NEPC as we endeavor to produce Newark-Essex Pride 2008.

Darnell L. Moore
Board Member, NEPC

By Mark Helmantoler

Over 20,000 people attended Chile’s Gay Parade 2007 on Friday, hosted by the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Freedom (Movilh). This figure represents the largest turnout ever for an event promoted by the organization.

The Gay Parade took place on Paseo Bulnes, near La Moneda, and featured 22 DJs, 16 go-go dancers and an animated show by Paulette Favres. Three stages played music simultaneously for the thousands of attendees who began arriving early in the afternoon.

“It was an event against all forms of discrimination, where gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and heterosexuals can dance without fear and say ‘no’ to discrimination” said Movilh president Rolando Jimenez. “People began trickling in at 3 p.m. and did not stop arriving.”

As most of you know, I’m doing this writing and book publishing thing; and I’m having a little fun, learning along the way, and realizing a lot of things that I didn’t know. 

I recently had an opportunity to go back home to Nashville, for Nashville’s Black Gay Pride.  It was an interesting time!  I was born there, grew up and came out there, and my family all still live there with the exception of a couple of career moves by some of my siblings and their wives.

 

But Nashville folk always return to Nashville.  And hell, it’s true; many of them never leave.  And that’s interesting too, because this particular time was different.  I mean, I go home to visit the family at all the appropriate and respective holidays.  I’ve even been known to make a special occasion for one of my nieces and nephews, to their surprise.  But this time, I was going back especially and particularly on my on terms (and yeah, my own dollar – this time, lol – oh yeah, I occasionally get a little help to make sure they see me regularly or that I won’t find a way to slip out of a list of “the too many frequent visits list.”)  But this time was all about meeting new peeps, new experiences, and making some new acquaintances – all of the Nashville that I knew in the family seemed to be living other places, or weren’t around for pride at all.  Maybe it had to do with the fact that Pride is usually on the same weekend as TSU’s homecoming, and well, all of Nashville comes home for the games; but this year it was a week earlier.

By DEE DIXON


BEAUMONT - The murderous year that 2007 has become also has underscored what a nightclub owner, who tried to break up a recent fight that led to the 15th and 16th slayings of the year, said is a growing problem in Beaumont.

Black-on-black violent crimes.

All but two of this year's homicides involved black victims, and blacks are suspected in the killings.

While this year's homicide rate is not on pace to eclipse the record 30 of 1994, city leaders are concerned about this year's level of violence, with homicides at their highest level in 11 years.

"I have a big interest in black-on-black crime. We need to talk about it," said Alice Faye Booker, youth minister at New Beginnings Church. "Our kids are in trouble, and people better understand and wake up."

A lack of parenting, morals and a respect for elders is breeding a culture where young people think whatever they want should be given to them, no matter the cost, Booker said.

Rodney Chester, who plays Alex on the popular series Noah’s Arc, is slated for an appearance at the opening reception for Nashville, Tennessee’s Black Pride Celebration. The festivities will begin at 8 pm this Friday, October 26th at the Hotel Preston located at 733 Briley Parkway. Chester, along with other local and national celebrities, will be on hand to greet, meet, and mingle. There will also be a special performance by Nashville’s In Harmony Choir. The reception will be followed by the Official Black Pride Party #1 and then the Official Black Pride Party #2. The Official Black Pride Party #3 is slated for Saturday night. Party entertainment will feature 2007-2008 Mr. Esquire, Nigel LeStat, 2007-2008 Ms. Tennessee, and recording artist Too Deep.

It is important to note that this three day celebration is not just about partying.

Saturday will be devoted to many cultural, educational, and spiritual activities. Pastor Ricc Rollins of Tampa Florida will conduct a workshop designed to assist in achieving healthy behavior, spiritual growth and success. A town meeting is being facilitated by Alexander Robinson, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition. Also, several notable authors and poets will be showcasing some of their work before live audiences Saturday afternoon at the Pink Slip Lounge. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to listen to such national and international writers as Tim’M T. West, Leo Shelton, D. Felicia Walker, Dwayne Carter, Melissa Gordon, and others. Also scheduled is a showing of Triple Minority by Amber sharp and an episode (BOO) from DL Chronicles.

By Carol Motsinger

ASHEVILLE – New faces — and a lot of sunshine — showed up for Saturday’s 2nd annual Asheville Pridefest, a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community.

Last year, the festival was held indoors. The Western NC Community Health Services in West Asheville hosted the event this year.

Under a sunny autumn sky, attendees chatted while visiting vendors and informational booths.

Advertisement“Because it’s our second year, harder-hitters like the Human Rights Campaign are here,” said Kali Brewer, producer and organizer of the event.

Another addition: the event ended with couple commitment ceremonies at the health services’ chapel.

But the event’s mission has not changed.

“We are celebrating the community,” said Brewer.

Russ Barnes, the volunteer coordinator, said the event “is a good way to advertise our cause: our fight for equality.”

Rio de Janeiro - More than 800,000 people participated in Sunday's gay pride parade in Rio de Jainero along the famous Copacabana Beach. Politicians such as Rio de Janeiro Governor Sergio Cabral and tens of thousands tourists were among the revelers at the 12th annual parade.

Despite the relatively cool temperatures many participants were scantily clad as they danced to samba music and waved the rainbow flag.

afrol News, 10 October - The harsh weather did not stop thousands of people to join gays and lesbians to mark the 18th annual Joburg Gay Pride Parade.

"We're amazed and humbled at the support that our community has shown towards the new Pride organisers," the Joburg Gay Pride Festival Company Chairperson, Tracey Sandilands, said. "The fact that thousands braved the rain and cold to assert the importance of Pride shows that the event remains entirely relevant."

"Today was a tremendous success, regardless of the weather," Sandilands said, assuring a bigger and better Pride next year.

The new organising company was registered on 9 May this year.

Led by the Joburg Metro Police Department, the Parade, which consisted of over 30 floats and vehicles, kicked off on the streets of Rosebank. Apart from displaying the gay rainbow colours, participants held placards and signs demanding equal rights for lesbians, gay, bi-sexual and transgender.

The event’s organisers expressed concerned about insecurity looming over gays and lesbians in South African communities. The brutal murders of two Soweto lesbian women, Sizakele Sigasa and Salome Masooa, in July had caused concern among rights activist. The crowd observed a minute silence for the two and all lesbians and gay victims of hate crime.

Asheville’s second annual Pride Fest to take place October 13th, 2007 Noon-6PM, 10 Ridgelawn Road, Asheville NC 28806 (WNC Community Health Center)

For the second year in a row there will be a PRIDE Fest to celebrate the diversity and strength found in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender and queer (GLBTQ) community. This alcohol-free event will take place from Noon to 6PM, and is free and open to the public. “

“Everyone should come to this event. We have several straight supporters, such as PFLAG, who are working hard for gay-rights and who will be there sharing information, as well as our GLBTQ community. Anyone who just wants to connect, maybe hear and see some great performances, make a new friend or two, or get involved.” Quote from PRIDE Fest Coordinator, kali Brewster.

Controversial gay author, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson highlight Pride entertainment line-up

by RYAN LEE

Ten years ago, millions of Americans were introduced to a sexy, smooth-talking, 20-something Jamaican named Winston Shakespeare in Terry McMillan’s semi-autobiographical novel “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”

In 2005, the world met the real-life inspiration behind Winston, Jonathan Plummer, and realized that “Stella” wasn’t grooving happily ever after. In June of that year, McMillan and Plummer’s May-December marriage ended in a messy divorce after Plummer told McMillan that he is gay.

Quarter businesses hope for sales boost

By Jaquetta White

Southern Decadence is expected to return to pre-Katrina attendance levels this year after trying to regain its footing last year after the 2005 festival was canceled.

The annual festival, which attracts a mostly gay and lesbian crowd to the city during the Labor Day weekend, could attract more than 100,000 revelers to French Quarter restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels, about the same number in 2004.

"They said they were going to drink. They were going to eat and they were going to shop," said Rip Naquin-Delain, publisher of Ambush magazine and a promoter of the event. "And I said, 'Thank God.' "

Although the event wasn't expected to swing into high gear until Friday night, visitors by noon Friday were streaming in and out of French Quarter businesses adorned with multicolored gay-pride flags. Based on prior spending indications, Decadence, which began Wednesday and ends Sunday, could have a $100 million economic impact, Naquin-Delain said.

By Katy Reckdahl

When the timing is right, the two parades meet on North Rampart Street, one showcasing men in skimpy skirts and bouffant wigs, the other with high-steppers waving handmade umbrellas and beaded fans.

"It's one of my favorite New Orleans moments," said one woman, as she walked down Rampart Street to catch a glimpse of the unofficial meeting.

Both parades -- one hosted by Southern Decadence, the other by Black Men of Labor -- strolled through the streets Sunday within several blocks of each other in downtown New Orleans.

by S.A. REID

A parade and rally helped wrap up a weekend of events at this year's Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebration.

Some 50 marchers made the trek from the King Center to the state Capitol as a show of unity and to call attention to their issues and concerns.
 
The parade, organizers said, also helps put a face on African-American gays, lesbians and those of transgender and transsexual orientation.

"People are here, and they are proud of who they are," said Zandra Conway, an In the Life Atlanta board member whose group organized the parade. "It gives us a chance to show people what's happening with us."

by Vincent Astor

Pride in Memphis took place during the first half of the month of June. A concert Saturday, June 2nd, entitled “Gay Strands in the Fabric of Life" began the celebration. A variety of musical performances at this concert benefited the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center (MGLCC) and was held at First Congregational United Church of Christ.

In continuing its efforts to build bridges as a vital community partner, ITLA has entered into a historic collaboration with the City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs—producers of the Montreux Jazz Festival Atlanta—to make the outstanding concert series’ performance with the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin one of ITLA’s Signature Atlanta Black Pride events. (7 pm. September 1^st at Chastain Park Amphitheatre)

"This unique partnership demonstrates our commitment to introduce our Black Pride guests and visitors to the best entertainment programming options this city has to offer,” says ITLA spokesman Anaré V. Holmes. “In addition to solidifying our reputation as the official organizer of one of the country’s leading Black Pride celebrations.

Unity Through Pride

Got Pride?  Get some!?!

 

 

Summer is here and pride is abound at least in all the ads and events and planning.  I can remember fondly the days in Washington, DC when the “A List” (they were only A Lister’s because they were the ones out and about, proud and making things happen for the rest of us) would eagerly gear up, not just for the next party that you had to be at, but because you wanted to, when it wasn’t just about the hot boys that flocked to the city to play, but a visibility inherent in the coming together, a commitment to not being in-visible anymore.  It was about reclaiming community, reestablishing presence and yeah, celebrating it all, no matter how you chose to do that. 

 

by  Maxine Myers and Adrian Mitchell

THIS month marks the second year of UK Black Pride, an event bringing together the BME lesbian, gay and bisexual community.
Despite the fact that these events are to celebrate sexuality, the gay and lesbian community still face prejudice.


There appears to be a difference in the manner in which lesbian and gay couples are treated by society. While some men view lesbian couples as sexy and erotic, the same level of tolerance does not apply to gay couples.

by Simon Ruse

Outburst UK has revealed details of a Black Pride Festival to take place in London later this month.

The official launch party will take place on Saturday 25th August at the Renaissance Rooms in Vauxhall, starting at midday.

There will be 16 performers at the event, including X Factor finalist Rowetta Satchell.

Other highlights include a fashion show, DJs and the chance to win a trip to Jamaica.

An after-party will be held from 10pm to 3am in the Chocolate Lounge in Kennington.