Every summer, LGBT North and South Carolina people of color flock to the two black gay Pride festivals held in each state: Charlotte and Columbia. Q-Notes provides a sneak peak into the events for each below.
South Carolina Pride Festival
June 25-29, 2008
Columbia, S.C.
www.southcarolinablackpride.com
Featuring a town hall, a “Night Out With the Arts,” community expo and jazz brunch, the South Carolina Black Pride Festival is sure to bring some lively and exciting fun to the Palmetto State capital city.
Selected events below:
“Light Under the Sun” Pre-Pride 70’s Party
Wednesday, June 18
Club Fusion, 920 Lady Street in the Vista, 803-765-1574. Doors open at 10 p.m. $5 charge. $50 Best Costume & Soul Train Dancer Contests.
Town Hall Debate
“Because the Bible Told Me So: Is Homosexuality a Sin?”
Thursday, June 26, 7-8:30 p.m.
University of South Carolina Law School Auditorium, 701 Main St. Free.
“A Night Out With the Arts” featuring “Readings by Writers,” Black LGBT authors and the “For the Love of Harlem Musical”
Friday, June 27, 6-9 p.m. (Carolinas Black Pride Movement); 7-9 p.m., ArtSpace, 914 Pulaski St. $12.
Community Expo
Saturday, June 28, 11a.m.-6 p.m.
Margarette Miller Center, 1509 Fontaine Rd. Free.
Community Awards & Jazz Brunch
Sunday, June 29, 3-5 p.m.
Eau Claire Print Building, 3909 Ensor Ave. Free.
Charlotte NC Black Gay Pride
July 17-20, 2008
Charlotte, N.C.
www.charlotteblackgaypride.com
“Legends, Statements and Stars!,” proclaims the Charlotte NC Black Pride 2008 theme. Once voted the best black gay Pride in the nation, the Charlotte black Pride festival kicks of in mid-July, just one week prior to the Pride Charlotte festival on July 26.
Selected events below:
Town Hall Meeting
“Does Racism Exist in the Gay Community?”
Featured Panelists: John W. Love, Charlotte Damone, Connie Vetter, Alan Sendler, Angela Lopez and Jackie Thomas. Thursday, July 17, 7 p.m., Time Out Youth, 1900 The Plaza. Free.
Diva Show
with Special Guest recording Artist YahZarh.
Thursday, July 17, 9:30 p.m., Faces Night Club, 2815 Crisman Ave. $15 admission, $25 for VIP tables.
Black Gay Pride Expo
Workshops, Live Entertainment, Vendors and More! Saturday, July 19, Noon-6 p.m., Fran’s Boys and Girls Club, 2700 W. Trade St. Free.
Worship Service
Presented by Pastor Tonyia M. Rawls and Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte.
Sunday, July 20, 1 p.m.
Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte, 3127 Eastway Dr. Free.