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. |
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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. |
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· 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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Illinois |
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Events, features, and news
for the black gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, and
gay-friendly communities |
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 |
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About Audre Lorde 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. |
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| 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. |
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About UsUFC-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. |
| 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.
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| he 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." |
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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 |
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California |
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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. |
New York |
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.
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Washington |
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| 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. |
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GBF MEDIA
CREATIVE REALITY
Create what you imagine 
Gay Black Female 
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where the butch-femme of colors community come together |
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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.
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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. |
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MISSION STATEMENTSistahs 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.
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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. |
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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.
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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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