Inquiring Minds May Want to Know: Why Is It Called Black Pride?

The initiation of Black Pride holds immense significance within the LGBTQ community, particularly for individuals who identify as both Black and LGBTQ. Black Pride events and celebrations emerged as a response to the unique challenges faced by Black LGBTQ individuals, as well to celebrate, honor, and center their identities, experiences, and contributions.

As a community we have come to understand that there is marginalization that goes beyond orientation, identity, and gender expression. QPOC (Queer People of Color) also have race and racism, as well as transphobia and homophobia to deal with.

In 2014, The LGBT Fund of Spartanburg and the GHS both did a needs assessment of our Upstate LGBTQ community. We found what we had already known: Within our LGBTQ community, we had higher indicators than the straight folks for suicide, for drug abuse, for homelessness, for domestic violence, for workplace discrimination. And for people of color, these indicators were even higher! QPOCs also experienced a sense of isolation, othering, and feeling as though they didn’t have a voice in creating events and spaces within the LGBTQ community. They wanted a voice in creating community events that were culturally competent and inclusive. Upstate Pride South Carolina understood you can’t have inclusion without engagement.

UPSC created this engagement in a Black Pride, that while centering blackness on a grassroots-level, is a time for our entire community to come together and celebrate. The “Black” in Black Pride doesn’t mean “Black only” it means “Black centered” and “Black engagemen.t”

Historically, Black LGBTQ individuals have faced intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization. The mainstream LGBTQ movement has sometimes overlooked the specific issues and struggles faced by Black queer and transgender people. When we think of Stonewall, we think of the throngs of Gay White men marching in the streets, but the totality of the Stonewall uprising and the beginning of PRIDE was initiated by two Trans Women of Color: Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. QPOC history and contributions are often erased and not honored. By centering Blackness in the LGBTQ community through Black Pride events, a space is created where Black LGBTQ individuals can meet others in the margins (I am lesbian, woman, mother, black, and queer), find representation, visibility, and solidarity.

The need for a Black Pride celebration that centers blackness within the LGBTQ community is rooted in the principles of intersectionality, cultural competence, and cultural exchange. By understanding and addressing the unique experiences and challenges faced by queer people of color, specifically those who identify as black, we can foster a more inclusive and vibrant community for all LGBTQ individuals.

Here are some key points to consider:

Intersectionality and inclusive spaces: Intersectionality recognizes that individuals have multiple identities that intersect and shape their experiences. Black queer individuals face unique challenges that stem from the intersection of racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Creating a Black Pride celebration specifically focused on centering blackness provides a safe and empowering space for queer people of color to celebrate their identities and foster solidarity within the wider LGBTQ community.

Cultural competence and understanding: Cultural competence refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and respect the cultural differences and experiences of others. Black Pride celebrations centered on blackness provide an opportunity for the entire LGBTQ community to deepen their cultural competence by learning about the rich history, traditions, art, and contributions of black queer individuals. It helps to create a more inclusive environment that values and uplifts diverse cultural perspectives. The QPOC artists, retail vendors, and food vendors are often a new experience for our attendees.

Addressing historical marginalization: Black queer individuals have long faced marginalization and erasure within both the LGBTQ community and society at large. A Black Pride celebration acknowledges and addresses this historical imbalance by dedicating a space and time specifically to honor and elevate the voices and experiences of Black LGBTQ individuals. It creates a platform to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness about the unique challenges they face.

Celebrating diversity and promoting unity: Black Pride celebrations centered on blackness encourage cultural exchange and promote unity within the LGBTQ community. It provides an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, share their stories, and learn from one another. By fostering a sense of unity while recognizing and celebrating individual differences, we can build a stronger and more inclusive community that values and embraces all LGBTQ individuals.

Empowering marginalized voices: Black Pride celebrations offer a platform for black queer individuals to amplify their voices, share their experiences, and engage in advocacy and activism. It helps create a supportive and empowering environment where marginalized voices are uplifted and heard. This empowerment benefits not only black queer individuals but also the wider LGBTQ community by fostering a greater sense of resilience and unity in the face of discrimination and inequality.

In summary, the need for a Black Pride celebration that centers blackness within the LGBTQ community is essential for fostering inclusivity, cultural competence, and unity. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by black queer individuals, promoting cultural exchange, and empowering marginalized voices, we can create a community that embraces intersectionality and celebrates the diverse experiences and contributions of all LGBTQ individuals.

We believe in supporting all ethnicities in our LGBTQ+ community. We are working on conjoining a Hispanic or LatinX Pride as part of our festival next year and we are seeking Pan Asian involvement as well. Our goal is to create culturally competent spaces and events where we are all engaged and connected. We hope to see you at our week of events and our March and Festival!

Much Love and Respect,

Caroline – UPSC President