Philadelphia Black Pride Events Celebrate African American LGBTQ Community
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Black Pride kicks off this weekend with 37 events that celebrate the African American LGBTQ community.
It has a history that goes back decades.
"Black LGBTQ individuals would come and congregate and celebrate individuals during Penn Relay weekend."
D'Ontace Keyes is Chief Creative Officer for Philadelphia Black Pride. He says the African American gay, lesbian and transgender community began Pride in West Philadelphia decades ago to help this minority within a minority combat stereotypes.
"We're sexualized. We're either go-go boys or go-go girls, or you don't see us in the programming at all."
Eight years ago Philadelphia Black Pride was born and has grown into four days with events that educate the Black LGBT on health, equality and other issues, attracting thousands from all over the country.
"We bring everything together, we celebrate, we inform individuals."
Philly Black Pride runs through Sunday. For more details, visit: phillyblackpride.org.