For the first time ever, Harlem will host its own LGBT Pride celebration in 2010, an entire weekend of events that dovetail with NYC's Pride Week in late June. From a lively Friday night opening dance party to an entertainment-packed Saturday afternoon block party to a Sunday evening bowling bash, Harlem Pride promises to make an unforgettable debut.
LGBT Harlem - A Brief History
Located on Manhattan's far upper west side, Harlem has a long tradition of fostering LGBT greatness. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s spawned such renowned LGBT figures as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and Gladys Bentley, as well as elaborate drag balls that still exist today. Amazingly, the neighborhood has never held its own Pride until 2010, but organizers expect this to be just the first of many annual events to celebrate the uptown "gayborhood" that Harlem's Mount Morris Park Historic District (running from 118th to 124th Streets, and Fifth Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.) has become in recent years.
The First Harlem Pride Weekend
The festivities kick off on Friday, June 25, with the official Harlem Pride Launch Party at Billie's Black, hosted by vocalist, poet and humorist ButtaFlySoul.
Harlem Pride Launch Party
When: Friday, June 25, 2010. 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Where: Billie's Black, 271 West 119th Street between St. Nicholas Ave. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door, includes drinks, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and dancing
Saturday, June 26 brings the main event, the Harlem Pride Day Celebration, a block party on West 119th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues from noon to 6 p.m. The entertainment program begins at 1:30 p.m., and includes scheduled appearances by Flo from the Oxygen TV show "Bad Girls,Bone Intell, LaLa, Shorty Roc, Chanel International, and many others. A fashion show will feature New Butch Models. Hosts will include Tyra Allure and Jeannie Sol.
Harlem Pride Day Celebration
When:Saturday, June 26, 2010. Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: West 119th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues
Admission: FREE
On Sunday, June 27, the "Bowl with Pride" closing event will take place at Harlem Lanes from 6 to 10 p.m., right after New York City's main LGBT Pride March.
Bowl with Pride Closing Event
When:Sunday, June 27, 2010. 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Harlem Lanes, 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd between W. 125th and W. 126th Streets