African-American

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State Organizations:  California, Georgia, Illinois, New York

National/International Organizations

History of Behind the Mask

 

Behind The Mask – a non-profit media organisation publishing a news website intended for gay and lesbian affairs in Africa, was launched on 8 May 2000. This project operated under the Gay and Lesbian Archives of South Africa until 1 January 2003. Since that day Behind The Mask has been operating as an NGO-trust, registered with the South African Department of Welfare.

NPO Registration Number: I-trust 1758/03

Mission Statement
Behind the Mask, through journalistic activism, strives to mainstream lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and intersex (LGBTI) interests and to change negative attitudes towards homosexuality and same sex traditions in Africa

Vision Statement
Behind the Mask is a communication initiative around LGBTI rights and affairs in Africa. The organization considers information and communication technology (ICT) and independent journalistic activism as its main tools. By way of publishing a website magazine the organization gives voice to African LGBTI communities and provides a platform for exchange and debate for LGBTI groups, activists, individuals and allies.

 

Blacklight was founded by Sidney Brinkley in Washington, D.C. in August of 1979. It was the first Black Gay publication in our nation's capital. Between 1979 and 1985, when the last issue was published, Blacklight chronicled the birth of the Black Lesbian and Gay Movement, the First National Gay March on Washington, the first Third World Lesbian and Gay Conference, and the dawn of AIDS.

Every issue of Blacklight has been scanned for digital archiving. In the HOT issue from the summer of 1982, we were there when author James Baldwin publicly came Out; the Blackheart Collective, a group of Black Gay male writers, made their debut; D.C. mayor Marion Barry was making overtures to the city's Black Gays and The Clubhouse was the number-one Black Gay dance club on the East Coast.

This complete issue of Blacklight, in the form of a 30-page Acrobat PDF, is newly annotated, giving the story behind the articles, placing the entire issue in the social, political and cultural contexts of the times.

 

The International Federation of Black Prides

·                       The International Federation of Black Prides is a coalition of Black Pride organizers formed to promote a multinational network of LGBT/SGL (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Same Gender Loving) Prides and community-based organizations.

 

 

Keithboykin.com

 

The NABWMT is a collective nationwide network of affiliated and developing chapters in over 30 cities that identify themselves as Black and White Men Together (BWMT), Men of All Colors Together (MACT), or People of All Colors Together (PACT) in keeping with the cultural dynamics of their respective areas.

We are committed to fostering respect, honesty, and communication among people of different races and cultural backgrounds.

We are a gay, multi-racial, multi-cultural organization for all people.

We welcome people of all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

 

About the Coalition

The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black same-gender-loving, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. The Coalition works with our communities and our allies for social justice, equality, and an end to racism and homophobia.

The National Black Justice Coalition envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly, and honestly in family, faith and community, regardless of race, gender-identity or sexual orientation.

About OPERATION: REBIRTH  
       
  OPERATION: REBIRTH is the first Web site dedicated to ending the religious and spiritual abuse against black gays and lesbians inflicted by Black churches. The Web site provides resources that assist black gays and lesbians on reclaiming their religion and spirituality.

In addtion, OPERATION: REBIRTH has become "the watchdog" within the black church, holding black clergy accountable for their anti-gay messages and its impact on the community as a whole.

OPERATION: REBIRTH has received recognition from community and religious leaders and organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign.

OPERATION: REBIRTH is a joint initiative between FO' brothas and Biazo Ministries.

 

 POC » African American

 

 

Unity Fellowship of Christ Church

Welcome!

If you are looking for a church home that is rooted in spirituality and not in religion,  one that celebrates all of God's diverse creation, please feel free to come and worship with us. At Unity Fellowship Church, we know that God created us just as we are: Black, White, Latino, Native American, Asian... gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, intersexed, or straight. Whether your background is Baptist, COGIC, Apostolic, Catholic, AME, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheist, etc., you are welcome here!

know that  YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL!

Always remember that God loves you just like you are -- everything about you is perfect. God makes no mistakes! Do not let anyone tell you that you are not part of God's perfect creation.

We are excited to have you as our guest! Please stay and visit, and find out why God loves you just as you are! Feel free to click on the buttons to your left to learn more about us and who we are.

 

California

 

Ebony Pride of San Diego provides visibility to the African American Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual community of San Diego. It's purpose is to be a visible and positive force through enrichment, empowerment and education. We're a unifying organization that fights discrimination for people who experience it on two levels: as a black person in America and the larger LGBT community, and as an LGBT person in America and the African American community.

Most important of all, we give visibility to the African American LGBT community. We help those sisters and brothers who still find themselves in the closet. We let them know that it is okay to be themselves. We show that there is a community out there, and a support network. We also demonstrate to all of San Diego (and the world) the diversity of the LGBT community. We give LGBT people of color a sense of identity, respect and empowerment.

 

 

About Spirit Drumz

Our Mission

In 1996, Afia Walking Tree founded Spirit Drumz, a Bay Area Drum Sanctuary & Institute for cultural activism, empowerment and leadership. Utilizing drumz of the African Diaspora as essential tools for healing and liberation, Spirit Drumz fosters empowerment and activism through the creative, expressive, performance arts and earth-based spirituality.

 

Georgia

ITLA is the "Official Organizer " of the Atlanta Black Pride Celebration - now the largest Black Pride Celebration in the World!!.  We anticipate well over 40,000 members and allies of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered Brothers and Sisters from Atlanta, the Nation and abroad to join us for our exciting weekend of fun, culture, and pride.

Illinois

 

Events, features, and news
for the black gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, and
gay-friendly communities

 

Sankofa

A West African word meaning go back and get what was lost.

Sankofa Way

A non-profit, faith-based organization that searches the past for lessons and wisdom to make a better future.

Our mission is to facilitate spiritual growth and emotional healing in people and communities using an interfaith approach.

Our goal is to address social issues that threaten the mental health, safety, and wellbeing of all people.

 

New York

ADODI, the plural ADO, is a Yoruba word that describes a man who "loves" another man. More than just a description of partners, in Africa, the ADODI of the tribe are thought to embody both male and female ways of being and were revered as shamans, sages and leaders.

 

Who is ADODI?

ADODI is a community of men of color who affirm their African Lineage and love of men. Our purpose is to foster and encourage the self-discovery, validation, empowerment and liberation of all members of our diverse community.

The vision of ADODI New York is to provide a safe space to same sex loving men of African Heritage to empower them to get a better understanding of their own spirituality, self-expression and sexual identity

 

About the Audre Lorde Project

Mission Statement

The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit and Transgender People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area. Through mobilization, education and capacity-building, we work for community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. Committed to struggling across differences, we seek to responsibly reflect, represent and serve our various communities.

 

FIERCE! is a community organization for Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Queer, and Questioning (TLGBTSQQ) youth of color in New York City. We are dedicated to exploring and building power in our communities through a mix of leadership development, artistic and cultural activism, political education, and campaign development while taking care of ourselves and each other. We take on the institutions that perpetuate transphobia, homophobia, racism, ethnic conflict, gender bias, economic injustice, ageism, and the spread of HIV, STIs, STDs, and other mental and physical health crises — that make daily survival a terrifying challenge for many TLGBTSQQ youth. FIERCE organizes against the injustices of the criminal "justice" system, housing, employment, education, and healthcare systems. We believe in ethic of organizing by us, for us. Now that's FIERCE!

 

 

 

In 1986, Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) was conceptualized in New York City, a result of the vision of founder, The Reverend Charles Angel who embarked on a mission to empower the black gay men. In the many New York neighborhoods, gay black men continued to exist below the radar: Black men were dying in silence from HIV/AIDS because prevention funds did not reach them; Black gay youth were becoming homeless and resorting to violence and prostitution as a result of feelings of isolation, alienation and harassment; Black gay men were suffering from depression and insecurity because they feared coming out and most importantly black gay men felt unsupported by the community at large. Reverend Angel recognized that the need was a hybrid need that was being left unaddressed. Historically, these men had been forced to prioritize their battles as if each was mutually exclusive. They were simply not just black or not just men or not just gay --- they were all three of these things. GMAD stepped in to fill a void and connect the dots. Choosing not the path of least resistance but one of challenge and uncertainty, Reverend Angel and his colleagues took on the role - and the weight - of community activists in order to create parity for the black gay community.

Gay Reunion in our Time - GRIOT

GRIOT Circle is an intergenerational and culturally diverse community based organization dedicated to enriching the lives of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, especially Elders of color. It is our mission to maintain a safe space for these Elders, alleviate their feelings of isolation and fear, and construct programs and support systems designed to affirm their lives and encourage self-empowerment. We provide quality services that honor and preserve our histories and traditions, and reunite those parts of ourselves that have been fragmented by racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia. While our policies are inclusive, and all are welcome, GRIOT is particularly designed for the specific cultural and social needs of LGBT Elders of color.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Lavender Light is a mixed chorus (women and men). Although the group encompasses many ethnic and spiritual backgrounds, the choir provides a special ministry to black lesbians and gays, who have historically been pressured by their communities to choose between their blackness and their gayness. Our repertoire includes gospel (old and new), spirituals, and anthems. We produce two full concerts a year and frequently appear as guests at community functions from church services to Gay Pride rallies.

 

Our Mission

The New York State Black Gay Network is a coalition of diverse organizations committed to Black men who practice same-sex desire in New York State’s primary urban centers. The Network works together to strengthen the ways in which organizations, communities and government imagine and respond to the needs of Black men who practice same-sex desire.



About Us

UFC-NYC is a Social Justice Ministry, which focuses on freedom of oppression from racial, sexual, religious and social-economics. This mission is carried out through the valuing each person’s heritage, the teachings of Jesus Christ, as deity and man, and social ministries which out reach to those who are hungry, and in need.

Unity Fellowship of Christ Church, New York City, has fulfilled that mission by taking the concept of “church” outside of the regular Sunday service.

HIV/AIDS Organizations

State Organizations:  California, Illinois, New York, Washington

Our Mission

The Balm In Gilead, Inc.™ is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to improve the health status of people of the African Diaspora by building the capacity of faith communities to address life-threatening diseases, especially HIV/AIDS.

The Balm In Gilead’s pioneering achievements have enabled thousands of churches to become leaders in preventing the transmission of HIV by providing comprehensive educational programs and offering compassionate support to encourage those infected to seek and maintain treatment. The Balm In Gilead spearheads a dynamic response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the faith community.

For 18 years, The Balm In Gilead has mobilized The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, which engages Black churches to become centers for education, compassion and care in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
 

The Black AIDS Institute is the first Black HIV/AIDS policy center dedicated to reducing HIV/AIDS health disparities by mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront the epidemic in their communities.  Our motto describes a commitment to self-preservation: "Our People, Our Problem, Our Solution."

 

About NMAC
The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), established in 1987, is the premier national organization dedicated to developing leadership within communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS

 

California


 

about CSSE

Karibu/CSSE was established in 1996 with a mission to provide a pathway toward wellness, wholeness and prosperity for underserved individuals impacted by health disparities; including HIV/AIDS. At the time no other agency was addressing the overwhelming, unmet human needs of HIV/AIDS symptomatic African American men and women, who often struggled with social isolation, poverty, homelessness, illiteracy, and inadequate job skills.

During this time, our services have been to any who are in need of a safe haven and a welcoming environment. We pride ourselves on providing culturally appropriate assistance without excluding anyone because of race, gender, sexuality, health status or disability. With a staff of professional, competent and compassionate human beings, human needs are addressed by combining elements of service, advocacy and empowerment that have direct impact on health disparities

We relentlessly chase our mission by promoting education and acquisition of skills for life through housing assistance, wellness and prevention activities and self-sufficiency that embraces computer literacy and adult literacy.

 

MAP Mission

To Reduce Suffering and Deaths Due to HIV Infection and AIDS Disease in African American and Latino Communities by Making HIV/AIDS Education and Related Health Services Available and Accessible.

 

Illinois

Welcome to Brothers Uplifting Brothers!

ABOUT BROTHERS UPLIFTING BROTHERS, INC.

In June, 1998, 45 African American gay and same gender loving men came together to discuss HIV/AIDS and the lack of supportive services for gay men of color in Gary, IN.  From that meeting Brothers Uplifting Brothers was born.  

 

Brothers Uplifting Brothers (BUB) is a now a 501©3 community based organization that was founded in October 2000.  Through grassroots activity and community mobilization BUB has grown to become a funded HIV service provider that targets men, women, youth and families in underserved communities with HIV/AIDS and STD health education programs and services.

 

Mission Statement

The mission of Brothers Uplifting Brothers, Inc., is to provide HIV/AIDS and STD health education, programs and services to improve the quality of life within underserved communities.

 

New York

 

WHAT IS THE MOCHA PROJECT:

The MOCHA Project (Men of Color Health Awareness) is a peer driven initiative which has been in existence since December 1996. MOCHA provides HIV/AIDS education/outreach, case management and community development for men of color who are identified as gay, Bi or men who have sex with men. Currently, several funding sources support MOCHA Project's programs.

Our Mission

POCC was founded in 1988 by a group of African American and West Indian gay men concerned about the lack of HIV/AIDS information being given to the community. POCC has since evolved into a not-for-profit community based organization with a wide array of prevention and support services for individuals both infected and affected by the AIDS epidemic. Our mission is to "provide the community with information about HIV/AIDS and to support people who are both affected and or infected by the epidemic.
 

Washington

 

Until There's a Cure......There's POCAAN

POCAAN is a multi-cultural AIDS prevention organization created in response to the devastating impact that HIV/AIDS was and continues to have on communities of color. In Washington State, POCAAN brings people of color together across differences of race, gender, class and sexual orientation to achieve its mission.

We are committed to develop, implement and promote comprehensive multicultural HIV/AIDS prevention models that are effective and responsive to the evolving needs of communities of color.

POCAAN seeks to remove the barriers created by sexism, racism and homophobia, which limit our abilities to access health care services and educational risk reduction messages concerning AIDS.

Lesbian Organizations

State Organizations:  California, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Washington, DC

Greetings My Sistahs!

As you may know African American Lesbians United was established because I couldn’t find an organization or outlet for womyn of color in New Jersey. I wanted to be involved in an organization that addressed my needs and concerns being a womyn of African decent that happen to be a single parent and a lesbian. Due to this void, I decided to co-find the organization. AALU has come into existence due to the need for a place where womyn of color can come together in a safe and comfortable environment. That was over 6 years ago.

However, with growth there is change. The organization has always been dedicated to providing womyn of color with educational and networking opportunities. Recently, the Steering Committee, a group of womyn who provide the guidance and direction of what the organization offers to the community, has come to a new realization. In order for AALU to be organization for womyn of color, the Steering Committee and the events offered must also reflect diversity. Thus African Asian Latina Lesbians United was created. It will be official as of January 2003.

The new AALLU(pronounced like "ahhloo") has a Steering Committee that reflects diversity. We encourage all womyn of color to come out and support the various activities and events that will solely center on this diversity. When we come together, not only will we be able to express the joys and a struggle of our individual daily experiences; but also to learn from each other’s experiences. We all have expertise in one area or another, but not in all areas relative to our lifestyle, needs and concerns.

AALLU is that liaison that brings the topics that touches and affect us womyn, mothers, wives, daughters, professionals, students and womyn of color. Through AALLU, our goal remains to address and focus on health, educational, political, economical, social, and emotional issues that affect our lives and loved ones daily.

This organization was created with you in mind. We welcome your input and support. Without you there wouldn’t be an AALLU. So I encourage my sisters to come out and experience first hand the events planned for 2003, and together, we can celebrate sisterhood in the spirit of unity.

Peace in the Life,

Tiye Lasley, Co- Founder
Executive Director

 

 

A labor of love, which has grown into a mission to teach, empower, and to share the wonder of our loves and our lives.

FemmeNoir is about community and bringing that community closer to other lesbians of color. Whether you live in North America, South America, Africa, the United Kingdom, anywhere in the world, you can find information about our lifestyles and culture via FemmeNoir.

 

GBF MEDIA
CREATIVE REALITY
Create what you imagine

Gay Black Female

 

HirShe

where the butch-femme of colors community come together

 

 
SAPPHIC  SISTERS
HOMEPAGE
 
The original "crime" of "niggers" and
  lesbians is that they prefer themselves.
                                       -Alice Walker
It doesn't matter how, when, or why we have made it to this point, the important thing is that we are all here. Please come into our site explore, learn, and enjoy. Consider this our free space, our safe space, our space to be ourselves. This site has been created with much love and respect for all of our Sapphic Sisters everywhere. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions for our site.

 

 



 

 

MISSION
The Women in the Life Association (WITLA) is a social justice
organization advancing the rights of lesbians of color through
cultural affirmation, education and advocacy.

OUR VISION
We envision a world where lesbians of color live with pride,
dignity, and justice.
 

Zuna Instititute is a National Advocacy Organization for Black Lesbians that was created to address the needs of black lesbians in the areas of Health, Public Policy, Economic Development, and Education.

California

 

The NIA Collective exists to create and provide a safe
and healthy environment for the growth and
empowerment of Lesbians of African descent and the
communities in which we live.

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

Sistahs Steppin’ In Pride illuminates the collective and individual creativity, strength, and accomplishments of East Bay lesbian and bisexual women to reaffirm their beauty and sense of belonging.

PURPOSE

Sistahs Steppin’ In Pride’s purpose is to nurture intergenerational and multi-cultural bridges and create a safe, sacred space to honor our Herstory. We seek to empower the diverse East Bay lesbian and bisexual community of women to reclaim their lives from fear and celebrate their spirituality. We aspire to provide opportunities to the artists, activists, community organizations and individuals of our community to come together and share our lives and resources.

 

 

Georgia

 

Mission
ZAMI, Inc. is a not-for-profit collective for lesbians of African descent residing in the Atlanta Metropolitan area.

ZAMI’s primary mission is to empower and affirm the lives of lesbians of African descent through scholarships, leadership development, support/ discussion groups, social activities, drum performances, outreach and education.

The organization also provides a forum and affirming space for the voices of lesbian writers of color.

 

Illinois

 

Affinity is a non-profit organization in its eleventh year serving Chicago’s black lesbian and bisexual women’s community. For twelve years, Affinity has served the black lesbian community through a combination of educational, social and community collaborations. One of the central elements of Affinity's mission has been the creation of opportunities for visibility, empowerment, and leadership for black lesbians locally, while serving as a national organizing model.
 

New York

We are an informational website that provides up to date information on parties, special events and other  happenings to the lesbians of colour  in an around the New York City area.

Take a minute and browse the site and please email us with your comments or sign the guestbook. You can also sign up for our Newsletter Updates. A monthly report full of stuff going with us and stuff going on for us.

As you leave our little home on the web, we ask only that you take these two things with you;

1. Friends Don't Let Friends Drinks and Drive and, please remember that
2. Without the U, there is no US. Thanks for stopping by

Washington, DC

 

Black Lesbian Support Group

Our mission is to provide peer support through positive and stimulating tri-monthly group
 discussions geared toward addressing the needs of the Black Lesbian and Bisexual
 Women in the LGBT community.

 

 


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