News Summary
This October, Baltimore proudly commemorates the 23rd BLAQ Pride Month, centered around the theme ‘Homecoming: The Future is Family.’ BLAQ Equity Baltimore organizes various events that showcase the resilience and unity of the Black LGBTQIA+ community. Events include the ICON Awards Gala and BLAQ Out Week, honoring influential leaders and fostering cultural heritage amidst social challenges. The month emphasizes inclusivity and activism, aligning with Baltimore Pride’s 50th anniversary to strengthen community bonds and celebrate diversity.
Baltimore is celebrating BLAQ Pride Month this October, marking its 23rd anniversary with an array of events focused on community, resilience, and history. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Homecoming: The Future is Family,” which highlights the significance of community and chosen family among Black LGBTQIA+ individuals.
BLAQ Equity Baltimore, the organization behind BLAQ Pride, was founded in 2002 by four community leaders. The group aims to promote inclusion and celebrate Black LGBTQIA+ culture, responding to a predominantly white-led gay rights movement and advocating for Black queer leadership. The importance of these efforts is more pronounced as the community continues to navigate social and political challenges.
This year’s BLAQ Pride Month features numerous events, including BLAQ Out Week, which hosted various activities such as brunches, a faith service, creative happy hours, and a Coming Out Day Rally. On October 10, 2023, the 23rd ICON Awards Gala took place at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, honoring influential Black LGBTQIA+ leaders for their contributions to the community.
Phillip Clark, a board member of BLAQ Equity, emphasizes the need to celebrate resilience as the community confronts political obstacles affecting both Black and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The diverse events aim to promote inclusion and acceptance amidst rising fears and challenges in society.
Institutions such as The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and the Billie Holiday Center have also played a crucial role in preserving Black history, offering the younger generation opportunities to connect with their heritage and culture. In addition, the Baltimore courts’ diversion program, known as Drug Court, works to rehabilitate individuals facing non-violent, drug-related charges rather than opting for incarceration.
Throughout October, the celebration of BLAQ Pride aligns with Baltimore Pride, which is currently in full swing and commemorates 50 years of LGBTQ+ history under the theme “50 Shades of Pride.” This shared celebration underscores the importance of community building and cultural expression.
In an additional highlight, music journalist Eze Jackson profiles Baltimore rap icon Kevin Muldrow Jr. (Mullyman), who stresses the values of love and purpose in hip-hop over material accomplishments. As cultural representation continues to be explored, a documentary titled “The Beat Goes On: The Story of Baltimore Beat” is set to be released, showcasing the impact of Baltimore Beat on local journalism and culture.
To enhance the legal support for Black queer individuals, BLAQ Equity has partnered with FreeState Justice. The collaboration aims to improve access to justice and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities. Each BLAQ Pride event serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to activism and community engagement against increasing discrimination and violence.
In past years, notable figures, including Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen, have taken active roles in the celebration, often serving as grand marshals for the Baltimore Pride Parade. This synchronicity of events provided by both BLAQ Pride and Baltimore Pride reflects a robust ongoing effort towards fostering inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The month-long celebration of BLAQ Pride not only serves as an opportunity to engage with cultural heritage but also addresses contemporary issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Ensuring that the narratives of resilience and community continue to resonate is vital as BLAQ Pride month unfolds in Baltimore.
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Additional Resources
- Baltimore Beat: BLAQ Pride Month Celebration
- Washington Blade: Baltimore Pride Plans
- Ebony: Baltimore Spotlights
- CBS News: Carlton Smith Day
- AFRO: Baltimore Pride Support
- Wikipedia: LGBT History in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
