New York, NY, Friday, June 12, 2020 – Advocates and entertainers Peppermint and Bob the Drag Queen, today announced the “Black Queer Town Hall,” one of NYC Pride’s official partner events this year. NYC Pride and GLAAD, the global LGBTQ media advocacy organization, will stream the virtual event on YouTube and Facebook pages each day from 6:30-8pm EST beginning on Friday, June 19 and through Sunday, June 21, 2020.
Performers and advocates slated to appear include Laverne Cox, Mj Rodriguez, Angelica Ross, Todrick Hall, Monet X Change, Isis King, Shea Diamond, Tiq Milan, Alex Newell, and Basit. Peppermint and Bob the Drag Queen will host and produce the event.
For a video featuring Peppermint and Bob the Drag Queen and more information visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/blackqueertownhall
The “Black Queer Town Hall” will feature performances, roundtable discussions, and fundraising opportunities for #BlackLivesMatter, Black LGBTQ organizations, and local Black LGBTQ drag performers. The new event replaces the previously announced “Pride 2020 Drag Fest” and will shift focus of the event to center Black queer voices. During the “Black Queer Town Hall,” a diverse collection of LGBTQ voices will celebrate Black LGBTQ people and discuss pathways to dismantle racism and white supremacy. Viewers can contribute directly to each of the Black drag performers during their scheduled performance time and can also contribute to organizations run by and serving Black LGBTQ people. The event will also pay homage to the queer people of color who started the revolutionary riots at Stonewall in 1969 and other Black LGBTQ trailblazers who have advanced equality for all.
Peppermint is an actress who has appeared on ‘Pose,’ ‘God Friended Me,’ and was the first out trans woman to originate a principal role in a Broadway musical when she made her debut in ‘Head Over Heels.’ She is also a leading trans advocate, having hosted GLAAD events and spoken at numerous LGBTQ events including a rally outside of the Supreme Court during oral arguments for cases on LGBT employment discrimination. She was the runner-up of the ninth season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ Bob the Drag Queen stars in ‘We’re Here,’ the hit HBO unscripted series that was just renewed for a second season. Bob has also starred in ‘Tales of the City’ and the comedy special ‘Bob the Drag Queen: Live at Caroline’s,’. Bob was crowned the winner of the eighth season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’
"During this time, I've been seeing a lot of Black tragedy,” said Bob the Drag Queen. “That's important. People need to see that. But it's also important that we share Black success, Black victory, and Black lives. Especially queer Black lives. Especially trans Black lives. This is an opportunity to get together and rejoice in all things that are beautiful, black, and queer."
"I think we're on the precipice of great, irreversible change,” said Peppermint. “And I'm so happy to be involved in an event that could be a catalyst for facilitating powerful, meaningful, and inclusive conversations across the board. These conversations must include everyone. I'm speaking to all cis black hetero people when I say: it's time to be a part of this, it's time to embrace our Black queer excellence."
“Bob and Peppermint are incredible leaders and I am honored that our virtual pride event is now being produced by them,” said Marti Gould Cummings, who was set to produce the Pride 2020 Drag Fest. “We must carry on the message of Marsha and Sylvia and I can’t wait for the world to see this incredible event that will uplift black voices within our community”
“Through our work, we are committed to speaking out for all New Yorkers. There is no place for racism int he LGBTQ+ community or anywhere else. NYC Pride will speak up, speak out and stand with our fellow New Yorkers in the face of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and all other kinds of oppression. Always,” said Shawn Kobetz, Partnerships Manager, NYC Pride, “We are grateful for the opportunity to help use our platform to listen, educate, and create spaces for dialogue through the Black Queer Town Hall.” NYC Pride previously announced virtual events to celebrate Pride 2020 and bring NYC’s LGBTQ community together including a special broadcast event with WABC7.
ABOUT HERITAGE OF PRIDE Heritage of Pride, Inc. is the volunteer-directed organization behind the official NYC Pride roster of events. Heritage of Pride’s mission is to work toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law. We do this by producing LGBTQIA+ Pride events that inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate our diverse community.
About GLAAD: GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
