This Sunday, Native Son is going to the West Coast for the first time, in celebration of Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month.
The event also marks the 20th anniversary of In The Meantime Men’s Group, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
“We live in a complex society where Black gay men are being called and challenged to stand up to issues including racism, homophobia, stigma, HIV and managing our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing,” said Jeffrey King, founder and executive director of In The Meantime Men’s Group. “Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month is a focal point to help reinvigorate our movement to develop and sustain healthier communities around the country and ultimately the world.”
–‘Native Son Awards’ celebrates the excellence of Black gay men–
King continued on to introduce the theme of the year and to speak on the immense work that still needs doing: “This year’s Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month theme is ‘We Are Family, Together We Are Made Stronger’ and is inspired by the expressed needs of men that we encounter locally and nationally seeking help in gaining and maintaining their balance. More than 120 local and national organizations and institutions have signed on to endorse Black Gay Men’s Wellness Month.”
Immediately preceding “INside | OUTside: Celebrating Our Storytellers,” Native Son will host its first event in Los Angeles in partnership with AHF. Launched in November 2016 by journalist, content creator and LGBT activist Emil Wilbekin, Native Son is a movement that honors and celebrate the achievements of Black gay men who have broken down barriers, defied stereotypes and made a cultural impact not only in the LGBT community but in the world at large.