Over the next few weeks, hundreds of thousands of gay and lesbians will trek to Philadelphia for a plethora of gay events. There is the world-spanning Equality Forum, which features panels and symposiums addressing human rights. That same weekend, Blue Ball rocks the night-a 16 year old dance fundraiser that has donated over 1.6 million dollars to charities! But before you start to press that tux for Equality Forum, or wash your super-skinny Blue Ball jeans, we have one more can’t-miss event in the queue. April 27th kicks-off Philadelphia Black Gay Pride (PBGP), organized first in 1999 to promote unity among African Americans and people of African descent who are sexual minorities. PBGP produces an annual celebration, as well as organizing a variety of activities throughout the year in Philadelphia that promote and advocate for the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual health and well being of all related communities.
PBGP, currently housed at The COLOURS Organization, and in its eighth year, sets a standard for “Pride” events targeting people of color. With attendance growing to well over 12,000 participants, PBGP has received kudos from The National LGBT Task Force for its events and organization. PBGP was extended membership into the International Federation of Black Prides in 2002, which offered PBGP more exposure across the country. The IFBP was organized during DC Black Pride of 1999 by a coalition of organizers from the twenty plus black prides in the United States and abroad to network, develop sponsorship strategies, provide technical assitance and mentoring support.
This years schedule is packed with seminars, spiritual discovery, symposiums and some simple good old fashioned fun and frolic. Attendees consist of members of the LGBT community of color as well as friends, supporters and admirers both here in the 215 and from across the U. S. of A. Nobody should feel left out or unwelcomed, and all are encouraged and invited to attend.
A WORD WITH THE PRESIDENT
Christopher Alston is exhausted, but still sweet and polite in the face of inane questions. Alston has his hands full as President of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, a mammoth task involving organizing dozens of unique parties and events scattered across Philadelphia. Alston gave us some inside scoop on PBGP, and what to expect from the upcoming years hoop-lah!
MR: How did you get involved in Philadelphia Black Gay Pride?
CA:I’ve been involved with PBGP since the beginning. I am one of the founders of the PHIRM, an organization that hosted parties during the Penn Relay Weekend about 2 years prior to the organizing of PBGP. When PBGP was organized, the PHIRM became a part of the greater organization.
What does Black Gay Pride mean to you?
Black Pride is an opportunity to uplift our community as we realize and embrace this year’s theme, Your Community, Your Life, Your Pride. We’ll continue to celebrate this theme year round by offering uplifting, inspiring and educational events and programs to encourage the unifying goal of this year’s theme.
Compared to other cities, what sets Philadelphia’s events apart from others?
We’re the home of the original Philadelphia Cheesesteak, soft pretzels and water ice!
The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection has always celebrated culturally diversity. Philly was the first city in the nation to hold public demonstrations by Gays and Lesbians in 1965-1969 , and the first in the nation to pass anti-discrimination law in 1982. We’re the birthplace of the nation, and a number one African American tourism destination. Philadelphia had the first Pride celebration on the East Coast annually, and we are the most convenient Pride destination to other major East Coast cities.
What special surprises can I expect as at PBGP events?
A wonderful time! You will see a myriad of new additions, beginning with the “Town Hall” discussion, led by the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition, and co-sponsored by the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council, to the Souls-A-Fire 3 Religious Conference, a look at religion in the black gay community, to the First Legends Awards Ball. Last but not least, complete the Sunday Wrap-Up, which will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the 1st time in PBGP history with recording artists “LIL’ MO” and “Jesse O”.
Is Black Pride for the girls and the boys?
PBGP in the past has been more male fan based, but this year it seems that it’s going to be a large increase in the female population; even the actual planning committee is more female based than in the past. Since there are so many women involved in the planning this year, it’s going to cause a profound effect on the entire weekend of events.
Favorite PBGP memory?
All of my PBGP memories are both memorable and favorites! And I am looking forward to making new ones this year!
PHILADELPHIA BLACK GAY PRIDE EVENTS SCHEDULE
April 27 / Friday
Penn Relay Weekend: Philly To Hollywood
Legendary DJ Sedrick spinning hip hop and house. Featuring free giveaways, special guest Derrick Briggs signing autographs and plenty of pecs! Xandu Nightclub, 520 Delaware Ave/Spring Garden St, 9pm -3 am, $20 in advance, more at the door, [email protected].
A Simply Christopher Event
Annual party thrown and hosted by “Simply Christopher,” primarily for men! ‘Cause that’s when we get down girls-when you ain’t looking! Dowlings Palace, 1301 N Broad St, 11pm-3:30 am, $15 before 12:30.
Xception’s Presents: Chocolate Fantasy-Come
And Taste The Flavor!
We have no information on this event, but hell-it sounds like a real humdinger! Roy’s Comfort Zone, Broad & Hunting Park, 10pm-2am.
“CERTIFIED”
The Official Philly Black Pride Youth Party, hosted by Mike Prodigy and Tiffany 007. Crowne Plaza, 1800 Market St, 10pm-2am, $6.
April 28 / Saturday
Lesbian Basketball Tournament
Calling all lesbians to the b-ball court, players and cheerleaders both! Half-time auction of butches and fems!
12th Street Gym, 204 S 12th St, 12-4pm.
Legends Awards Ball
Black Pride honors the trailblazers, pioneers, activists and fashionistas that have led and sustained the LGBT community in Philadelphia. Honored celebrities include Rashidah Abdul Kabhir, David Fair, Tyrone Smith, Charlotte White, Dorothy Beam, Mary Michelle Suttles and Roslyn Wilkins. This is Black Pride’s black tie! Very Ra-sha-sha! Food, talent and good company will be provided, but check the egos at the door.
Crowne Plaza, 1800 Market St, 6-9pm, $50 per person, $475 per table.
A Simply Christopher Event
Annual event hosted and thrown by the notorious “Simply Christopher,” primarily for men! Hot men! No bow-wows! Well, except for that adorable Lil Bow Wow. He’s cute.
Shampoo Nightclub, 417 N 8th St/Willow St, 10pm-5am, $15 before 11pm.
The PHIRM Party
Featuring DJ Unknown and DJ Mario, a portion of the door is donated to charity. African American Museum, 7th/Arch St, 10-3:30 am, $20 advance, 215-873-3273.
April 29 / Sunday
A Simply Christopher Event
Dreamgirls had one night only, but “Simply Christopher” has three. Close out the weekend with your last chance to get mocca loco! Heat, 112 Chestnut St, 10pm-2am.
For the most up-to-date information on all of the Philadelphia Black Gay Pride Events, phillyblackpride.org.
