Queer Bait: This week's Philly Black Gay Pride lineup
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
In our newly-reintroduced LGBTQ column, "Queer Bait," Brandon Baker gives the rundown on the latest pride events in Philly.
Philly Black Gay Pride 2013
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Let’s be honest: Philly’s not exactly starved for gay pride events. With celebrations like OutFest, Winter Pride and Latino Pride, Philly unapologetically runs the gamut in search of the next reason to throw a big ol’ queer shindig. Next up, starting today: Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, first launched in 1999 by COLOURS founder Michael Hinson and continuing this week in its 15th year.
“[COLOURS] originally wanted to create a space where people of color were visible during Pride celebrations, and 15 years ago there was a need for protest, for congregation, for mobilization,” says D’Ontace Keyes, vice president of Philly Black Gay Pride. “Today, we have the opportunity to not just continue to mobilize, but celebrate some of the trials and tribulations over the years.”
And by “celebrate,” he means everything from a wellness boot camp with Survivor’s Brice Johnston, to speed dating (complete with matchmaking “City Angels,” no less!) to a Thursday-night poetry slam. Keyes, being the event’s 24-year-old, fresh-blood organizer, emphasizes that he hit the refresh button with this year’s lineup – in fact, you might even call it a comeback. “I wanted to cultivate a new energy to this year’s Pride,” he says. “If I was going to step into the executive seat, then the diversity needed to be there, and it had to cater to everyone. Whether you’re youth, adult, older, younger, it’s about providing something for everyone.”
He also adds that next year may see a switcheroo to a Thursday-, Friday- and Saturday-only structure for Philly Black Gay Pride, as Pride events everywhere continue to evolve. But for now, take a gander at which Philly Black Gay Pride events you can mosey on over to all week long:
- Monday: Open and free to everyone ages 13-24, The Attic Youth Center promises a “fabulous” talent show (of course it will be fabulous), free food and sexual health screenings courtesy of both The Attic and Philly Black Gay Pride’s own youth ambassadors.
- Wednesday: Josh Schonewolf’s “Ratchet Wednesday” at Tabu Bar & Sports Lounge continues this week with a frat-house theme, servin’ up $2 drinks and, true to frat form, the worst next-day hangover in town.
- Thursday: The aforementioned poetry slam eschews an official lineup of readers in favor of opening the mic to everyone who’s got $10 and something to say. (And Lord knows us queens have all got something to say.)
- Friday: Claiming to be a ballroom-meets-party-dance-floor affair, rage at the Party Monster mini ball at the Holiday Inn Stadium, preceded by “classy drinks” at the hotel and an awards ceremony featuring (among others) State Rep. Brian Sims and celebrity photog Duane Cramer. Stick around for the after party at Vanity Nightclub. (And absorb all of the logistics from these two cuties.)
- Saturday: After detoxing at Mind, Body + Soul with Brice Johnston, swing by the Single in the City mixer – devoid of a cover, and (one can hope) chock full of pretty faces.
- Saturday: Broadway diva Sheryl Lee Ralph sashays into Philly for Smokin’ Betty’s Broadway Brunch, in addition to the high-energy, groovy cast of the Sylvester musical, Mighty Real.
- Sunday: RAW Courtyard Lounge is hosting the finale party, which, with a slew of happy hour specials and available bottle service, needs no further explanation. Show up, get drunk, be gay – enjoy.
