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By: ZACK HUDSON
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Though the struggles have changed, the spirit that propels the annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebration remains unchanged after a decade, according to organizers.
“I think the struggles have evolved to understanding the power behind being black and gay, and taking the steps to recognize in ourselves where we stand as gay people, and to then highlight our accomplishments and what we have done throughout the years,” said Zandra Conway, co-chair for In the Life Atlanta.
ITLA was founded in 1996 as the “official host” of Black Gay Pride, which had previously been a series of informal events each year during Labor Day weekend.
Atlanta’s Black Gay Pride is now considered the largest such event in the U.S., according to Conway. But it started as a simple backyard picnic, she said.
And unlike Atlanta Pride held in June at Piedmont Park, the Black Gay Pride event is now largely an indoor celebration — anchored inside the Midtown Colony Square Sheraton hotel.
“It still has that feel of ‘let me get out of town for a weekend and just have a good time,’” Conway said.
Along with the theme of “Taking Charge of Healthy Living,” Black Gay Pride activities for this year include a film festival, numerous workshops and a literary exposition. There is also a heavy nod to diversity and politics.
“We do want to encourage people who are not black to attend. Our Pride is about diversity and getting cultural understanding, getting to experience talent that you have never experienced before,” Conway said.
Helping Black Gay Pride attendees gain a better understanding of their transgender brothers and sisters will be a key topic during some of the workshops scheduled for the three-day event.
“Even in our own gay community, you would be surprised at how much ignorance exists about transgender people,” said Dee Dee Chamblee, executive director of LaGender, a nonprofit transgender resource agency.
Like any big event, Pride costs are significant — Conway estimated a $75,000 budget this year. Though there are numerous revenue sources for In the Life Atlanta during the celebration, the organization has taken some financial hits in recent years.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the travel plans of many people throughout the Southeast, but especially hit the Gulf Coast, home to many would-be Black Gay Pride attendees, according to Conway. In the Life Atlanta scrambled to reimburse Black Gay Pride ticket holders who were displaced by Katrina, Conway said.
This year, Black Gay Pride lost fundraising dollars because stormy weather sent crowds fleeing during the June’s Atlanta Pride event, where ITLA is one of several groups who staff beverage booths in exchange for a cut of concession sales.
“We could have made a lot more money if not for the weather,” Conway said.
And with two Gay Pride celebrations in Atlanta, Conway said the smaller Black Gay Pride faces obstacles in obtaining corporate sponsorships. As the celebration grows, so do its chances for drawing in dollars, Conway said.
“We do have the people power. The numbers are sufficient enough to make a proud showing,” she said.
Conway estimated past attendance near 35,000, and expects to reach close to 40,000 this year.
The final highlight of the festival is the “Stand Up and Represent” political march to the state Capitol on Labor Day.
“Basically, we shout, ‘We’re black, we’re out, we’re proud!’” Conway said. “A lot of people feel empowered when they’ve been a part of this. It’s a good way to end the weekend.”
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