🖤 Is Black Gay Pride Still Ours?

I was recently approached to help organize a Black Gay Pride event in Palm Springs—a city renowned for its vibrant queer culture but noticeably lacking in Black representation. While the invitation was an honor, it also stirred a profound internal conflict.

Palm Springs boasts a significant LGBTQ+ population, yet Black faces are few and far between. When I do encounter other Black individuals here, it often feels as though they’ve come seeking refuge from their Blackness, rather than embracing it. This raises a challenging question: In a place where Black queer identity is scarcely visible, is there a space—or even a desire—for Black Gay Pride?

🌈 The Evolution of Pride and the Black Queer Experience

Black Gay Pride has always been more than a celebration; it’s been a sanctuary, a protest, and a declaration of existence. From the early days of Noah’s Arc to the vibrant streets of Atlanta, these events have provided a platform for Black queer individuals to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

However, the landscape is shifting. Corporate sponsorships are dwindling, with major companies pulling back support for Pride events amid political backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives . This financial strain disproportionately affects Black Pride events, which have historically relied on community support and grassroots organizing.

Moreover, attendance at Black Pride events is declining. Some community members express feeling disconnected, citing concerns over commercialization and a lack of authentic representation . The very spaces that once offered solace now risk becoming relics of a bygone era.

🎤 Reflections on Representation and Relevance

When Frank Ocean publicly came out, it was a watershed moment for queer representation in hip-hop. For me, it was both inspiring and disheartening. It felt as though the barriers I had been challenging through my music were finally being acknowledged—but by someone else. It led me to question the relevance of my voice and the necessity of my work.

Now, as I contemplate the state of Black Gay Pride, similar doubts emerge. In a society increasingly hostile to discussions of race, gender, and sexuality, is there still a place for these celebrations? Or have they become obsolete in the face of evolving cultural dynamics?

🌴 Blatino Oasis: The End of an Era

As I debate the potential of organizing a Black Gay Pride event here in Palm Springs, I can’t ignore the shadow of something monumental drawing to a close—Blatino Oasis.

After nearly two decades of bringing Black and Latino men together for a weekend of connection, fantasy, and freedom, Blatino Oasis is entering its final year. What began as a niche gathering grew into one of the most respected and consistent events for queer men of color on the West Coast.

Its founder, Joe Hawkins, built something beautiful: a curated escape in the desert for people who are often sidelined by both the mainstream LGBTQ+ community and their own cultural circles.

But with its exit, a question lingers in the Coachella Valley air:

When this space disappears, what’s left for us here?

And more broadly—what happens anywhere when the people most committed to our joy and representation begin to step away?

✊🏾 Reclaiming Our Space and Purpose

Despite these challenges, the need for Black Gay Pride remains. In fact, it’s more critical than ever. As political forces seek to marginalize our identities, these events serve as acts of resistance and affirmation.

Studies indicate that racially focused LGBTQ+ Pride events can foster resilience and improve mental health outcomes among participants . They offer a unique space where Black queer individuals can find community, validation, and empowerment.

In Palm Springs, organizing a Black Gay Pride event could be a transformative act—not just for the city, but for the individuals who have long felt unseen. It’s an opportunity to create a space that celebrates Black queer identity in all its complexity and beauty.