Black LGBTQ advocates Peppermint and Bob the Drag Queen are banding together to bring an unforgettable “Black Queer Town Hall” to Pride Month. You can support the event here and tune in for it on GLAAD's Facebook and YouTube. The "Black Queer Town Hall" is an official partner event of NYC Pride that runs Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21 starting at 6:30pm ET each day. The star-studded virtual event willl include Laverne Cox, Mj Rodriguez, Angelica Ross, Todrick Hall, Monet X Change, Isis King, Shea Diamond, Tiq Milan, Alex Newell, Basit, and more.
The “Black Queer Town Hall” will feature three days of performances, roundtable discussions, and fundraising opportunities for #BlackLivesMatter, Black LGBTQ organizations, and local Black LGBTQ drag performers from June 19-21. The new event replaces the previously announced “Pride 2020 Drag Fest” and will shift focus of the event to center Black queer voices. During the “Black Queer Town Hall,” a diverse collection of LGBTQ voices will celebrate Black LGBTQ people and discuss pathways to dismantle racism and white supremacy.
Viewers can contribute directly to each of the Black drag performers during their scheduled performance time and can also contribute to organizations run by and serving Black LGBTQ people. The event will also pay homage to the queer people of color who started the revolutionary riots at Stonewall in 1969 and other Black LGBTQ trailblazers who have advanced equality for all.
"During this time, I've been seeing a lot of Black tragedy,” said Bob the Drag Queen. “That's important. People need to see that. But it's also important that we share Black success, Black victory, and Black lives. Especially queer Black lives. Especially trans Black lives. This is an opportunity to get together and rejoice in all things that are beautiful, black, and queer."
https://t.co/483f4FBGS6 pic.twitter.com/diirclqQSC
— Black Lives Still Matter (@thatonequeen) June 12, 2020
"I think we're on the precipice of great, irreversible change,” said Peppermint. “And I'm so happy to be involved in an event that could be a catalyst for facilitating powerful, meaningful, and inclusive conversations across the board. These conversations must include everyone. I'm speaking to all cis black hetero people when I say: it's time to be a part of this, it's time to embrace our Black queer excellence."
It's a town hall, y'all! @thatonequeen + I are teaming up to launch the FIRST Annual #BlackQueerTownHall in partnership with @glaad and @NYCPride and we need YOUR help! Let's raise awareness & funds to support the black queer voices who gave us pure PRIDE: https://t.co/wG3ZDViABG pic.twitter.com/zffPWkUljs
— Peppermint (@Peppermint247) June 12, 2020
“Bob and Peppermint are incredible leaders and I am honored that our virtual pride event is now being produced by them,” said Marti Gould Cummings, who was set to produce the Pride 2020 Drag Fest. “We must carry on the message of Marsha and Sylvia and I can’t wait for the world to see this incredible event that will uplift black voices within our community”
“Through our work, we are committed to speaking out for all New Yorkers. There is no place for racism in the LGBTQ+ community or anywhere else. NYC Pride will speak up, speak out and stand with our fellow New Yorkers in the face of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and all other kinds of oppression. Always,” said Shawn Kobetz, Partnerships Manager, NYC Pride, “We are grateful for the opportunity to help use our platform to listen, educate, and create spaces for dialogue through the Black Queer Town Hall.”
