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Diversity Richmond honors local LGBTQ People of Color in first Black History Month event of its kind
Diversity Richmond opened their doors this past Friday night to honor almost 20 members of Richmond’s LGBTQ Black community. The event, Black and Bold: RVA’s Unsung Black LGBTQ Community Gala, hopes to add to the dialogue around National Black History Month with a stress on the roles modern LGBTQ Richmonders play in adding to that history.
“One of the things we know about our community, we’re often in our individual silos and we want to make an opportunity this month to celebrate who we are and recognize we are a part of Black History.” said Dr. Ravi K. Perry, a VCU Ass. Poly Sci Professor and member of Diversity Richmond Board. “You might be Black, African American, Negro, colored, whatever you wanna call yourself… Blackness is broadly construed in this context. But we’re all members of a community where we are not heterosexual.”
Perry pointed to how LGBTQ people of color are often left out of Black History Months around the nation, but they hoped to change that with this event as well as a series of other events around this city this month. (see list of events below)
“We live in Richmond, Va., one of the most historic cities int he world as well as most historic cities for race relation.,” he said. “We have an opportunity to build onto that history tonight.”
As part of a partnership with Diversity Richmond, GayRVA will run short profiles and photos of those honored Friday night. Check back with GayRVA every business day this month for a new person to recognize as an outstanding member of RVA’s LGBTQ POC community.
“HIV/AIDS in the African American Community,” a discussion of how the disease continues to plague the black community, especially younger men, Tuesday, February 7th, 7:00 P.M., Black History Museum and Cultural Arts Center of Virginia, 122 West Leigh Street. Lead by longtime HIV/AIDS activist, Rodney Lofton.
“State of Black LGBTQ America,” a dialogue with Dr. Ravi K. Perry, Wednesday, February 15th, 7:00 P.M., Black History Museum and Cultural Arts Center of Virginia, 122 West Leigh Street, 23220.
“Black Transgender 101” a conversation that includes basic transgender information and the challenges faced by black transgender women, moderated by Zakia McKensey, executive director of Nationz Foundation, Tuesday, February 21, 7:00 P.M. Diversity Richmond event hall.
“Love is Love, God Is Love” a dialogue on religion and spirituality and embracing black LGBTQ believers, Sunday, February 19th, 3:00 P.M., Diversity Richmond event hall, 1407 Sherwood Avenue, 23220.
“Powerful S.I.S.T.A: Celebrating LGBTQ Women of Color,” Tuesday, February 28th, 7:00 P.M., Diversity Richmond event hall. Lead by Chevelle Moss-Savage and Rev. Lacette Cross.
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