In an effort to bring gay lives into February’s Black History Month, Atlanta’s first African American LGBT History Week celebrates the full stories of figures including Sojourner Truth, Audre Lorde, Bayard Rustin, Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver and Langston Hughes.
MORE INFO Phyre: African American LGBT History Week Feb. 18 - 24 EM Designs Group Studio @The Kessler Lofts 87 Peachtree S. SW., Suite 207 www.afterthephyre.org 678-280-7750 After the Phyre symposium Feb. 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Honoring Sistahs Feb. 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Question Homophobia discussion Feb. 21, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Candle Light Vigil Feb. 22, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Phyre & Film Feb. 23, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Feb. 24, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Arts on Phyre Feb. 24, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Glow Silent Auction During all events
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Feb 16, 2007  |  By: MASHAUN D. SIMON  | COMMENTS |   |  

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual African-Americans who played a role in shaping the America of today are set to be recognized next week during African-American LGBT History Week.

Organized by a coalition of community partners based in Atlanta, “Phyre” is the inaugural celebration scheduled for Feb. 18 - 24.

“We feel that it is important to share truths relative to the history of our culture, society, and country with all people,” says Stephaun Clipper, Phyre spokesperson. “It is incumbent upon us as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people of color to embrace our history as a way of demonstrating pride and empowering esteem in our communities.”

The event’s focus is on African-American gay people, and Phyre members hope that people from all walks of life and various cultures can learn the untold history and celebrate the legacy of these trailblazers who positively impacted American history and culture.

The histories of Harriet Tubman, Sojoiuner Truth, Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde, Bayard Rustin, George Washington Carver, and others are on tap for the celebration.

Their stories are often told in the limited context of their accomplishments, in addition to their sexual orientation or identities, according to Clipper.

“We are telling their stories, and others, through the events that take place during the week,” he says.

The committee consulted a small handbook produced by the National Black Justice Coalition, a national group that works on gay issues. The book lists black “same-gender loving” people who have made an impact in society and history. The handbook is still available through NBJC’s website.

Organizers chose February because of its association with Black History Month, Clipper says.

“This project in no way means to undermine the efforts of those that have fought and died, and even those that are still with us,” he says. “We are seeking to unify the platform and add another component of history as it relates to people of color.”

The Phyre planning committee is anxious about what the week will bring, Clipper says.

“We have put together a plethora of events to celebrate our history, and we want everyone to come out, enjoy the atmosphere and have fun.”

Highlights of the week include both panel discussions and arts events. On Feb. 18, the “After the Phyre” symposium brings speakers together to “imagine the black queer future.” “Honoring Sistahs” on Feb. 20 focuses on the late writer and activist Audre Lorde, who described herself as a “black, lesbian, mother, warrior poet” and died of breast cancer in 1992.

Another panel discussion, dubbed “Question Homophobia,” is set for Feb. 21, followed by a candle light vigil the next night.

A silent auction of art by young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender artists runs throughout the week, with proceeds dedicated to making Phyre an annual event.
Two nights are devoted to film showings, and the week closes with Arts on Phyre, a showcase of local vocal, dance and spoken word artists performing works from legendary black gay entertainers.

Anye Elite, 19, is one of the featured entertainers during Arts on Phyre. The singer-songwriter says it is important to recognize the role African-American gay people play in music and art.

“Music and art make up a large piece of African American history,” he says. “And of course, LGBT’s have been involved in that history.”

The Florida transplant performs an original composition entitled, “Show Up.” He says gay history begins today.

“We are trying to retro-fit and create a history honoring those who felt like they could not be themselves,” he says. “Their role and history was omitted.”

The name Phyre was inspired by the African-American embrace of fire as a symbol of purification, enlightenment or solidification.

“We adapted that concept and gave it a twist, which is why it’s spelled Phyre,” Clipper says.

The committee of concerned black gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people set a mission to produce an event that was both educational and uplifting.

All African American LGBT History Week events take place at EM Designs Group Studio @The Kessler Lofts, 87 Peachtree Street SW., Suite 207, in downtown Atlanta.