Indiana Black Pride 'fulfills a niche,' keeps growing

By Aldrich M. Tan
aldrich.tan@indystar.com

August 8, 2006

The second annual Indiana Black Pride kicks off Wednesday to celebrate the growing visibility of the state's black gay community.

Robert Ferguson started Indiana Black Pride last year to reach out to black gays and address the issues that affect their community.

"We're mostly seen in the dance clubs, but there is more to being black and gay," Ferguson said. "We have political views, economic spending power, religion and
spirituality, and we need a venue to talk about it all."

The three-day summer festival drew 1,500 people last year. This year's celebration expands from three days to five.

Highlights of this year's events include a basketball tournament and a performance by 1980s diva Martha Wash, who sang "It's
Raining Men" as part of The Weather Girls.

The festivities end Sunday with a gay-friendly gospel service that celebrates black gay Hoosiers.

"We celebrate the fact we are black and the fact we are gay, and we're not ashamed by either of those things," Ferguson said.

The board members of Indy Pride, who organize an annual June celebration for gay Hoosiers, welcome the festival. Indiana Black Pride sponsored Indy Pride's Sunday picnic this year, which drew a large number of black gays.

"Indiana Black Pride fulfills a niche that we don't," said Indy Pride President Gary Brackett.

Call Star reporter Aldrich M. Tan at (317) 444-6309.