All-Month
All Month
This month for Blaq Pride, BBQ ART and Beyond Video are partnering to highlight the work of Black Queer filmmakers and media that features Black Queer stories. The films and media will be available to rent for Beyond Video members.
Sunday, October 3
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
MELANIN III: The Drag Show
Baltimore Soundstage
21+ | $20 Admission
SAD Brunch returns with the third installment of their MELANIN series, another night of Black excellence and an all-Black cast hosted by Evon Michelle. Featuring headliners "Queen of Splits" Druex Sidora and host of No Tea No Shade Kayden Chloe! With performances by: Egyppt Chloe, Dee A. Diamond, Exstasy Cache, Naomi Couture, Jesus Vice, Chanel Janae, Ervena Chloe and Aave Blue.
Thursday, October 7
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Blaq Pride Networking Happy Hour
16 On The Park
21+ | Free
The official Black Pride kick-off event! A professional networking event for Baltimore's Black LGBTQ community, hosted at 16 On The Park, a rooftop restaurant & lounge located atop The Residence Inn Baltimore at the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus.
Saturday, October 9
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Ancestor Reverence
Virtual
All-Ages | Free
Join Rooted Collective for a brunch-time conversation about connecting with, listening to and showing reverence to our ancestors. More details to come.
Monday, October 18
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
HIV in the Black LGBTQ Community
Virtual
All ages | Free
Learn the latest information about HIV in the Black LGBTQ community, including prevention strategies, getting engaged in regular care and supporting people currently living with HIV. Presented by Carlton Smith, Jasmine Pope, Dr. Jordan White and Tashi-Kali M. Acket.
Tuesday, October 19
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Mind Yo' Business: Black Queer Entrepreneurship
Virtual
All ages | Free
What does it take to start and maintain a successful small business? Hear directly from local Black, queer entrepreneurs! Participants will (1) Better understand what it takes to start and maintain a successful business. (2) Learn from obstacles and challenges others have faced as a Black, queer business owner. (3) Become connected to a network of Black, queer entrepreneurs in various stages of business ownership. Confirmed panelists: Marcus Gross (PUSH Media/SAD Brunch), Evon Dior Michelle (SAD Brunch), Kevin Brown (Nancy by SNAC), Ti Malik Coleman (Artist, Storyteller, Comedian and Facilitator) and Marva Laws (Love is Love Boutique)! Moderated by Jabari Lyles (Jabari Lyles Consulting)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Vogue Dance Battle
La Familia
18+ | $10 admission
Twelve of Baltimore's best battle for the title of Bmore Vogue Champion and $1,500 of cash prizes. A night of gags and legendary fun. Featuring DJ Kotic Couture.
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sexy Sip & Paint
La Familia
21+ | $25 admission
A wild creative night of erotic poetry, great music, great drinks and sexy art. Join Baltimore's very own artist extraordinare Rasheem as she helps you bring out the artist in you. Art supplies and 1 free drink with purchased ticket. Presented by Black Arts District.
Wednesday, October 20
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Poetry Workshop with Crystal Valentine
Hotel RL
All ages | $10 admission
Join Crystal Valentine for a poetry workshop dedicated to writing for self-liberation. Presented by Black Arts District.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Afro Dance Workshop
Hotel RL
All ages | $10 admission
This workshop with Yaw Kyermateng will focus on writing poetry using the body as a pen. We will be grooving to West African traditional dance steps coupled with Afrobeat movement to bring this poem to life. Come in comfortable clothing and get ready to step into your power. Everyone is welcome!
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Supporting Black LGBTQ Youth in
K-12 Schools
Virtual
All ages | Free
Learn about the needs and experiences of Black LGBTQ Youth in K-12 Schools, including recent data and strategies for safety, affirmation and inclusion.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Poetry Party Open Mic ft. iCon
The Garage
All ages | $20 admission
One of Baltimore's dopest open mics featuring the phenomenal iCon. Presented by Black Arts District.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
BusBoys Open Mic ft. Crystal Valentine
Busboys and Poets
All ages | $5 admission
The nationally renowned Busboys and Poets will be having an open mic featuring the phenomenal Crystal Valentine. Presented by Black Arts District.
Thursday, October 21
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Book Signing with iCon
Hotel RL
All ages | Free
Join us for a book reading and signing with iCon and her newest publication "My Name Is Pronounced Holy" Free copy of the book will be gifted for the first 20 people. Presented by Black Arts District.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Apocalypse Again??
Virtual
All ages | Free
What is an apocalypse? Is thriving possible in an apocalypse? Are we in an apocalypse right now? Presented by Rooted Collective.
Friday, October 22
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Suicide Prevention 101 Workshop with Native Child Brown
Hotel RL
All ages | Free
A necessary discussion and workshop on suicide prevention 101 led by licensed therapist Native Child Brown. Presented by Black Arts District.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Black, Healthy, Whole Workshop and Panel
Hotel RL
All ages | Free
A panel discussion exploring the challenges and strategies for existing in the world as Black, Healthy and Whole people. Facilitated by FreeQuency. Panelists include: Timothy Duwhite, Gabriel Ramirez, Yaw Kyeremateng, Nicky T Nickster, Ashley Lumpkin. Presented by Black Arts District.
8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
The Seven Visual EP Release Concert
Y-Not Lot
All ages | $11 admission
The Seven Visual EP Release Concert will be a combined screening and performance experience celebrating Rae The Conjurer's debut EP Seven.
Performances by Brandon Woody and Upendo, Mighty Mark, and DJ Pangelica. The event is BYOB and a cash bar will be available.
Saturday, October 23
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Poetry Workshop with Porsha O
Hotel RL
All ages | Free
ReMemory & Omission Writers have the power to control what information filters onto a reader. This includes the power to omit information or to position it in a sort of rememory and reimagination. Participants in this writing workshop will spend time looking at memory and at a particular memory's relationship to absence and repetition. Rooted in futurism, participants will explore the power yielded when we build our own context or deconstruct the context surrounding who and what we are made of. This workshop will not only question what happens when we narrate our own stories but also invite participants to think about imaginative ways to reshape and un-shape 'truth'. Presented by Black Arts District.
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Poetry Slam Finals
Baltimore Center Stage
All ages | $20 admission
One of the World's Biggest Poetry Slams. The Top 10 poets from the Stonewall International Poetry Slam will be competing for $10,000 in cash prizes at Baltimore Center Stage. Hosted by iCon with special performances from Gayle Danley, Porsha O, and Chibbi Orduna. Presented by Black Arts District.
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
PROUDFest
La Familia
18+ | $20 admission
Baltimore Blaq Pride and Black Arts District present PROUDfest A Queer AF Concert and official SIPS After Party. Featuring TT The Artist, DDM, Langston King, Black Assetts, RovoMonty and Kotic Couture.
Sunday, October 24
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Icon Awards Drag Brunch
Dovecote Cafe
All ages | $10 admission
Join us for the first-ever drag show at Dovecote Cafe! Celebrating Black LGBTQ/SGL icons in Baltimore. Featuring Miss T Rose Sidora, Stealya Manz, Katie D. Lite and Exstasy Cache. Hosted by Jabari Lyles. Complimentary drink ticket included with admission. Brunch items provided by local Black LGBTQ/SGL chefs. Presented by Black Arts District in partnership with SAD Brunch.
Tuesday, October 26
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Story Of My Name: Blaq Pride Edition
Virtual
All ages | Free
What is the story of your name? What does your name mean to you? How and why did you choose your name? If you navigated the name change process, what were some barriers you faced? What would you tell other queer and trans folks about the journey to choosing a name? Hear from local queer and trans community share the story of their name.
Wednesday, October 27
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Mental Health Stigma and Recovering from COVID-19
Virtual
All ages | Free
What impact has COVID-19 had on Black, queer people living with mental illness? What strategies can Black, queer folx employ for optimal mental health during the pandemic? What are some barriers to accessing mental health care and how can Black, queer folks overcome those barriers? How do we uplift and emerge from this pandemic and continue our liberation as Black queer folx?
Thursday, October 28
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Intimate Partner Violence Within Black Queer Community
Virtual
All ages | Free
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a prevalent, but under recognized issue among Black queer community. Over the last several years, acts of IPV among Black queer community made national news, drawing attention to the unique ways that IPV plays out within this particular community. Yet, little attention has examined has been paid about this issue within our community or by providers. The lack of culturally responsive IPV services that meet our needs is a barriers that Black queer people face when seeking IPV related services. Therefore, this session will explore current data, discuss challenges to IPV specific to the Black queer community and Black Gay and Bisexual Men specifically, and draw our issues that we want to address as a community. This session is for community members, providers, and anyone interested in better supporting Black queer people who experience IPV. Presented by Dr. Durryle Brooks.
Friday, October 29
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Breaking Binaries: Discussing Gender and Sexuality Flexibility
Virtual
All ages | Free
"Is gender-flexible a thing?" This question sparked a healing conversation between Erricka Bridgeford and Jabari Lyles, who both recognize the flexibility in their own sexual orientation and gender identities. Join in for a discussion about breaking the binary, bisexuality, and gender expansiveness as Black leaders in Baltimore. Erricka Bridgeford is co-founder of Baltimore Ceasefire 365 and executive director of the Baltimore Community Mediation Center. Jabari Lyles is the former Sr. Advisor and Director of LGBTQ Affairs for the Office of the Mayor in Baltimore City, and currently President & Principal Consultant at Jabari Lyles Consulting.
Saturday, October 30
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Dance With Our Ancestors
Y-Not Lot
All ages | Free
As Black queer and trans people, we each are connected to deep and powerful legacies of those that came before us. Come to dance and gather to honor those legacies, and connect directly with our ancestors at a time when the veil between the worlds is most thin. Presented by BBQ Art, a liberatory gathering for Black, queer artists in Baltimore.
Thursday, November 4
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Disrespecting Respectability Politics
Virtual
All ages | Free
What is it like to navigate white, cis, and hetero-dominated spaces as an openly Black, queer person? Join Scot Spencer (Annie Casey Foundation), Rachel Brooks (BUILD), Brandon Wilson (Under Armour) and Phillip Westry (Maryland Volunteers Lawyer Service) in a discussion about navigating and showing up authentically in the workplace. Moderated by Perry Williams (Under Armour).
