Join Atlanta-based queer women of color, Sharon Goh and Désirée Jamerson, as they navigate mid-life experiences, divorce, lesbian identity, community building, and living as multiple “others” in the heteronormative world.
This episode is dedicated to Black Gay Pride, focusing particularly on the history and experience in Atlanta. Sharon and Désirée discuss the origins of Black Gay Pride, sharing personal pasts and recent experiences, including Sharon's attendance in the last two years. They explore the history of Black Gay Pride in Atlanta, mentioning the organizing group "In the Life Atlanta" and conflicting accounts of whether it started in 1996 or 1997, with Désirée leaning towards 1997 as it was her first time attending. They highlight the necessity of Black Gay Pride events as a safe space for Black and Brown people who sometimes feel unwelcome in other spaces, celebrating Black music, culture, and expression3. Atlanta is described as a "black gay mecca," and a Williams Institute report from January 2021 is cited, stating that 51.4% of Black LGBT adults live in the South.
The hosts discuss the Global Black Gay Pride event, noting this past year was the first one in Atlanta... Global Black Gay Pride started in 2020 during the "global re-racial reckoning" and pandemic. The first Global Black Gay Pride event was held in Toronto in July 2022, with events planned every two years. This year's event in Atlanta included workshops, talks, art exhibits, health conferences, and performances at Piedmont Park. The significance of African artists performing is noted, as gay/LGBT is not allowed in their home countries.
Désirée shares her magical first Black Gay Pride experience in Atlanta in 1997, soon after coming out. She talks about being part of Girls in the Night, a premier promoting group in the late 90s and early 2000s, throwing parties around the US. Sharon asks if Desiree felt "othered" at "Everybody Pride" (general Pride events, often in June/October in Atlanta) before attending Black Gay Pride. Désirée felt "othered" as a woman in predominantly gay male spaces but not racially. Sharon reflects on starting to notice this "otherness" since being outside of white privilege bubbles, feeling it even at work. The conversation touches on the distinct music and vibe at Black Gay Pride.
Special guest, Erinn Thompson, joins the show. She shares her perspective as someone new to her queerness, seeking spaces where she can relax and feel safe, especially given the lack of Black queer spaces in Pittsburgh. She recounts a past uncomfortable experience at a gay male bar in Pittsburgh where she and a female friend felt unwelcome. She shares her positive experience attending Atlanta Black Gay Pride for the first time, describing it as warm, welcoming, with great music and people. They reminisce about parties attended, including the Ladies at Play party, known for its "mature hours" (5 pm) and lively atmosphere, even featuring an "more mature" woman dancing. Other parties discussed include MSR and a Beyonce-themed drag show. Erinn did not make any long-term romantic connections despite exchanging numbers
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