By Kevin Ferrisi –
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT – New Haven Black Pride stands as a powerful celebration of identity, resilience, and advocacy, rooted in a legacy that began in 1991 with the first Black Pride in Washington, DC. Originally launched as a response to the health disparities impacting Black and brown LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly in areas like HIV prevention, it served as both a cultural gathering and a public health initiative.
Six years ago, APNH (A Place to Nourish your Health) took that mission to heart by establishing a Black Pride event in New Haven, led by their Director of Prevention Services, Timothy Mack. With a focus on HIV prevention, visibility, education, and representation, the event has grown into a cornerstone of the local queer community. This year’s theme, “Revolution,” underscores the ongoing fight for justice and equality while honoring the rich history that inspired its creation.
In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of Black Pride refused to skip the celebration for their second year. Following CDC guidelines, the event was held outdoors in a local park with strict safety measures in place, including hand sanitizers and maintaining six feet of distance between attendees. The organizers worked closely with the city to ensure compliance, and their efforts paid off with a large turnout. The experience helped strengthen the sense of community and resilience among participants. Local drag queens provided vibrant entertainment through performances and singing, making the event both safe and memorable during a difficult time.
Now in its sixth year, New Haven Black Pride continues to grow in both scale and impact, expanding its reach and deepening its mission each year. This year’s celebration kicks off on Thursday, June 12th, with a powerful community conversation titled “Come Get You a Piece,” featuring Trinity K. Bonet, best known for rising to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Trinity will share her personal journey, exploring her experiences with gender, her HIV status, and her ongoing activism through art. The event, held at Blue Orchid, a welcoming LGBTQ+ restaurant in New Haven, is being presented in partnership with The Community Health Care Van and is free and open to the public from 6 to 8PM.
Trinity K. Bonet made a powerful impact when she publicly shared her HIV status on national television during her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race season six, becoming one of the first contestants to do so. Her decision to speak openly about her diagnosis was a courageous step that challenged stigma and helped raise awareness about living with HIV. In a moment that resonated deeply with viewers, Trinity used her platform to educate and empower others, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Her story continues to inspire conversations about health, visibility, and self-acceptance. By standing in her truth, she reminded countless others that their status does not define their worth or their ability to thrive.
On Friday, June 13th, APNH will host its third annual Greater New Haven Visibility Kiki Ball, an event dedicated to bringing the rich tradition of ballroom culture to the state. Originating during the height of the HIV epidemic, ballroom served as a vital space for people of color to come together and build community while focusing on HIV care and prevention. The Visibility Kiki Ball aims to continue this legacy by educating and empowering the local community through celebration and awareness. The event will take place from 6 to 11PM at the Whitneyville Cultural Commons, located at 1253 Whitney Avenue in Hamden.
The celebration continues on Saturday, June 14th, with a Pride event that will bring together an inspiring mix of performances, vendors, and community resources at 1302 Chapel Street in New Haven. Hosted by the renowned Sparkle A. Diamond, the celebration will showcase both drag kings and queens, local poets, and spoken word artists. A special highlight will be a performance by Trinity K. Bonet, with music provided by DJ Edgewood, a beloved figure known for supporting Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ and drag communities. The event will feature over 30 vendors focusing on critical issues facing the community, including financial literacy, homelessness, and various health disparities. Taking place behind the APNH building, the festivities will run from 1 to 5PM.
Speaking with Director of Prevention Services, Timothy Mack, he feels drag remains a vital and celebrated part of Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community, not only as a form of entertainment but as an art form rooted in resilience, identity, and representation. For many, witnessing a drag performance for the first time can be a transformative experience, one that affirms the power of self-expression and pride. Timothy recalled his own first encounter with drag, emphasizing the deep respect he has for the artistry and dedication performers bring to their craft. Supporting drag is about more than applause, it is about honoring a tradition that has long been central to queer culture. Events like those hosted by APNH serve as a platform to uplift local drag artists and ensure they receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve within the community they represent.
Reflecting on six years of dedication and growth, Timothy, the founder of New Haven Black Pride, expressed deep pride in how far the event has come and the impact it has made. This year in particular stood out as a powerful reminder of its importance to the community. “To hear the feedback and to get the recognition, it just really makes me believe that I’m doing something right,” he shared. Known for working behind the scenes and spotlighting others, Timothy admitted that the success of the event has given him a rare moment to acknowledge his own efforts. Watching the vision grow stronger each year has not only been fulfilling but has also reaffirmed the vital role that Black Pride plays in uplifting and uniting the community.
For more information visit apnh.org/newhavenblackpride.
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