As we celebrate Black History Month, let's also rediscover our Queer Pride Brothers and Sisters of Color and examine how, locally within the DMV, the first Black Pride events evolved.
Virginia's first Black Pride came about out of the tragedy of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando. After the horrific 2016 shooting at the Pulse nightclub, Richmond’s LGBTQ community tried to come together for unity, but instead division occurred. There were vigils by LGBTQ Advocacy groups, but as it would happen, black and Latin leaders felt underrepresented and excluded from the event that had touched them personally.
The Black LGBTQ Community felt slighted, although it was unintentional, they were inspired to create an intentional space for LGBTQ people of color in the city.
Lacette Cross was one of the organizers for this event, and that began the first LGBTQ Pride in Virginia and RVA Black Pride was born. Read the full story in the link below.
This year RVA Black Pride will be held July 13, 2022 – July 17, 2022. They will be celebrating 5 years as RVA Pride. Black Pride RVA promotes the health and wellness of Black LGBTQ persons through celebration, education, and empowerment. Our inaugural theme for this weekend is “Pride with a Purpose.”
Richmond’s Frist Black Pride:
Richmond VA Pride
Richmond Pride 2022