All workshops will begin on Saturday, August 24,

STARTING @ 10:30AM with a BRUNCH

at the Red Lion Hotel & Conference, Renton WA (host hotel). All workshops are free. Registration is requested (not required) so we can plan for capacities. Register at: NWBlackPride.eventbrite.com.

WORKSHOPS GENERAL INTRO:

PNW Black Pride workshops are intentionally planned to address the dire needs of the Black LGBTQIA/Queer community. Each workshop includes a discussion about the needs of a people who have been historically marginalized by oppressive systems and communities (e.g. poverty, racism, and the general queer identity).

Steven, Autry, PNW Black Pride volunteers, and the POCAAN staff believe that in order to build community infrastructure, we need to address systemic issues adequately by offering access to educational, empowerment and enriching programs. LGBTQIA African Americans are not entirely accepted by the broader white LGBTQ community or by the heterosexual Black community.

The lack of acceptance and inclusion contributes to the low self-esteem, depression, and feelings of inadequacy experienced by the Black LGBTQIA community. As a result, there has been a rise in HIV/AIDS, suicide, prostitution, substance use, unemployment, and homelessness.

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